Skinrepublic

Dear Dr. Jen,

My son repeatedly gets boils on his face and buttocks.  This is the third time this year his pedia has put him on antibiotics.  How can we avoid getting boils again?

Marni

Dear Marni,

Boils start as red, painful lumps on the skin.  As pus begins to collect, the patient may complain of tiredness, even fever and a lot of pain. They are commonly located on the face, eyes, underarms and buttocks.  Boils are caused by a bacteria called Staphylococcus.  Children pass it on to one another in the playground or in school. Even adults get boils. 

Sometimes, a person can become a carrier of the organism and harbor the bacteria in his body.  It is important to have constant hand-washing, positively avoid picking the nose and to have good, clean habits after he poops.

Your PDS dermatologist can prescribe a regimen that can prevent the recurrence of the painful boils.  This will usually include applying an ointment for a long period of time to certain areas of the body where the organism hides.  Also, immediate treatment to starting boils will ensure that they will not evolve into a larger size.

Dear Dr. Jen,

I am 60 years old and my arms look like that of a 90-year-old.  They are filled with so many brown spots.  I've tried all kinds of bleaching cream and whitening soaps but none have worked.  Can this still be treated?

 Susan

Dear Susan,

"Liver spots" or solar lentigos are a result of sun exposure and aging.  These brown spots are located in sun-exposed areas such as the face, neck, chest, shoulders, arms and bald scalps.

Depending on how exposed you were throughout your life, sun spots can begin to show at the age of 40 and increase in number as you grow older.  People who have a tendency to form freckles are more likely to form sun spots or solar lentigos.

Treatment may include chemical peels, laser and cryosurgery. 

Dear Dr. Jen,

I sweat a lot, a whole lot.  I can't seem to end the day without soaking my shirt in the underarm area.  I don't think this is normal.  I'm the only one in my family who is like this.  Can this still be treated?

 Mary

Dear Mary,

Everyone sweats, especially here in the Philippines.  But when room temperature is cool and you are not exerting yourself, then you might have hyperhidrosis.  Hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating, occurs in two settings.  The first kind is called primary hyperhidrosis .  This tends to start in childhood and runs in families.  There is no associated medical condition.

Secondary hyperhidrosis is caused by a cancer, an infection, some medications, heart disease, thyroid problems, and diabetes. Your doctor will likely run some lab tests to find out if it is secondary hyperhidrosis.  Treatment of the causative problem will definitely cure you of hyperhidrosis.

What happens when there is no cause to the sweating?  Some drying agents (depending on concentration) can be applied. Botox can also be explored as another alternative to stop the release of chemicals that induces sweat glands to be activated.

It is helpful to wear breathable fabrics such as cotton. Bathing once or twice daily can inhibit formation of bacteria that causes sweat to have a bad odor. Lastly, stay away from spicy foods and alcohol because this will increase your likelihood of sweating.

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.