Warts

Dear Dr Jen,

I have warts on my armpits. I don't know how it got there but they have been steadily growing over the years. What is the best way to take them out?

John

Dear John,

Warts are uncommon in the underarm area though they can technically grow anywhere. Skin growths can be anything from a mole, skin tags, warts, or even a precancerous lesion. Warts are best removed via cautery or liquid nitrogen. If it is a case of skin tags, however, simple snipping of the overgrowth can be done under an anesthetic cream. Avoid using home remedies like strings or lighters, as the normal skin surrounding the lesion may be damaged and infection may ensue.

A word of caution: if you have darkened skin over the neck, underarms, and other areas with creases, plus a multitude of skin tags, you may have a case of acanthosisnigricans. This usually precedes or accompanies blood sugar problems.  It is still best to have it checked.

Dear Dr. Jen,

I often get pimples on my eyebrow area. Does plucking my brows cause this? What are better alternatives to plucking?

Tani

Dear Tani,

Yes, plucking of the brows may result in pimple formation in the area.  Two things happen here.  Firstly, the pore is forcibly opened making it susceptible to bacteria and yeasts to enter. Secondly, irritation due to the plucking can contribute to the inflammation in the area.

Other alternatives like waxing or threading will also produce similar results. Both entail removal of the hair follicle from the dermis, exposing the pore to germs and such.  Shaving may be a little better as long as done gently so as not to remove the thin layer of skin overlying the brows.

What may be most helpful is the application of an antibacterial and cortisone cream after each plucking/waxing/threading/shaving episode. This way, inflammation and infection may be kept at bay. Hope this has answered your question.

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.