Warts

Dear Dr. Jen,

I have warts around my eyes, and only in that area.  What gives?  Does eye makeup play a role?  I just had them removed two years ago and it is still multiplying.

Marissa

Dear Marissa,

When you have those brown, elevated bumps on your face, “warts” is the most common diagnosis that comes to mind.  However, just as a way of explaining, true warts are viral in origin.  And what is commonly mistaken as warts, called skin tags or DPNs (dermatosis papulosa nigricans), are caused by sun, friction and genetic predisposition.

Warts caused by the human papilloma virus are infectious in nature.  If you’ve had the warts taken out just a few years ago, there are some explanations.  First, the warts may not have been completely taken out.  Some “baby” warts may have been left on the skin because they were not so visible at the time and this may have caused the virus to spread.  The only solution to this is to have the “baby” warts removed as soon as they are spotted to prevent spreading.

Second, the eye cosmetics you may be using might contain the virus and help spread it in the area.  It is then time to change products as well as brushes and sponges. Third, it may not be the viral wart kind, but just skin tags.

Your nearest PDS derma can easily distinguish between a true wart and a skin tag.  Both are easily removed, usually through cauterization.  They do not cause scars if done properly.  Make sure you are having a PDS certified dermatologist to do the procedure.  I have seen some patients complain of scars after it was performed by the beautician at the local parlor or spa.

Dear Dr. Jen,

My face gets very red quickly.  Oftentimes, in pictures, it looks like I have been drinking alcohol even though I haven’t been.  What skin condition is this? What can I use to improve my skin? Is there a diet that will benefit me?

James

Dear James,

Have you heard of skin condition called rosacea? It is more often diagnosed among Caucasians, though it also exists among Asians.  It starts with the patient saying that he blushes more easily than others or that he is sensitive to sun exposure or heat.  Most rosacea patients also complain or having dry, rough skin.  In some, acne also appears. It often runs in families too.

There is no final treatment for rosacea, but it can be managed.  The first thing you have to do is list down the things that trigger it. Sunlight, heat, hot beverages, spicy food and the like are the usual suspects.  Avoiding these triggers will lessen the flareups.

Topical meds containing metronidazole, azelaic acid, or niacinamide can help lessen the symptoms.  Oral medication can be given too.  Avoid strong toners and anti-aging regimens that irritate skin.  Scrubs and exfoliants can be aggravating to the rosacea.  Learning to live with the condition is easy once you understand the things that you must avoid and what to do when the condition gets exacerbated.  Best of luck!

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.