Skin republic

Dear Dr. Jen,

I recently had a henna tattoo done and developed itchiness over the tattoo.  Also, I found some beginning redness around the area.  What can I do to stop the itching?

Dino

Dear Dino,

It sounds like you have an allergic contact dermatitis to henna pigment.  Henna tattoos are quite popular here in the Philippines since it satisfies the creative urge to paint on the skin but only lasts for 2-3 weeks.

Henna comes from a plant called lawsoniainermis and is mixed in a paste usually containing PPD (para-phenylenediamine).  Allergy to henna pigment per se is not very common and some of these people are actually allergic to PPD.  When you put regular dye on their hair, you can often develop allergic reactions, as well.

Tell-tale signs of impending allergy is redness, rashes, welts and swelling on or surrounding the tattoo. This is easily treated with some steroidal creams and some oral antihistamines.  It might be best to show it to your local PDS derma to rule out a concomitant infection so it will be treated accordingly.

Dear Dr. Jen,

I noticed some redness around my cuticle area. I had a manicure done last week at a reliable salon with my usual manicurista.  Is it possible to develop an infection after a manicure?

Jonie

Dear Jonie,

Yes, it is possible to develop an infection after your manicure. No matter how respectable, how clean-looking, how posh a salon might appear, their instruments can still be infected.  Alcohol and your run-of-the-mill sterilizers will not be enough to get rid of the usual fungal or bacterial suspects.

Always bring your own nail paraphernalia, not just the nail cutter and nippers but also the stick pushers and nail file as well.  Also, instruct the manicurist not to cut your cuticles.  Getting rid of too much cuticles can compromise the area on the base of the nail.  This will allow water and bacteria or fungi to enter resulting to an infection around the nail known as paronychia.  Some paronychias can be treated with antibacterial or antifungala creams, but for more severe conditions, oral medication may be necessary.

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 <askskinrepublic@ gmail.com > or (032) 233 8620 or 232 5929. Your inquiries will be forwarded to Dr. Tan.