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Question,
I have these small pimple like bumps on my
inner thighs and around my vaginal area. i don't have
any on it, but just next to it. could this be a result
of shaving or is it more?
Answer
Close
shaving can result in follicular prominence and this can
be associated sometimes with itching. Avoid close
shaving and the bumps you have should clear in due
course of time. If it persists do consult a
dermatologist.
Question,
In September 2001, almost 2 and a half year
ago, i burned my left hand with hot oil. I treated in
burn clinic after that and they have told it head nicely
and mark will go over time.
Now i am extreamly aware of my ugly light brown/black
burn mark in hand.
Is there anything i do to treat my marks?
Is there any lotion or cream to remove these oil-burn
marks?
Answer
Post
inflammatory pigmentation secondary to superficial burns
usually slowly clears in a few years time. You can use a
cream containing 2% hydroquinone for a few weeks. If it
persists do consult a dermatologist.
Question,
2.5 months earlier I met an accident, but still
some portion of skin is not coming, why healing process
is slow? Whether I 'll get back normal skin? What 'ld I
do to get it heal quickly and getting back normal skin.
Pls suggest.What 'ld I do to remove niddle signs on
nose. Is "FLUCORT C" effective? How long complete
process takes time to get back normal nose skin.
Answer
Probably the ulcer is quite deep and hence it has not
healed even after two and half months. It is better that
you consult your family doctor and take his advice at
the earliest
Question,
hello doctor, i am a male 23, years old. my
questions is that ive had this little red rash in the
middle of my eyebrowand it itches and dryes out and it
peeles and i have to scratch it. to clear the dead dry
skin and it does not go away. i was wondering if you
know what it is and how i caught it. Since im the the
millitary i thought i caught it that way, by being
around a lot of diffrent people but i dont know. it just
dosent go away no matter how much i moisterize it.well
thank you for your time,
Answer
You
are probably having seborrhoeic dermatitis and it is
possible that it is stress induced. Avoid scratching it
and learn to relax. Use a cream containing micanazole
and hydrocortisone twice a day for a few days and once
it subsides use once a day for a few days and gradually
stop it. You must be having a graded or a classified
skin specialist in the army and I am sure he will be
able to help you if this treatment does not work out.
Question,
My son has severe dandruff. We have tried all
of the over the counter shampoos, such as head &
shoulders, denorex ans t gel. Do you have any
recommendations?
Answer
Use a
ketoconazole shampoo thrice a week to start with and as
the condition improves taper it to once a week to keep
it under control.
Question,
Can a change in skin pigmentation, ie
hyperpigmentation be due to a lack of certain vitamins,
minerals, supplements, or are they strictly hormonal?
I'm hispanic and didn't use to hyperpigmentate. I would
say that since I had my son, approx 4 yrs ago, I started
doing it.
Answer
Pigmentary changes over face is usually secondary to
hormonal influence, like pregnancy, corticosteroids,
oral contraceptives, pituitary disorders and also
sunlight sensitivity and photosensitive drugs. Lack of
vitamins and minerals also contribute to this. Once the
cause is cleared the condition fades. Mild bleaching
agents like 2% hydroquinone can help in clearing the
condition. If it persists do consult a dermatologist.
Question,
After delivering my baby 5 months ago I
started to have excessive itchy skin that flakes and
welts up when I scratch. I dont have a problem with
lotions or detergent it just happens out of nowhere. I
dont know if Its allergies, or fungus but its my whole
body that itches very bad not just one specific area.
Hope you can help.
Answer
You have intense pruritus and there are many causes for
this. You have to be properly examined and investigated.
Consult a dermatologist.
Question,
I noticed a pimple type of small bump in my
groin area a few days ago. It looked more like a
black-head since I could see a dark dot under the skin.
I pressed it hard to see if I could remove it. But it
seemed to be deeper. The next day it got infected and
now when I press it, watery puss comes out of it. Its
right in between my leg and scroctum area. Is this
something serious, because I am worried.
Answer
You
are probably having a small infected epidermal cyst or a
folliculitis. This is not serious but better get it
treated early before it becomes large and painful. Do
consult your family doctor.
Question,
im using pro activ but my acne doesnt seem to
be getting any better. Im also taking a medication
called minocin. i dont know what else to do. do you have
any suggestions?
Answer
In
addition to the topical therapy acne usually responds
well to doxycycline or minocin. If there is no response
to this therapy then you may have to be given Roaccutane.
Consult your dermatologist.
Question,
my face & nose both side covered with black
patches since four years this looks very bad in appearence. many skin treatment I tried but no any
improvement and it goes more widen. Pls advise me how
can I overcome this problem.waiting for your advise
Answer
You
are probably having melasma. Avoid exposure to sunlight.
Use a sunscreen while going out in the sun. Apply a 2%
hydroquinone cream at bed time for a few weeks. If there
is no response chemical peeling or microdermabrasion may
be beneficial in some fair colored persons. Treatment
depends on the intensity and extent of the condition. Do
consult a dermatologist.
Question,
Since the last 2 weeks now i realized that i
have these little bumps on my forehead and they wont go
away, i have tried everything i know of and i don't know
what to do. THey are really small like a i have a heat
rash. Please Help Me. My period os over so i dont know
why my face is broken out like this
Answer
You
are probably having mild acne or papular seborrhoeic
dermatitis. With your description alone it is not
possible to arrive at a diagnosis. Consult a
dermatologist.
Question,
I am 19 years old and for as long as I could
remember the skin on my feet has been peeling. It seems
that when my feet sweat, the sweat does not go through
all of the skin and causes blisters of a sort.
