SkinRepublic

Dear Dr. Jen,

I have keloids on my chest from pimples. Lately, I've noticed that they are becoming more itchy and getting thicker. There are several creams in the market, which cream is the best one for it? I've come across conflicting results in trying to take it out and I got a little confused.

Jessie

Dear Jessie,

Keloid is a scar tissue that looks firm and irregularly shaped. It is usually caused by a cut, laceration, acne or chicken pox. Cutting it out would most likely lead to more keloid formation.

A growing keloidal scar might make the patient feel itching, tenderness, and pain on the scar areas. Unfortunately, the expensive creams available in the market cannot get rid of keloids. Your options are limited to laser scar treatment or intralesional steroid injections.  You can ask your nearest PDS dermatologist for treatments.

Dear Dr. Jen,

What causes dark armpits? I've noticed that lately my armpits are becoming brown in color and it has prevented me from wearing sleeveless outfits.  Please help!

Ellaine

Dear Ellaine,

Dark underarms are embarrassing to have, and limits our choice of wardrobe. Who hasn't been ashamed to raise their hand high in public at one point or another?

Filipino skin is very prone to developing this. Repeated shaving, waxing or plucking unfortunately leads to the outermost layer of the skin being shaven off or waxed off.  This deprives our sensitive underarms of the protection it dearly needs. Adding to the injury, we use fragranced deodorants, whitening antiperspirants or strong "tawas" salts that may cause irritation to already injured skin.

Inflammation ensues and melanin is released by the cells in the epidermis. You can have your skin evaluated by your PDS derma.  She may advise the use of mild bleaching creams or deodorants, do chemical peels or recommend permanent laser hair removal.

Dr. Tan is a diplomate of Philippine Dermatological Society (PDS) and is affiliated with Perpetual Succour Hospital (PSH). For information on PDS, check http://www.pds.org.ph/. For questions or concerns, please text to: 0932 857 7070; or email to: [email protected]; or call The Freeman: (032) 2531276, or PSH: (032) 233 8620 and 232 5929. Your inquiries will be forwarded to Dr. Tan.