Dear Dr. Jen,
My co-worker has very bad body odor. Our work place is air-conditioned and every time he raises his arms, I get a whiff of an unpleasant smell coming from him. We in the office, very much want to help him. We are even willing to sponsor his treatment. What can cure his bad odor? Please help us.
Concerned officemate
Dear Concerned Officemate,
First and foremost, body odor or "bromhidrosis" is a very delicate matter to address. If there is someone in the office who is close to him, have him very honestly and gently approach your officemate.
Inbromhidrosis it is more common for the apocrine glands (responsible for secreting pheromones) to be affected. Bacterial decomposition of apocrine secretions gives off the offensive odor. Good hygiene is important such as washing the armpits twice daily with antibacterial soap, change of sweaty clothing, and use of anti-perspirants. However, it is usually more effective to add a topical antibiotic such as clindamycin and erythromycin to limit the growth of bacteria that decompose the secretions. Also, shaving the axillary hair can hasten improvement. If these measures do not help, it might necessitate treating other areas (e.g. genital and breast) that are rich in apocrine glands. I hope you will find a nice way to break it to your officemate. Genuine honesty and concern will be appreciated rather than talking behind his back.
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Dear Dr. Jen,
My face is very sensitive to the sun and heat. My cheeks get red very fast. I look like a clown in some of my pictures.When I am cooking, my face gets all flushed. What can I apply on my face to improve my complexion?
Rosa
Dear Rosa,
I think you might be showing early signs of rosacea. Rosacea is a condition that involves increased blood vessels on the face. This explains why you blush easily under the sun, in front of the stove, under emotional stress, and after hot baths. Aside from these triggers, certain food containing alcohol, spice and caffeine can also generate facial redness. Sometimes, rosacea can be accompanied by pimple-like lesions on the face and can be confused with acne.
There are two important things to keep in mind when treating your rosacea. First is to avoid steroids at all cost. Second is to have your rosacea assessed on what stage it is for treatment to be tailored to your needs. It would be best to avoid the factors that trigger it, sometimes this is impossible to do so especially since we live in a tropical climate.
Treatment with a topical antibiotic like metronidazole gel can do wonders. Azelaic acid is also another good option. If pimple-like bumps are present, oral isotretinoinmay be prescribed by your PDS dermatologist. Vascular lasers and IPL can improve rosacea, as well.
If you have any questions or concerns please text 0922 845 5556 or email askskinrepublic@gmail.com.
Dr Tan is a diplomate of Philippine Dermatological Society (PDS). She is affiliated with Perpetual Succour Hospital. For other information on PDS, check http://www.pds.org.ph/.