Eventually if I do not take my shoes and socks off the
skin will be rubbed off. Under that loose skin is very
small pieces of white dead skin. It is hard to explain
this and I have no idea what it is. It effects mostly my
heals. I have tried anti-fungal creams but to no
success. I wear cool-max socks and shoes that are
specially made to keep your feet aired out, but it helps
very little. My feet also have a bad smell to them and
it seems to be worst the more they peel. If you have any
questions or any suggestions, I would be most grateful.
Answer
Excessive sweating of the feet can be associated with
bromhidrosis (bad smell). Further fungal infection of
feet also is messy and smelly. Treatment differs in each
condition. Consult a dermatologist to get the correct
diagnosis and proper advice.
Question,
about a year ago my hair stated falling,
initially i thought it is a case of dandruf , though i
have slenium sulphide reaction i mistakenly used it 10
times , now my hair are falling more rapidly , please
suggest me some remedy.
Answer
There
are many causes for excessive hair fall and you have to
be properly examined and investigated. Do consult a
dermatologist.
Question,
i have old scaeres on my fase from 22 year
they are on my face some are deep i did a serjory and i
use spectragel for 5 months iam useing now contactubex
is it good to me?my scars from fulling down when i was
small
Answer
Very superficial scars do fade in due course of time.
Mild to moderate scars require microdermabrasion or
chemical peeling. Deep scars need dermabrasion or laser
resurfacing.
Question,
I have alot of boils on my face which later
leaves many dark spots. Sometimes the size of the boils
reduces, but when i touch the boils on my face I felt
lumps that are deep into the skin. I once had a lump
remove before on my neck. I am wondering if there could
be any serious problem because my family have a history
of cancer. Please help me.
Answer
You
are probably having folliculitis lesions or acneform
eruptions and the treatment is different for each
condition. These have nothing to do with cancer and
hence take this fear off your mind. Consult a
dermatolgist.
Question,
I m s/w engg, met an accident 2 months
earlier, due to which some portion of nose skin was
stitched, that portion of nose skin was removed after
stitches.
but as its healing new skin is coming very slowly. Plz
suggest me I used BETADIN for 1 mnth now using FLUCORT-C.
but another doctor suggested CONTRACTUBEX GEL.
1)which ointment 'ld I use now?
2) You plz give me right suggestion how long 'll it take
for new skin to come. Now its reddish?
3)After how much time I 'll feel normal looks(normala
skin color and no niddle sign)
Answer
Any
wound on the face heals quite fast because of the rich
blood supply. Cotractubex does help in reducing
superficial scars and it may take a couple of months for
complete healing. If the scar is deep do consult a
dermatologist.
Question,
i am a 17 year old male and am very concerned.
I have a discoloration under the tip of my penis and it
seems it is begining to spread throughout the rest of
the tip of my penis. It doesnt really bother me much but
i get a burning sensation when i urinate, i am really
concerned if you can let me know what the problem is i
would greatly appreciate it.
Answer
You
are having a mild inflammation of the prepuce called
posthitis and this is usually caused by monilial
infection. This infection can be sexually transmitted.
It is common in diabetics and also after systemic broad
spectrum antibiotics. A mild infection responds well to
topical azoles. For severe infections systemic therapy
is indicated. Do consult your family physician and take
his advice.
Question,
I am a 20 year old male, and I have these
small bumps on the base of my Penis, and on my scrotum.
They resemble that of a small insect bite, but they are
not red or swollen. When squeezed a white puss like
substance comes out, sort of like a white-head of a
pimple, but with out the cleat fluid. They do not itch,
but they are very embaressing. They occur mostly were
there is pubic hair, where the hair is growing out of
the skin. They seem to be only on my Scrotum, and penis.
They do not get very big at all, and can go unnoticeable
if say, I was in the mens shower room. I have not
noticed any growths on the head of the penis. I am
Uncercomsized, and I would like to know if that could be
a cause of any infection. I hope it is not a uncureable
desease, but if it is then I will have to deal with it
the best way I can, and seek treatment, but I would like
to have a idea of what I have on my body, so if you can
give me an idea on what these small bumps could be I
would really appreaciate it.
That you very much.
Answer
You
are probably having folliculitis or small epidermal
cysts. A clinical examination is required to confirm the
diagnosis. Do consult your family physician.
Question,
my daughter has been taking roaccutane for the
past 3 years, is this safe, she has very bad mood
swings, and is always miserable. many thanks
Answer
Roaccutane is given for six or seven months only and I
wonder why your daughter has been taking it for three
years. I would sincerly advise her to stop the
roaccutane forthwith and consult a senior dermatologist
for further advice.
Question,
I am 23yrs & from few days I have obsorved a
few dots under both my eyes earlier it was just one now
I have about 7 to 10 very small I ma just worried if it
will spread throught my face, 3 days back I visited a
skin doctor UDAY SHANKAR & he told me to apply
Contractubex gel & he said it will fade or go offf in a
few months is true coz it is ment only for burns & deep
scars or can any budy with a few frickles &or
pigmentation also can use it also can I use it to my
hole face after using it I have little ittiching pls let
me no it its safe on face & will these few frickles
dissapear & the pores on my face
Answer
Freckles can be familial. Avoid exposure to sunlight and
use a sunscreen with a SPF (sun protective factor) of
not less than 30 whenever going out in the sun. This
alone should be enough in reducing the pigmentation
within a few months and also prevent further freckling.
If there is no response do consult Dr. Udaya Shankar
again and tell him that cotractubex is not helping and
that it is causing some irritation. I am sure he will
advice an alternative medication.
Question,
Can someone get Molluscum Contagiosum on their
tongue? Because my boyfriend has been diagnosed with it.
I also have it. It was only on our genitalia, but now my
boyfriend has been complaining of his tongue hurting
really bad. He has four small soft bumps scattered on
his tongue?
Can you please explain to me if the viral disease can be
transmitted to the mouth? Also if the bumps in his mouth
sound like the disease. Thank you so much!
