Eyebrows

Dear Dr. Jen,

My eyebrows are starting to get bald.  This happened to my scalp last year and I was diagnosed to have alopecia areata.  I am still in my 20s and would like to have my eyebrows back in shape again.

Angel

Dear Angel,

Alopecia areata can also happen in your 20s.  It manifests as hair loss in solitary patches, which may involve not just the scalp but also the eyebrows, eyelashes and beard.  The cause is unknown but it can be seen in some autoimmune conditions.
You might be interested in having some laboratory tests done just to rule out other diseases. Some PDS dermas give steroids either injected, or taken orally.  There are multiple eyelash or eyebrow growth serums that can also be used to help in hair growth.

Dear Dr. Jen,

The soles of my feet have been peeling for the past few months.  I was given an antifungal cream by my doctor but it still keeps on peeling off.  Even my toes are affected.  What is the best way to deal with fungal infection?

Louise

Dear Louise,

Peeling skin on the sole, between the toes and on the toes itself can indeed be a fungal infection.  This is a very straightforward problem to deal with.  Application of ketoconazole, miconazole etc. and other antifungal creams will definitely eliminate the fungus.

The challenge is when the fungal problem is recurrent.  This can happen if the footwear used is also carrying some of the fungus and re-infects you.  To make sure this doesn’t happen, while treatment of your skin is ongoing make sure to disinfect all your footwear, too.

Another factor that can contribute to recurrent fungal infection is when feet are constantly warm and sweaty.  Applying powder and using foot socks before working out or before donning your shoes can go a long, long way in preventing re-infecton.  Lastly, before putting socks on, especially after showering, make sure the area between the toes are completely dry.  Leaving moisture between the toes and immediately putting socks and shoes on can make fungus flourish and grow.

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.