Itchy

Dear Dr. Jen,

I notice red itchy bumps on my legs after shaving. Most disappears after a few days but sometimes, some pimple-like marks are left behind.  Will waxing give me the same results or will depilatory creams be more helpful?

Fil

Dear Fil,
Shaving, plucking or waxing can give you “folliculitis.”  This basically means inflammation of hair follicles.  Most of the time, there is bacterial, and even sometimes fungal, infection involved. The follicle gets damaged and bacteria-like Staphylococcus can grow in it. Also, ingrown hair further irritates your skin.

Depilating apparatus that are usually electronic works the same way as plucking. Depilatory creams and lotions act by softening the keratin in the hair shaft so that when you rub it off, the hair easily breaks. All the broken hair can then be scraped off.  It doesn’t cause that much damage to the hair follicle but may irritate the skin because the skin is also rich in keratin. The key to using depilatory creams is to make sure not to leave it on too long. Hair can re-grow 2 to 5 days after, much like shaving.

If you insist on shaving or waxing, it is best to apply a topical antibiotic ointment like mupirocin, erythromycin, or fusidic acid for a couple of days after.  However, most people opt to have laser hair removal to permanently get rid of the problem of hairy legs and the ensuing folliculitis.  Hope you find the best option to suit your dilemma.

Dear Dr. Jen,

I work as a chef at a local hotel.  The skin around my nails is swollen and red.  Is it possible to develop some allergy to the food I prepare only now?  I’ve never encountered this problem before.

Earl

Dear Earl,

I am happy to inform you that it is probably not an allergy.  Due to the nature of your job, having your hands always wet, you may have developed “paronychia.”  This is an infection around your nails most commonly caused by fungus or bacteria.  In your case, since it has been more chronic, it is probably fungal in origin.

There are several measures you have to take to treat it. Firstly, apply an antifungal twice a day for 2 weeks.  Secondly, use gloves at work even after the paronychia has healed. The best kind of gloves are the cotton-lined ones because this does not make you sweat inside and the rubber or plastic outer part allows waterproofing. Thirdly, do not remove your cuticles.  Cuticles can be a barrier for fungus, bacteria and virus. I hope implementing these measures will cure your paronychia.

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.