Answer
Molluscum contagiosum can rarely be seen in the oral
cavity including the tongue. As the name indicates it is
quite contagious and can be transmitted through close
skin to skin contact including all types of sexual
contact and also through fomites. This is not a serious
disease and sometimes they do disappear spontaneously,
but this may take a long time and in the meantime may
spread elswhere. It is better to get rid of them at the
earliest.They have to be curetted out or treated by
cryotherapy. Do consult a dermatologist and take his ad.
Question,
I have been shaving my scrotum for over a year
now. I just noticed recently that I have a type of cyst
or something growing on the left side near my leg. It
isn't actually on the Testes but where the Leg and
scrotum join. I had something similar like this on the otherside about 6 months ago. It got bigger than had a
type of discharge and has all but gone away. This one
has been growing for a couple of weeks and is about the
size of a pinky fingernail. Is this because of shaving?
Is there a correct way to shave? What are these and what
types of treatments are there? Thank you for your help.
Answer
You are probably having an epidermal cyst and I do not
think it has anything to do with shaving. Take proper
care while shaving. If at all you have to shave, shave
only once along the direction of the hair growth and
never in the opposite direction. Get the cyst drained.
If it recurs get the same excised.
Question,
I am a 20 years old and last summer I started
getting these itchy bumps on nape of my neck sometimes
they itch very bad and sometimes they don't. When they
first come they are big and firm then they become small
but they never go away and the hair in that area has
thinned out. They have multiplied from one big central
bump to about 10 small ones surrounding it. The original
one is kind of flattened out but new ones keep coming.
What is it and how can I treat it?
Answer
You
have a condition called pseudofolliculitis keloidalis
nuchae. Tell your barber never to use a razor on this
area. Do not pick them or scratch them. If they are not
infected a topical steroid cream should flatten them and
a severe condition requires intralesional steroid
therapy. Do consult a dermatologist.
Question,
Thanks for your contribution to the community.
I am a male adult and my problem is my Body Ordour that
I have sine young. I notice that you said topical
clindamycin can help, but recurrence is possible. It
did. Is there anything to close up the pores that the
bacteria thrive. How about cauterisation? Are there any
form of surgery possible here at all, how much, side
effect? Alternatively, is there such anti-biotics that
can kill the bacteria within. Please help. I need a
permanent solution. My life is a mess. Thank you.
Answer
Do not
get depressed. Body odour is quite common and both males
and females carry on with their lives by using
antiperspirants and body sprays. It does respond to
topical and systemic clindamycin temporarily and one has
to take them repeatedly. There is no permanent solution
for this as it is not possible to get rid of the
apocrine sweat glands from those areas. Iantophoresis
does result in suppression of these glands and this is
safe and effective in experienced hands. I do not advise
surgery as it is quite traumatic as this involves
removal of the skin from armpits and groin and then
grafting these areas from skin taken from elswhere. Do
consult a dermatologist for further advice.
Question,
I discovered a bunch of red bumps on my lower
legs approximately 19 days ago. They are mostly small,
like a pin prick, but there are a few larger, about the
size of a pencil eraser, and first started out on my
lower legs, but eventually spread to my upper legs,
although not as bad as the lower legs. I have not
switched laundry detergents and some of the same clothes
I have worn before with no problem, are causing me to
break out. I went to my Family doctor and was told he
thought it was contact dermatitis since it is below my
panty line. He put me on a med-pack, start with 6 pills
1st day, 5 the 2nd and so on, until the 6th day I took
the last one, and also prescribed Zyrtec, antihistimine.
Everything was beginning to clear up after I finished
the Med-Pack and then 3 days after the bumps have
reappeared. They sometimes seems better and then they
flare back up. I called the Doctor and he said to finish
the Zyrtec for the rest of the week and see if they
clear up. He thinks they have not had time to heal. Any
suggestions, would be helpful... I have thought of
everything.. pet dander, dust mites, mites from the
animals, nerves, laundry detergent, etc. I am unemployed
right now so I really can't afford an allergy
specialist.
Thank you!
Answer
From
your description it appears that you have an insect bite
reaction called papular urticaria. Use a betamethasone
or fluocinolone topically twice or thrice a day to start
with and gradualy taper the application and then stop
when the condition subsides well. Continue the Zyrtec
tabs for a few more days and when the itching subsides
stop it. If you do not respond to this within a few days
do consult a dermatologist.
Question,
My mother has ALOT of moles on her face (we
are African American) as well as alot of our family
members. I am starting to notice an increasing amount on
mine, as well. Is there a way to prevent or slow down
the growth of these facial moles, and to remove the
existing ones?
Answer
You
are all probably having eruptive melanocytic nevi or
lentigenes. You can not stop the appearance of new ones.
Eruptive nevi usually stop appearing after middle age
and some of them do disappear, but lentigenes continue
to appear. Avoid exposure to sunlight. Both these
lesions can be removed by electric cautery or laser
therapy.
Question,
I HAVE A ORDOR THAT I CAN,T GET RID OFF,WHEN I
SHOWER IT OK ,BUT WHEN I WORK IT COME BACK ALSO WHEN I
SHOWER AT NIGHT AND GET UP IN THE MORNING I HAVE THAT
SAME PROBLEM BAD ORDOR LIKE AN OLD MAN SMELL,HOW CAN I
TREAT THIS PROBLEM TO CARE THIS ORDOR.
Answer
You
have a condition called bromhidrosis and the smell
uaually comes from the armpits, groin and pubic region.
Sometimes a bad smell emanates from scalp also. Use a
ketoconazole shampoo twice a week in the affected
regions and when the condition improves you can use the
shampoo once a week or once in two weeks. If this does
not work do consult a dermatologist.
