Warts

Dear Dr. Jen,

I had a wart on my foot which eventually multiplied and became five big warts.  I keep trimming it but it doesn’t totally disappear.  I tried to have it cauterized at this place in the mall but they refused because it was too deep.  Is there any cream you can suggest?  I do not like injections!

Marvie

Dear Marvie,

Plantar warts or warts on the feet can be annoying!  Usual transmission of these warts are from spas or gyms. They are thick, ugly and can even be painful when you step on the big ones.  Immediate removal is advised.  At this point, since the warts are multiple and probably bigger, salicylic acid solution will not cut it anymore.

If you go to your PDS dermatologist, several options can be offered.  The least painful and least invasive (with no needles involved) would be to spray liquid nitrogen on the warts. This may need more than one session.  Activities can be resumed immediately after this procedure.

Other modalities would be to do cautery or laser.  Healing after these two procedures can take five to 14 days, depending on the depth of the wart. Disinfection of all footwear is necessary after wart removal to avoid getting the wart again.  Doing foot scrubs is not advised.

Dear Dr.  Jen,

I think my daughter has ringworm on her face and neck. Although she doesn’t scratch it, I noticed they are getting bigger.  I have been using an over-the-counter anti-fungal with no success.  Any other creams that can help?

Che

Dear Che,

Although round and whitish lesions on the face or neck may seem like ringworm, there are other possibilities.  Was a lab test done to confirm presence of yeast or fungus? If diligent use of anti-fungal for more than two weeks has been done, chances are it could be something else.

Pityriasis alba or eczema can also present as white, round spots. Has your daughter been to the pool or the beach prior from it showing up?  Chlorinated water, salt water and warm, humid temperature can bring about exacerbation of eczema.  In most cases, use of a good moisturizer can make the white spots fade.  Applying a very mild steroid cream daily can also speed the normalization of the skin.

Dr. Tan is a diplomate of Philippine Dermatological Society (PDS) and is affiliated with the Perpetual Succour Hospital (PSH). Information on PDS is at www.pds.org.ph. Questions or concerns regarding the skin may be sent by text to 0932 857 7070 or emailed to [email protected]; or coursed thru The Freeman – (032) 2531276, or thru PSH – (032) 2338620 and 2325929. Inquiries will be forwarded to Dr. Tan.