Skinrepublic

I frequently get boils around my body. Most of the time it just goes away by itself. But sometimes, it is painful and very uncomfortable. What can I do to take care of my boils?

Noel

Dear Noel,

Boils or "furunculosis" is one of the most common bacterial infection seen on our skin. It is caused by the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus that is found in 30% of individuals. This organism frequently resides inside our nasal cavities. Use of steroid, obesity, poor hygiene, and weak immune system are factors that can predispose a person to getting infected.

Very mild boils in their early stages can be treated by topical antibiotics. But larger ones necessitate oral antibiotics along with draining of the boil. You might have to show it to your physician. Applying warm compress 10-15 minutes a few times a day and taking pain relievers can also help. 

However, to prevent recurrence of the problem, your PDS dermatologist can prescribe a topical antibiotic that can be used once a month to completely eliminate the bacteria from your nose. Frequent hand washing should be strictly implemented. I hope you get started on your treatment right away!

Dear Dr. Jen,

I have falling hair. A lot of hair comes off in the shower and more after combing. There are strands of hair left on my pillow every morning. Please help me. I don't want to go bald!

Cecille

Dear Cecille,

We normally shed about less than a hundred strands a day. There are certain times of the year that there is more hair fall out than usual due to the stage of hair growth. However, when you count (yes, manually count!) more than a hundred shed in a day, then you need to see a PDS dermatologist right away. 

There are multiple causes of hair loss such as stress, chemotherapy, pregnancy, giving birth, sickness, thyroid problems and other kinds of illnesses. While applying products to increase hair growth such as minoxidil can help, the most important thing is to determine the cause so the root of the problem can be addressed.

What the dermatologist should be able to do for you is to examine your whole scalp for any pattern of hair loss. Next, a hair pull test needs to be done. The shed hair needs to be examined (preferably under a microscope) to find out what phase (anagen or telogen) of hair is being shed.

Immediately withdrawing the offending medicine or treating the primary cause can help solve the problem. Use of hair growing shampoo lack scientific data to back it up. Your best bet is to have your scalp and hair examined!

If you have any questions or concerns please text 0922 845 5556 or email [email protected].

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/.