Question,
I am 24 yr old male. about 4 years ago two
sebaceous cysts appeared on my scrotum and, after they
grew to be about as big as marbles, i had them
surgically excised. once this had been done, literally
hundreds of little ones appeared and (to this day) are
swelling. i just wanted to ask, is it likely that these
will all grow to giant, surgical removal size, or will
they stop appearing after puberty is all done? the
doctor told me that i have far too many to surgically
remove them all, but if they all grow to the size of the
other 2 i won't even be able to get my underpants on...?
any suggestions, and thank you for your time.
Answer
You
have multiple sebaceous cysts on your scrotum. They are
benign and you can leave them alone. If they enlarge
considerably or get infected and become painful get them
excised. In fact some of them clear on their own.
Question,
Hi. My question is very embarrassing. I almost
don't want to ask but I need to know the answer because
I have had this condition for quite some time. Around my
genital areas (butt and vagina, top of inner thighs), I
have these bumps. Some are small and some are big. I can
pop them and puss comes out, but they don't go away. And
if they do go away, they leave these nasty scars.
Sometimes they bleed, but not alot. Just like if you
popped a pimple on your back or something. I'm married
and my husband and I have sex, but the bumps don't seem
to be contagious because he doesn't have them. I have no
idea what they are and I would really like to find a
solution to my problem. Please help me if you can, and
if you can't could you please let me know who I could
ask? Thanks!
Answer
You
have a chronic condition called hydradenitis suppurativa.
It is a difficult condition to treat. If you are
overweight reduce your weight. Reduce your sugar, sweets
and choclate and cola intake. This condition responds to
systemic tetracyclines to some extent. Recalcitrant
cases have to be given oral retinoids. Do consult a
dermatologist and take his advice.
Question,
I got my nose pierced a few months ago but,
having the piercing has left a dark spot on my nose and
I wonna get rid of it. please tell me how to get rid of
the spot. Do i have to go to a skin doctor to remove it
or can't it be removed?
Answer
You
have a post inflammatory hyperpigmentation and this
usually clears within a few weeks or a few months.
2 % hydroquinone cream can hasten its clearance. A
dermatologist will be in a better position to advise
after examining the spot.
Question,
Over the past 5 years I have had Folliculitis
keloidalis on the back of my neck. I tried to go
treatment with a dermatologist using lazer surgery, but
the keloids got worse, and more appeared on the back of
my head. What other forms of treatment can I undergo,
and what is their success rate? I have been looking into
cosmetic surgery as a last result. What do you suggest?
Answer
Flliculitis keloidalis nuchae is a chronic and recurrent
condition. Intralesional steroids can help to some
extent. If a large area is affected excision and skin
grafting may be required. Consult another dermatologist
or a plastic surgeon.
Question,
Hello, about a month ago I think I may have
gotten an irritation on my lips due to a high shine lip
gloss i was using. It was cheap, maybe a dollar or
something any way, my lips which used to be a healthy
dark tan (I am African American) have turned black and
crusted over, on the bottom lip on the right side is a
sore and it looks quite hideous, and on the left, almost
all the way to the center of the bottom lip is black!
Help me please! I have stopped using that cheap lip
gloss, in fact I stopped using it right after my lips
becam irritated, I since then purchased Blistex Lip
medex to help restore moisture to my lips and clear up
the blackness, it has reduced the dryness, but not
helped the blackness! What can I use to get rid of this
and how long will it take? Can it be purchased over the
counter, becuase I have no med insurance and going to a
dermatologist is not an option becuase of that fact.
Thank You.
Answer
You are probably having postinflammatory pigmentation of
your lips secondary to allergy for the lip gloss. This
shoud fade within a couple of months. 2%hydroquinone
topically at bed time for a few weeks shoud be effective
in reducing the pigmentation. If there is no response do
consult a dermatologost.
Question,
I have LOTS of things to ask you about, ok,
here goes: Problem #1-I use to have really bad acne, but
now I sort of have it more under control. But everytime
1 of my pimples goes away, it leaves a sort of
black/brown spot on my skin, do you know what this is &
how I can get rid of it? I've read other people's skin
problems, & they seem to suffer from the same thing, but
you just tell them to consult their dermatologist, could
you plz tell me if there is some sort of fading cream
for it. Also, if I use Proactiv, will it mess up my
skin, I don't have really bad acne, but my skin isn't
clear, my face is mostly covered with those black spots
& a few pimples, plz help. { I also have acne on my back
& butt, how do I get rid of it?}
Problem #2- I have this sort of burnt spot on my chest,
& it seems to have moved over, I don't know what caused
it, but do u know what it could be & how to get rid of
it? It is'nt a bump, it's more like a skin pigment, it's
darker then my skin, but when I clean the area, it is
redish. It's noticeable, but sometimes it looks like
it's fading, plz help.
Problem #3- On my legs, I have this sort of skin
condition. I have scaly pathches all over my legs, do
you know what this is, & how to get rid of it? I is like
alligator's skin & inside the "scales are tiny dark
brown spots, do u know what this could be. & that's
about all my problems. I'm in highschool,{freshmen}, & I
plan to have all these skin conditions cleared up before
my senior year, plz help me out. This really messes up
my social life, & I have a really low selfesteem. I've
had to deal with the acne problem since I was 12, the
dark spot on my chest since I was in the 6th grade, &
the scaly skin my whole life, I am now 15, PLZ, PLZ help
me out. Thank you sssssoooooo much, this would mean the
world to me, Thank you.
Answer
For
your pigmentation secondary to pimples use a 2% topical
hydroquinone cream once at bed time for a couple of
weeks and then stop. With this the pigmented spots
should fade. If they do not then do consult a
dermatologist. With regard to your second problem on
your chest, it is difficult to guess the diagnosis
without clinical examination and hence you have to
consult a dermatologist and take his or her opinion. You
third problem on your legs appears to be ichthyosis and
probably one of your parents also have this. There is no
cure for this condition. Use a moisturiser (oilatum or E
45 cream or any similar products) twica a day
immediately after bath and this will take care of the
dryness.
