Skinrepublic

Dear Dr. Jen,

I’ve had slightly itchy rashes for the past five years.  I’ve been to two doctors in the beginning and they’ve both diagnosed that I have a viral infection. I’m so tired of applying different kinds of lotions and still no cure has occured.  Can you please help me?

Wally

Dear Wally,

It is very frustrating to be having a skin condition that has been going on for years.  You may have initially started with a viral infection but I don’t think a viral infection should last you 5 years. 

 I would suggest you visit your trusted PDS derma and get a skin biopsy (a tiny three millimeter one) done.  Skin biopsies are not just for cancerous lesions but they also help out in making diagnoses of different kinds of skin diseases.  Your derma might opt to take from two or more biopsy sites just to make sure that you are having the same thing in different parts of the body.

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Dear Dr. Jen,

Some nails on my fingers are abnormally thick and yellowish. How can I treat this?  I don’t usually wear any nail polish.

Sarah

Dear Sarah,

You could have nail fungus, medically known as onychomycosis.  Onychomycosis can present as yellow or cloudy appearance of the nail with some thickening and deformity.

Treatment would entail intake of oral antifungals since the fungus is embedded deeply into and sometimes under the nail.  The medication is metabolized by your liver, so checking the state of your liver would be wise. You would want all your nails to be checked by your PDS derma.  Some kidney or systemic illness can present as nail conditions as well.  Best of luck!

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.