The curse of the ‘purple veins’

Dear Rissa,

I’ve read your articles and watched you at Juice TV’s Kikay Machine... you are great! Here is my dilemma — I am vertically challenged so I am forced to wear high-heeled shoes most of the time. And I noticed that the red lines (or are those veins?) along my legs are increasing. It is web-like and dark red in color. Aren’t varicose veins colored violet-blue? What then are these lines? And how do I minimize them? What medicine should I apply?

In relation to veins, is it true that by extending one’s legs upward, especially after a day’s walk, the varicose veins will decrease?

Thanks. I am looking forward to getting your credible advice, Ms. Rissa! — Lala168

Dr. Clare Palabyab, resident dermatologist at the Medical City, explains that these web-like, dark red veins are called Spider Angiomas or commonly known as "spider veins." These are little capillaries that have burst because of pressure on the legs caused by activities like standing too long, crossing your legs and pregnancy. It is also hereditary.

You don’t have to wear heels ALL the time. When you have to be on your feet the whole day, Dr. Palabyab highly advises you to wear REAL support stockings. There are many brands which claim to provide support. Dr. Palabyab personally recommends Hanes Alive. Support stockings exert pressure on the legs to improve circulation, to help blood flow easily back to the heart. Support stockings feel really tight, aren’t too sheer but can also be worn under pants. Apart from support stockings, massaging your legs can also help.

To minimize these spider veins, do the following mid-mornings and mid-afternoons: Lie down and elevate your legs higher than your head. Dr. Palabyab explains this will allow the blood to flow back to your heart. She also says that vitamin C also helps thicken blood vessels. Capillaries are less prone to burst.

According to Dr. Palabyab, there are two ways to remove those veins: Laser or sclerotherapy. The second procedure is an injective where a small amount of saline solution is used to help disintegrate the blood vessel. But here’s what you have to remember, even if you’ve gotten rid of those unsightly veins through laser or sclerotherapy, these can always come back if you don’t do anything to prevent them. Care and proper maintenance is always essential.

Sos For A Scaly, Smelly Scalp

Dear Rissa,

I am a government employee. My boss is on leave for two weeks and this will give me enough time to wait for your reply. After reading your article today and gathering enough courage, I decided to use my boss’ e-mail address — at the risk of being reprimanded — to ask for advice regarding my cousin’s problem. You see, I have yet to figure out how to tell her how disturbed (call it concerned) I am regarding her very oily hair and smelly scalp. I don’t know what causes her scalp to emit such an odor. Could it be because of a scalp problem? I’m not sure if she’s aware of this or not. I am puzzled and I pity her because she’s already 34 and still single. Could it be that men get turned-off because of this? How can she remedy this problem? Can you give me a list of effective products to use? I know that you’re not an expert in hair or scalp care, but I am sure that you know the right people to ask. I’ll be waiting for your reply soon.

Thank you very much and more power. — A.B.

According to dermatologist Dr. Clare Palabyab, people with dry scalps are not the only one who suffer from dandruff. Some people with oily scalps experience the same problem and may have a mild fungal infection although this is not common in adults.

Here’s what Dr. Palabyab recommends:

• Use a shampoo specifically for oily scalps or use an anti-dandruff shampoo. Keep it on for 3-5 minutes for it to really penetrate.

• Shampoo everyday!

• Avoid using conditioner because it can make the scalp oilier.

• Do not put on any hair products — these can cause your hair to get oilier.

• Remember to keep hair brushes clean.

• If she exercises or works out everyday, the smell could now be a combination of perspiration and oil. If her scalp is very oily, shampoo twice a day especially when you have more activities that day.

• If the oily scalp and smell persists, do see a doctor.

You can visit Dr. Clare Palabyab at Room 414 of the Medico Building in Medical City. Her clinic hours are from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. and 3-6 p.m. everyday except Sundays and Wednesday afternoons. You can also call 631-6961 for an appointment.

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E-mail your questions and comments to: rissa_ms@hotmail.com.