Question,
Hi, i am 13 years old.I have been getting
these huge pimple type things on my neck for a bout a
year now.They will come and they will stay for a bout 3
or 4 weeks then they will go a way.Then in about a week
or 2 they will come right back.They get really big and
red, they hurt a lot to.Some times if i pop them pus
will come out.One of them even left a scare.They are
right below the hair line.What are they and how can i
get rid of them.
Answer
You
are probably having a cystic acne and this condition
usually responds to systemic tetracyclines. If not
Roaccutan has to be used. Do consult a dermatologist and
take his opinion.
Question,
I am 28 years old. I had an ectopic pregnancy
in September 2000 which was surgically removed on
October 2000. In that time my left tube was damaged and
surgically removed same time. In November 2001 I had
another ectopic pregnancy which was medically treated (Methrodoxite)
in Royal hospital. After six month, I gone for HSG test
and result came out my right tube is normal. We are
trying to get pregnant but it's failed. Last December I
missed my period 20days but pregnancy test was negative.
My husband's semen and my uterus are normal. With out
taking any kind of medicine my ovulation is perfect. We
take two times IUI also. But I am not get pregnant. Dr
please help us we want a baby soon. At last my Dr says
right tube is normal but sometimes it does not work
properly. Could you please advise us needful?
Answer
It is
unfortunate that you had an ectopic pregnancy and as a
result your left fallopian tube got damaged and had to
be removed. Now your right tube is is patent and normal.
Further it is also encouraging that your husband's semen
analysis is also normal. As you are very keen to
conceive you should have sex during your ovulation time
only. Your gynaecologist should be able to advise you in
this matter. Sometimes it so happens that both the
husband and wife are normal and all their investigations
are normal but still the conception does not take place.
There is no plausiible explanation for this and God only
knows the reason. But once such women conceive, their
subsequent pregnancy occurs fast. Do not loose hope. In
addition to the routine do pray sincerely and I am sure
you will be rewarded. Do consult your gynaecologist for
further advice. Good luck
Question,
My 1 year old son has a circle on his face a
little smaller than a penny, it is red and bumpy. It
arrived last weekend as a tiny dot and has grown during
the week.
Answer
Your
son probably has pityriasis simplex. This is common in
children. Use a mild soap and that too very little on
the face. Avoid exposure to sunlight. Use a topical 1%
hydrocortisone cream for a couple of days and later
switch over to any good moisturiser. If it does not
respond within two or three days then do consult a
dermatologist.
Question,
Doctor, I am 14 years old and I am recovering
from circumcision. It has now been a couple of weeks
since my operation, and the entire head of my penis is ichy and somewhat scabing. I think it is because of the
antibiotic cream I am putting on it but I am not sure.
What should I do for the ichyness and the partial
scabing? Thank you in advance.
Answer
Probably you are sensitive to the topical antibiotic.
You may have to stop this topical antibiotic. Report to
the surgeon who has done the cicumcision and take his
advice.
Question,
i have this condition where its itchy and if i
scratch an area and put my hand on another area of my
body it will spread there to i just want to know what is
is it looks like some allergy reactions but i dont know
they turn my body red in that area
Answer
From
your description it appears that you have urticaria.
There are many causes for this and you have to be
investigated properly. Do consult a dermatologist.
Question,
Hi,
My 2 year old son has a growth on his chin. In july of
2003 he feel on some tar and skinned a very small area,
about the size of a big pencil lead, at that time it
didn't even bleed (it was a very minor scrap). The
little scab seemed to never go away and then it turned
into a small flesh colored bump. Almost like an opal
/opaque color. It looked like maybe a pimple to me and I
left it alone. At first I didn't make the connection
that it was exactly where that scrape had been until it
continued to grow outward. About three months later it
seem to get harder and dry he hit it and it would bleed.
It finally almost feel off. Then it started to gradually
get larger, it has never gotten wider just more
protruded. At his 2 year checkup in November I had his
doctor look at it and he said it was a type of scar that
should flatten over time. SInce then it grew out almost
the length of my pinky nail seemed to get dry and crusty
and fell off again today and bled for 40 minutes now the
area is almost flush with the rest of his skin and is
forming a scab. I cleaned the area and Im putting an
antibiotic ointment on it. I am wondering what this
recurring and continually growing flesh colored bump is.
Is it a hypertrophic scar or a keloid and why does it
seem to always grow. At first it is soft and pliable
then crusty and hard and rather dry the bigger it gets.
Please help and sorry if this is long. Thanks
Answer
You
son appears to have developed a very benign growth
called pyogenic granuloma. It is soft and crusted and
bleeds easily and also gets infected often. This has to
be rooted out with an electric cautery. Consult a
dermatologist.
Question,
Hi, hope you can help. On the shaft of my
penis about half way down I have a bumpy patch which is
slightly lighter in colour than the rest of the skin. It
looks like some kind of deposit on the underside of the
skin (it can be moved with the skin. It is painless and
has slightly spread over a year. It looks like fairly
rounded blotches of different sizes joined together. The
area is soft and only very slightly raised. I know I
should have gone to a doctor by now. Can you give me any
possibilities please
Answer
You
are probably having a painless and benign epidermal
cyst. It is advisable to get it excised as it can get
infected and become large and painful. Consult your
family physician.
