Skin republic

Dear Dr. Jen,

I get “pilas” between my thighs.  My doctor has been telling me to lose weight but unfortunately it hasn’t been easy doing that.  Is there another way to prevent it from happening?

Tina

Dear Tina,

I’m very happy to have received your question.  Though curvier people tend to also experience “pilas” and rarely talk about it, it’s high time we deal with the problem. When your thighs rub against each other while walking or running, this causes the skin to chafe and get irritated.  People notice this problem usually when they are out travelling because you do a lot of walking.  You’re out walking the whole day and next morning you wake up with blisters and stinging skin on the inner thighs.

Marathon runners are wise in wearing bicycle shorts to protect the skin by having the shorts (instead of the skin) rub against each other.  If you are uncomfortable wearing this or spanx underneath your dress or pants, you can also try applying diaper rash cream.  Runners also have anti-chafing gel that works well in protecting the area.  If you’ve already developed the blisters, you can have it drained and treated by your PDS derma.

Dear Dr. Jen,

I’ve been diagnosed to have rosacea by my doctor in the US.  In fact, I’ve been using a gel for a while that has helped it lots.  However, I noticed that it comes out every now and then.  What can I do to prevent my face from being too red?

Sally

Dear Sally,

Rosacea is a skin condition that produces pimples and redness on the cheeks, chin, nose and forehead.  Most people who blush easily have rosacea.  Your doctor may have put you on metronidazole or azelaic acid which is great for rosacea.  However, the next most important thing is knowing and preventing your triggers.

Food and drinks that commonly contribute to rosacea are alcohol, spicy foods, and hot drinks/food.  Sunlight exposure, very hot or very cold weather, as well as stress and anxiety are also popular triggers.

If you can identify your triggers, then you are more aware of how you can cut down or simply avoid them altogether.  For example, instead of drinking hot tea, maybe cold tea will be better.

In avoiding extreme weather conditions, sunscreen and hats for hot days and dressing warmly for colder ones is a must.  As for dealing with emotional stress, you can opt to do deep breathing exercises, prayer, yoga or meditation.  Anything healthy that helps you deal with your stress should be adopted right away!

Rosacea is a lifelong condition.  The sooner you know how to prevent the flare ups, the less stressed you will also be about it.

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.