Skinrepublic

 Dear Dr. Jen,

 I have ugly calluses on my toes.  How do I treat it?

 Missy

 Dear Missy,

 With sandal and flip-flop season among us, it is time to put your beautiful toes on display again.  Appearances of calluses can mar this especially if they are found on the visible part of the foot.  Calluses are thickened skin, specifically the stratum corneum.  They are caused by repeated rubbing or prolonged pressure of the area.  Most commonly, it is started by wearing footwear that is a size or half a size too small.

 A simple solution is wearing bigger and more comfortable closed shoes or wearing open-toed shoes all the time.  If this is not possible, placing pads around the area to decrease pressure on it can also be done.  Surgery or paring is your last option. 

 Dear Dr. Jen,

 How do I medicate my son’s sunburn?  We went to the beach yesterday and he is as red as a lobster!

 Lucy

 Dear Lucy,

 Sunburn is obviously caused by exposure to ultraviolet radiation.  It manifests as immediate skin redness, swelling, pain and blisters.  More serious sunburns also have fever, chills and weakness.  Days later there is dryness, itching and peeling.

 You can give your son a cool bath or apply cool compress with a clean hand towel.  Giving paracetamol or ibuprofen can help ease the discomfort.  You can then apply aloe vera gel or cortisone cream.  Layering it with a mild moisturizer will speed healing along. 

 If there are any blisters, don’t break them open since this helps keep the skin under sterile.  If the pressure in the blister is too painful, you can have your derma drain the fluid without unroofing the blister. Lastly, don’t forget to hydrate your son by giving lots of fluids.

 To avoid sunburn from happening again, try to get him to stay in the shade between 10am up to 3pm.  If he cannot be stopped (the beach and water may be too much of a temptation), apply an SPF 50 sunscreen or higher every hour during this time. Wide brimmed hats, long-sleeved rash guards with sun protective factors, and use of other tight weave clothing can also help. Don’t neglect to use sunblock underneath the swim clothes too. 

Wait a few weeks till he gets exposed to the scorching sun again.  This time, hopefully with a higher SPF sunblock.  Enjoy the rest of this gorgeous summer!

 Dr Tan is a diplomate of Philippine Dermatological Society (PDS).  She is affiliated with Perpetual Succour Hospital (PSH).For other information on PDS, check http://www.pds.org.ph/.

If you have any questions or concerns please text, email or call (the Freeman or PSH): 0932 857 7070 or <[email protected]> or  (032) 233 8620 or 232 5929.  Your inquiries will be forwarded to Dr. Tan.