Question,
I had a bump on my cheek from 25years
ago...and i was told it was probably scar tissue. Than i
went to plastic surgeons to have it removed and they
said the scar may be much more noticeable than the bump
which was 5-6mm at the time. Now it is at least double
in size and from what i was reading is probably a
sebacious cyst. Can it be drained without a scar or does
the sack have to be removed? It is on my cheek and i
wonder if i have any options? Do you have a list of
qualified plastic surgeons in the Providence, RI area
that I could go to ..do you have any suggestioins? I
have been selfconscious all of my life now i am
extremely DEPRESSED about it.
thankyou
Answer
You
are probably having an epidermal cyst. It has to be
drained follwed by a course of systemic tetracyclines or
newer macrolides (azithromycin). If it recurs often,
excision is indicated. Do consult a dermatologist.
Question,
Sir, about a year ago something bit me on the
leg while under my car in the driveway. I ended up going
to the hospital where they operated on my leg to get out
the poison or whatever it was. Well in the process I
think the hospital gave me a staph infection. now for
the last year i have been in and out of the hospitals
seven times. I beleive they're now saying I have
folliculitis. I've seen about seven different doctors
now and I think I'm just gettint the run around.They
keep giving me antibiotics prescriptions and sending me
on my way. the current antibiotics im taking are
augmentin. It seems to clear it up for the duration of
the prescriptions plus about two weeks. Then it starts
all over again. Big boil type things that fill with pus
and hurt like hell.Please.. any help you could give me
would really be appreciated. I don't know what to
do..thankyou
Answer
You
are probably having a deep folliculitis. Get a culture
and sensitivity test done from the discharge and take
the appropriate antibiotics.
Question,
i have big huge pimple type things on my neck.
Not very many bout 4 or 5 at a time they get so big and
red can u please tell me what these are.And how to get
rid of them.Thanks
Answer
You
are probably having recurrent deep folliculitis. Get a
culture and sensitivity done from the discharge and take
the appropriate antibiotics.
Question,
I discovered a bunch of red bumps on my lower
legs approximately 19 days ago. They are mostly small,
like a pin prick, but there are a few larger, about the
size of a pencil eraser, and first started out on my
lower legs, but eventually spread to my upper legs,
although not as bad as the lower legs. I have not
switched laundry detergents and some of the same clothes
I have worn before with no problem, are causing me to
break out. I went to my Family doctor and was told he
thought it was contact dermatitis since it is below my
panty line. He put me on a med-pack, start with 6 pills
1st day, 5 the 2nd and so on, until the 6th day I took
the last one, and also prescribed Zyrtec, antihistimine.
Everything was beginning to clear up after I finished
the Med-Pack and then 3 days after the bumps have
reappeared. They sometimes seems better and then they
flare back up. I called the Doctor and he said to finish
the Zyrtec for the rest of the week and see if they
clear up.He thinks they have not had time to heal. Any
suggestions, would be helpful... I have thought of
everything.. pet dander, dust mites, mites from the
animals, nerves, laundry detergent, etc. I am unemployed
right now so I really can't afford an allergy
specialist.
Thank you!
Answer
Without clinical examination it is not possible to arrve
at the correct diagnosis. Please consult a dermatologist
and take the appropriate treatment.
Question,
Is there a specialist that bleaches/whitens
armpit discoloration?
Answer
Armpits can become darker secondary to contact
sensitivity to deodorants and atiperspirants,
seborrhoeic intertrigo, fungal infection, obesity etc.
Once the cause is removed the normal color comes back
almost to to its original shade. Hydroquinone 2%
topically once a day can help.
Question,
I have genital herpes. I have had it since I
was 16 years old. I have a 3 year old daughter. I
delivered her with out any breakouts (to my knowledge) -
I took acylcovir during my pregnancy. But my question
(and concern) is, she has a reoccuring bumpy rash about
the size of a nickle on her right thigh. When I first
noticed it it was just a dry like patchy area-about a
year ago. But today she said she didnt want me to touch
it and it was bumpy. Not really pussy but raised. I am
concerned she could have been infected through normal
contact. This is the only spot I noticed this reoccuring
rash (within a 1 year or a half). I know herpes is not a
rash but in children, are the symptoms less severe or
not so obvious. I know I have had break outs since Ive
had her and I am very worried about the chance of her
comming in contact with the virus. So do you think she
could have come in contact or not, if not what could it
be? I know herpes is sexually transmitted - but cant it
be easily be transmitted through towels and sheets and
does laundry detergent kill the virus or does it not
live long off the body. I know that a lot to ask, but
the web sites and information
out there is basically about treatment only. I just want
to keep it away from her. Please help me
Answer
From
your description the condition your daughter has does
not appear to be herpes. Herpes genitalis is not
transmitted through fomites. As you have mentioned that
you did not have any active lesions during delivery it
is unlikely that your daughter has herpes genitalis.
Nevertheless in recurrent herpes often vesicles are not
seen. When the rash recurs next time do consult a
dermatologist. The only way to confirm the diagnosis is
to to do a serological test for type II herpes virus
antibodies.
Question,
Hello Doctor...i have tried to ask other
"online doctors" this question before and they all have
given me pretty much blank answers. I have had since i
was about 13 small little bumps on the bottom of my
penis. They are the same color as the rest of my penis
and sometimes itch at night and irritates the skin
around them. I try to tell myslef thats its nothing but
sometimes i get so scared i start to cry. I can never
tell anyone about this because it would terrify me. I
have never had sex before or engaged in any type of oral
sex. I am afraid to tell my parents to take me to the
doctor or dermatologist because of the same reason
above. All I am asking is that you please give me
personal online directions to make these things
disappear for good without recomending me to see a
doctor or dermatologist. I also wash my penis with soap
everytime i get in the shower and i am circumsized. This
information would bring my self esteem back to me to the
fullest. Awaiting your reply
Answer
From
your words it is obvious that you do not have any
sexually transmitted disease. You are probably having
pearly penile papules. This condition is normally seen
with many males and is not a disease and does not
require any treatment. Without clinical examination it
is not possible to tell the diagnosis with certainty.
