Pregnancy

Dear Dr. Jen,

Is it okay to have my warts removed while pregnant?  I am really bothered by the warts on my face and they seem to have increased in number throughout my pregnancy.  What is the safest mode of wart removal for pregnant ladies?

Cynthia

Dear Cynthia,

Warts and skin tags tend to increase in number during pregnancy.  This may be stimulated by all the pregnancy hormones.  Usually, you can opt to have it removed via cautery, laser, liquid nitrogen or acid application.  One of the safest methods to use is freezing it off with liquid nitrogen.  This is fast, comfortable and safe as no chemical enters your blood stream, thereby not affecting the baby.

However, some skin tags tend to increase even after giving birth.  You can be on the look out for more skin growths a few months post-delivery.  If there is no urgency in the situation, I suggest you wait till then.  If you are anxious about infecting the baby with the viral warts, freezing them off can be a safe procedure for you.

Dear Dr. Jen,

I am 18 years old and have cracks at the corners of my lips.  I've been gargling with an oral antiseptic mouth wash and it's still there.  It stings when I brush my teeth. What causes it and what medicine can I use?

Deny

Dear Deny,

Fissures on the sides of the lips, called angular cheilitis, may have several causes. Dryness, irritation (from food or lip product), and proliferation of yeast or virus are taken into consideration.  Also relevant are: use of braces or retainers, use of any new lip product coinciding with the advent of the rashes, presence of fluid-filled vesicles or blisters, use of steroids, and other leading questions.Take note of any allergenic foods that you may have eaten like mangoes, kiwi etc. that may give you allergies.  Your PDS derma will likely ask you such questions.

Sometimes, allergy may coincide with a yeast infection.  This may need a dual treatment with an anti-allergy and an anti-fungal cream.  However, if it is plainly a yeast infection, it is best treated purely with anti-fungal cream. This heals very fast with the proper medication.

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.