Tattoo
Dear Dr. Jen,
I recently had a tattoo done on my leg. Part of it became keloidal. What is the treatment for this?
Ken
Dear Ken,
Keloid formation can run in families, and can be ugly especially when it is in a visible location. Keloid is basically an over-production of fibrous scar tissue. This can form because of history of trauma, surgery or even tattooing. Once grown and hardened, it is usually not responsive to ointment and other topical gels.
Your best treatment for this is getting injections with steroids. Steroids can be directly delivered to the area that is keloidal. This is a little uncomfortable so anesthesia may be used. Several sessions are needed to bring older scars back to a flattened and regular color.
Dear Dr. Jen,
I have red spots on my arms and chest. Is this something worrisome? I read that cancer can look like this.
Norma
Dear Norma,
Cherry angiomas are harmless and gradually show up after the age of 30. They are also called red moles or Campbell de Morgan spots. These benign angiomas are composed of very small blood vessels. They can be removed using different modalities. The fastest methods include freezing with liquid nitrogen, electrocautery, laser and even simple excision.
Sudden eruptions of many angiomas are a different matter and must be investigated for other internal organ diseases. Another different scenario are existing moles that suddenly turn red or bleed. These also warrant more attention and must be biopsied to rule out more serious conditions.
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.
- Latest