Hence be wise and do consult a dermatologist to confirm
the diagnosis. Otherwise you will keep worrying probably
for nothing.
Question,
My mother has crohns disease but is in
remition at this time. Whenever she has used my toilet -
I will get a sore around my anal area which goes away
usually within a week. She has been told that she is a
carryer of staff infection. Anyway - recently I got
another sore and sure enough - she had used my toilet.
This time the sore is not going away and seems to be
spreading a bit around the anal area and it bleads from
time to time plus it feels like it is inside as well. I
am making an appointment with a gastro but it'll be a
couple months before I can get in so any help you can
provide is greatly appreciated.
Answer
Without examination it is not possible to tell what
exactly you have. You family physician should be able to
tell the diagnosis and advise accordingly. Do consult
him or her.
Question,
Am just 23yrs old young unmarried women. But
my hands are very rough & wrinked. Am embarassed when i
shake hands with others as everybody tease me that my
hands look very old with saggy skin. Can you help me!
Answer
You
are probably having palmoplantar keratoderma with
ichthyosis. There are many types of them. With treatment
the wrinkling and thickness do subside considerably. Do
consult a dermatologist.
Question,
I've recently noticed black tiny spots thoughout my legs, back & hands. It looks ugly even when
i wax my hands. Next month i have a big function at home
& i want to get rid of these spots at the earliest so
that my hands look beautiful. Is there any quick remedy
for this please!
Answer
With
your description it is not possible to arrive at a
diagnosis. Do consult a dermatologist.
Question,
Hey Doc, In the past few years my acne
situation has kind of diminished (im 23 now) but what I
do get is a pea sized bump which finally comes to a head
5 or 6 days after it starts, it pops does its thing
(Just like a boil does) but it feels like there is scar
tissue underneath it after. Some leave the little pin
sized lump under my skin, and some do not? any idea's
Answer
From
your description it appears that you still have acne
which leave scars. Do consult a dermatologist and take
the appropriate treatment for your type of acne.
Question,
Hi Doctor I'm in the Army and stationed in
Kosovo about three months ago I noticed my upper lip was
getting light spots on it I went to our DR and he said
it was dry skin keep lip bomb on them I new this was not
the fact because i us chap stick all the time so I went
on line to see what i could find out and i found out
that i probly have sebaceous oil gland problems and this
is what causes my discoloration is there any cure for
this I work with the public on my civilian job and it
looks kind of bad so if u have any help please let me
no, thanks very much
Answer
Without examination it is not possible to guess what
exactly you have. Do consult a dermatologist and I am
sure there must be a graded or a classified skin
specialist in the U.N. Army
Question,
I have white spots on my tan face. the spots or patches
are not dry, its smooth. i was wondering how i could get
my rid of the discoloration.
Answer
White
spots on the face may be due to pityriasis alba, tinea
versicolor, vitiligo, light eruption etc and their
treatment differ. Do consult a dermatologist and take
the proper treatment.
Question,
im a overwieght female that tends to get pus
bumps or boils on my breast and after i bust them, they
go away. some of them bled really bad, some of them turn
to little pinched sized scars that flattened over time.
what whats going on and what should i do? are those
scars keloids?
Answer
You
are probably having a chronic condition called
hydradenitis suppurativa. This condition responds well
to Roaccutane. Do consult a dermatologist to confirm the
diagnosis and take the appropriate treatment befor you
develop more scars.
Question,
i first got my ear pierced with a piercing gun
when i was nine, no harm done. i let them close up and
like around 14, i got them redone again. now i have a
unoticable keloid on my right ear lobe in the back. i
also got my cartiledge pierced on both ears at the top
also. they used to get bumped up and swell full wit pus.
i left my left one close up with no problems, but now im
stuck with a little bump (keloid) on the right, so
techinally i have two keloids on my right ear. i thought
this was a result of the fact that
piercing guns arent recommended when getting piercings
like that because the piercing gun need will push skin
in causing it to keloid because the needle is dull. now,
what should i do? are keloids more prone to overweight
people??? another thing, can your tongue keloid? even if
u take care of it properly??
Answer
You
are probably having a tendency to develop keloids and in
such instances even a minor injury can result in keloid.
I have not seen keloids on toungues so far but it may be
a possibility in susceptible people. Overweight persons
are not prone for keloids if there is no familial
tendeny. There is no cure for keloids. Intrralesional
steroid injections can flatten them
Question,
Sir, im suffering from seborrhoeic dermatitis
of scalp and hyper secretion of sebacious glands since
the past four years, which results in heavy hair
fall(almost 100-150 hairs a day). hair density at my
scalp has almost got half and my forehead is broadening
at a high rate. ive used several shampoos(nizral, Kz,
selsun,cetrilac), all of them give a temporary
relief.oil secretion in the scalp stops for almost 6
hours from the time i shampoo, then again it comes on
the track. i got my scalp shaved twice but it never
helped, kindly suggest me a way out. ive consulted many
skin specialists in this concern but none of them helped
me out.
Answer
You
hair fall is probably not only due to seborehoeic
dermatitis but also secondary to familial male pattern
baldness. Topical minoxidil or systemic fenesteride may
be beneficial for your hair fall. Seborehoic dermatitis
has a multifactorial
etiology. A good dermatologist should be able judge the
best treatment options for both of your problems.
Question,
Just a couple of days ago i got a bump. it was
circular. it was below my ear and near my neck. it
hurts. i never got it before. and im wondering what can
it be.its not noticable or anything. but when i touch
it. it hurts.. and when i pull my skin to the side.
thats when you can see the circular bump..its really
small..smaller then a dime. probably a half a dime thats
circular.
Answer
Without examination it is difficult to guess the
diagnosis. Do consult a dermatologist.
