Skin Republic

Dear Dr. Jen,

My daughter is 12 years old and she wants to do laser hair removal on her under arm.   I did epilation on her under arm previously. Is it still ok to do laser on it?

Anonymous Mom

Dear Mom,

If safety is the concern, then yes it is safe to do laser hair removal on a 12 year old if she has your consent. Your daughter is still starting puberty. She is likely to grow more hair, and thicker ones at that as she progresses throughout puberty. I would wait a few more years to make sure the laser is "sulit". If it is bothering her too much at present (e.g. getting in grown hairs from epilation), she can do the laser hair removal but might have to do another round when she's 18 years old. I hope my advice helps.

Dear Dr. Jen,

I have a black mark at the side of my nose near the eye. I used Olay cream, Top gel and plenty others but it has not disappeared. What is it and how can I get rid of it?

Tyler

Dear Tyler,

If it has been around since early childhood or even at birth, it might be a café au lait macule or maybe even a kind of nevus (mole). If you have had it just recently, it might also be a solar lentigo. If it started as a pimple or a wound and eventually became dark, post-inflammatory hyperpigmention can be present. The diagnosis depends on the history of the lesion and it's specific appearance. 

It is best to have it checked by a PDS dermatologist. The dermatologist will be able to assess if it is benign or malignant and can even do a biopsy if you desire. Whether a café au lait macule, mole, freckle, beginning melasma, or just plain solar lentigo, the treatment towards it depends on the diagnosis. Each lesion has varying depths so the deeper ones will obviously not respond to creams but may necessitate laser or even excision. Check out the PDS website to finding a dermatologist nearest you.

For other information on PDS, check http://www.pds.org.ph. If you have any questions or concerns please text 0922 845 5556 or email [email protected].

Dr Tan is a diplomate of Philippine Dermatological Society (PDS). She is affiliated with Perpetual Succour Hospital.