Skinrepublic

Dear Dr. Jen,

   Every time I pluck my eyebrows, I get pimples after. The tweezers I use are new and clean. How can I avoid getting pimples in the eyebrow area? It takes a while for the pimple marks to go away but I also don't want to maintain my bushy brows. Will permanent hair removal in the eyebrow area be safe?

   Mena

   Dear Mena,

   The act of plucking or threading or shaving the hair of your eyebrows leads to exposure of an open hair follicle. Like any break in the skin, this makes it vulnerable for bacteria or fungus to immediately proliferate in the area. Application of anti-staphylococcus ointment right after plucking to be maintained a few days after will prevent pimples. Sometimes, there is significant irritation caused by the removal of the hair especially with threading and shaving. Very mild anti-inflammatory steroidal creams will also help.

   Laser hair removal to shape eyebrows is still not a procedure I recommend. Though the area between the brows can be zapped with laser, the area directly above and below the brows should be avoided. There are two limiting reasons for this. Firstly, the orbital rim contains the eyeballs and this should have protection from the laser's light. Secondly, the tip of the hair removal lasers are usually broad and blunt. To have effective trimming and contouring of the eyebrows, the tip must be fine and precise. However, if the makers of the machines will produce some protection for the entire eyeball (especially protection from the superior angle) and manufacture a finer tip then the two limitations are encompassed. I'm sure it will not be long until the machine's manufacturers will satisfy our eyebrow needs. Until then, just apply an antibiotic and steroid cream a few days after plucking, threading or waxing. 

Dear Dr. Jen,

   I often get blisters from wearing new shoes that haven't stretched yet. How do I take care of the blisters?

   Jan

   Dear Jan,

   Those feet blisters can be extremely uncomfortable. It is best to keep it intact and wait for the fluid in the blister to be resorbed or rupture on it's own. The pressure building inside the fluid and pressing on the tissue underneath can be painful and may only be relieved if the fluid is released. The blister can be punctured by a sterile needle and the fluid gently drained out. You can do this by yourself or have it done by your doctor. Either case, please leave the roof of the blister on to protect the raw skin underneath. If any sign of unexpected pain or infection surrounding the area is seen, please go to your doctor and have it checked.

It is a good idea to break in new footwear by using thick socks and walking around in them at home before actually using the pair. Also, if you are unsure of the comfort of a new pair of shoes, do not wear it to a whole day event. Try it out for outings that will only last a few hours. Good luck!