Skinrepublic

Dear Dr. Jen,

As far as I know, varicose veins run in my family.  I noticed that I’m starting to develop a few already on my legs although I’m only 20 years old.  How do I get rid of them and how do I prevent new ones from forming?

Crystal

Dear Crystal,

Varicose veins occur when valves along our veins are damaged and blood is pulled down by gravitational force. Factors that contribute to this are heredity, hormonal changes (pregnancy, menopause, puberty, pill intake), sun damage, and obesity.  Even use of girdles and constant constipation can cause varicose vein formation.

If you want them eliminated, expect to do at least 3 treatment sessions with your PDS dermatologist.  The gold standard of treatment is still sclerotherapy.  This includes injection of an agent that will cause the vein to shrink or collapse that will eventually fade away.  Expect some redness or bruising for a few weeks.

Only one kind of laser can handle varicose veins and this is the pulse dye laser (PDL).  It targets the cells along the veins.  Also, it can only handle very small-diametered vessels and will also require multiple sessions.

You can avoid getting more varicosities by using compression stockings.  Also, doing regular exercise can improve circulation and leg strength. Avoid prolonged standing in one place as well as crossing the legs while sitting.  And if within your power, try to keep off the extra pounds.

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Dear Dr. Jen,

My mother has a lot of brown, oily and itchy skin growths on her face. She is already 70 years old and refuses to go to a doctor.  I am worried it might be skin cancer.  How can you tell if it’s a cancerous growth or not?

Cecil

Dear Cecil,

There are 3 different kinds of major skin cancers:  basal cell carcinoma(BCC), squamous cell CA (SCC) and the deadly melanoma.  Among Filipinos, BCC is the most common one we get.  It occurs in sun-exposed areas and may appear as a red or pale spot.  It is usually accompanied by some dryness or scaling.  It may also ulcerate and won’t completely heal.  The best way to diagnose suspicious lesions is to do a skin biopsy.

However, if the lesions your mom has have that stuck-on appearance and is brownish, a bit greasy and warty, it is most likely a seborrheic keratosis.  Seborrheic keratosis appears in older individuals and is a benign skin condition.  It can be itchy and bleeds easily when scratched.

There is NO need to remove seborrheic keratosis unless the itchiness is bothersome or for cosmetic reasons.  Removal can be performed with liquid nitrogen, cautery, curettage, or shave excision.  Healing should be around a week.

Elderly patients are difficult to convince to see a specialist, especially if they have their own “suki” herbal medicinal applications.  If she cannot be brought to the dermatologist, the next best thing you can do is to take clear pictures of the lesions and bring them to your dermatologist.  Certified PDS dermatologists undergo intensive training and exams wherein pictures are their only clues to the diagnosis they have to give.  Your derma can at least guide you if a biopsy is warranted or not.  God bless!

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.