Thigh

Dear Dr. Jen,

There is a growing thing on my thigh.  It looks big and ugly but doesn’t really bother me except for its appearance.  If I have it taken out, how sure am I that it won’t recur?  What is the best way to remove it with as minimal scarring as possible?

Leah

Dear Leah,

If you find a growth on your skin and want it removed without any scars, the first best thing to do is identify the kind of growth it is.  A simple 3-mm biopsy will help determine the diagnosis and the depth of the lesion so your doctor can decide how deep to go when removing it.

Because if you are simply talking about “liver spots” or sun spots, then laser will magically remove it after a few sessions without scars.  Some precancerous growths like actinic keratosis can also be managed by spraying liquid nitrogen on it.  But if you are talking about suspicious moles or malignant lesions, then the best way is to do a deep excision to ensure it will not recur.

Dear Dr. Jen,

I have allergies on my neck and arms.  I’ve had this problem on and off for a couple of years.  It never spreads to my tummy or legs.  How will I know if it is a food allergy I’m dealing with?

Janice

Dear Janice,

There are tests to take to determine if there is an allergy present and to which particular food you are allergic to.  Contrary to popular belief, there is no such thing as developing “immunity” to an allergen.  Once you are allergic to that particular food, it will go on.  However, before concluding that it is an allergic reaction to food you might be suffering from, consider also other things going on.
Since the rashes are mostly on the exposed areas of your body, there might be a sun factor that has come into play.  Photocontact dermatitis or photo allergic drug reaction is also possible.  This usually happens when a lotion or soap you are using reacts to UVR and causes an allergic reaction.  Oral medication and supplements can also have a similar reaction.  A biopsy can be done to find out what is really going on.

Since allergies are the most likely cause of this reaction, identifying the allergen is of utmost importance.  Staying away from the allergen, if possible, is the only long-term treatment you can do to avoid dependence on steroids and antihistimines. Best of luck!

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.