Acne
Dear Dr. Jen,
I have a brown spot on my leg that I am worried about. It looks like a mole that is weirdly-shaped. Should I get a biopsy first or have it taken out right away?
Dante
Dear Dante,
First and foremost, have it checked by your nearest PDS dermatologist. If it is indeed suspicious of skin cancer, go for the biopsy. This way, if the results turn out positive, then a thorough surgery with proper margin excisions is observed.
If you have it taken out right away, and the margins are too narrow to be safe, another surgery might have to be done again to prevent recurrence. Best of luck!
Dear Dr. Jen,
I went to a dermatologist form my pimples and received a lot of medications. After a few days, it seems that I broke out even more. My skin is peeling and it stings a lot. Should I keep on using the medication? My follow up is still two weeks away!
Joyce
Dear Joyce,
Acne vulgaris, or pimples, require medication with mostly tretinoin/retinoic acid, adapalene, clindamycin, erythromycin, benzoyl peroxide or AHAs. A combination of these meds is often used. In some patients a worsening of the pimples can be observed in the initial stage of treatment.
All the whiteheads will be pushed out, the blackheads will loosen and eventually fall off, and new pimples will appear. This is temporary and will subside after four weeks or so.
However, any peeling, redness or stinging that you are experiencing, should not be present. This indicates either of these things: the meds are too strong for you, you are putting too much, you need a milder soap, or you may need a moisturizer. Do not wait for your next follow up but go back to your doctor, and express your concerns. You may need a change in regimen. Lastly, stay away from scrubs and masks because these may irritate skin and cause further stinging.
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.
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