Skinrepublic

Dear Dr. Jen,

I am 18 years old and just had a bout of chicken pox earlier this year. I am prone to forming keloids. The chicken pox scars on my chest and back have started to become elevated and I am apprehensive that they may eventually become keloidal. I have already applied expensive creams on it I bought over-the-counter (which the pharmacist recommended) but it has not gone away.

Simon

Dear Simon,

Unfortunately, once a keloid former, always a keloid former. The good news is, with fresh scars like yours (less than a year old) treatment response is fast. It would have saved you time and money had you gone to your nearest PDS dermatologist to have your scars assessed. The earlier the treatment is given, the lesser number of sessions required. Nonetheless, your derma will likely recommend intralesional corticosteroid. This does not cost much at all and will give you results much faster than a cream can. Good luck!

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Dear Dr. Jen,

What exactly is the difference from a flat wart and a viral wart? I have so many warts on my face and neck. I am worried that I might infect my children whenever they hug or kiss me?

Worried Mom

Dear Worried Mom,

"Flat warts" are used in layman's term as the skin tags we commonly see or feel on our necks. These are not contagious. It is caused by a number of things such as friction (from necklaces, collars), sunlight and ageing. 

Viral warts are caused by a virus called verruca. This is quite infectious and is transmitted by directly or indirectly. Indirect transmission can include the release of infected cells on floors, swimming pool tiles, etc. Infected nail paraphernalia, especially nippers, that can take off part of the skin are very common tools that easily transmit the virus.

Removal of flat warts should NOT lead to any kind of scarring. Always be particular that a trained dermatologist do the procedure. Otherwise, your cosmetologist or spa technician could go too deep and leave you with unnecessary scars. Hope this helps!