Question,
I have low thyroid, I am on synthroid and
cytomel. My skin is extreamely dry, nothing seems to
help, it is scaley. My eye lids are also real puffy, but
my face itches and looks real wrinkled because it is so
dry. What should I do?
Answer
Use a
mild soap like oilatum soap or sebamed soap for bath and
face wash and immedately after that use any good
moisturiser regularly. This will keep your skin in good
shape.
Question,
i got my tongue peirced four days ago and its
is still extremely swollen and half of my toungue hurts
if it is infected how would i treat that?
Answer
Tongue
has a remarkable capacity to heal. Nevertheless if the
swelling is persisting do consult your family physician
without any further delay. Tongue is an important organ
in the body and apart from using it to abuse others it
is not advisable to hurt and abuse ones own tongue!
Question,
I HAVE HAD REACURRING PIMPLES ON MY BUTTOCKS
AND THIGH AREA FOR SOME TIME THEY APPEAR LIKE A PIMPLE.
THEN THEY TURN RED WITH A LIGHT ITCH THEN IT SOME TIMES
GET SORE AND TENDER DEPENDING ON THE SIZE. IT DOES HAVE
SOME INFLAMATION IN IT LIKE A PIMPLE WOULD. THE
INFLAMATION DOES NOT OPEN. IT SEEMS TO SMOOTH BACK OUT
IN A WEEK OR TWO AND GO AWAY. BUT IT LEAVES MY SKIN
SCARED WITH DARK SPOTS. WHAT IS THIS CONDITION?
Answer
You
are probably having superficial folliculitis and this
can be treated. Do consult a dermatologist and take the
appropriate treatment.
Question, "
my newborn who is a month old has a rash all
over his face and ears and a little bit on his head no
liquid is coming out it looks irrateaded and red , is
there any thing (cream ) i could use to calm the rash?
Answer
Your
child is probably having a mild seborrhoeic dermatitis
and this is not uncommon in newborn children. It usually
clears within a few weeks. Your paediatrician should be
able to advise you in this matter.
Question,
Hello, I am a 29 year old man. I have had a
couple of bumps in my pubic area for the last 2 weeks or
so. They didn't really bother me much so I didn't think
much of it. Then last night I noticed a hard red bump on
my chest near my nipple. Then this morning I noticed a
couple in my arm pit. A few hours later I noticed the
couple had turned into about 10 in each arm pit and
another on my chest. When I put my arms down it puts
pressure on the bumps which hurts. The bumps are red and
hard, but don't seem to have anything in them. Can you
tell me what's going on?
Answer
You
are probably having folliculitis lesions. Topical
antiseptic creams thrice a day should help in clearing
them within a few days. If they persist get your fasting
blood sugar done and also a culture and sensitivity from
the discharge done and take the appropriate systemic
antibiotics. Do consult a dermatologist.
Question,
I have been treated by two separate dermatologosts for small red "pimple - like" bumps just
above my hair line around my hair follicle in a patch
about the size of a quarter.
Answer
You
are probably having a superficial folliculitis. Consult
an experienced dermatologist and take the appropriate
treatment before it spreads any further.
Question,
WHEN I AM IN THE SUN I GET RED SPOTS THEN THEY
TURN WHITE AFTER A WHILE. What can that be?
Answer
Without examination it is not possble to guess the exact
diagnosis. Do consult a dermatologist.
Question,
I have a burning/itching sensation on my scalp
and my hair is thinning. What are the causes of these
symptoms? Treatments?
Answer
You
are probably having seborrhoic dermatitis associated
with hair fall. You can use a ketonozle shampoo to
relieve the seborrhoic dermatitis. This will reduce the
hair fall to some extent. If the hair fall persists do
consult a dermatologist
Question,
Is there any cure at all for Folliculitis??
This would be much appreciated PLEASE!!
Thank you for your time!!
Answer
Folliculitis can be cured. Get a culture and sensitivity
of the pus done and take a full course of the
appropriate antibiotics.
Question,
I have had a rash that itches bad on the back
of neck and behind my eyes. and now it is doing down my
shoulder and it itches bad. now i have it in the pubic
hair. and my dr keeps saying its exma and i really dont
think it is. can you give me any idea what it is. thank
you
Answer
You
are probably having seborrhoeic dermatitis or a
pseudofolliculitis and these conditions can be treated.
Do consult a dermatologist to ascertain the diagnosis
and then take his or her advice,
Question,
Hi i'm a 19 year old male and i have noticed
these small pimple like spots on my chest and neck for
about a year now. they look a bit like blackheads. they
dont itch me and sometimes are even hard to see but i
know they are there because i can feel them. they feel
kind of scaly almost. i find they react more to hotter
weather and if i sqeeze them they tend to get bigger and
swell a bit and sometimes even small drops of blood come
out if i sqeeze them too much. they dont look like they
have puss in them but most of them do. i just dont know
what they are and are really annoying. i dont really
suffer with acne or have any other skin conditions so i
wonder why these small spots are coming up. i am afraid
to cream my chest and neck because i fear it might
aggrevate the spots more. i would consider myself quite
healthy and on a balanced diet and exercise regularly so
i'm at a loss as to why they are there
Answer
From
your description it appears that you have acneform
eruptions or papular seborrhoeic dermatitis or
pityrosporum folliculitis. All these conditions tend to
be chronic and recurrent but they are not serious and
they do respond to treatment. Many a times these
conditions regress and sometimes clear even without
treatment. Nevertheless consult a dermatologist and take
his or her opinion.
Question,
a few weeks ago i noticed that there was a
bump on my penis about a half of a centimeter in
diameter. I have other smaller bumps that are not
noticable, but i fear that this bump might be serius. It
isnt red or anything and i dont know of any deseases
running through my family like this. It is connected to
the inside of the skin. It is a little painful when you
apply enough pressure which is quite alot. I am 15 years
old and would like to know if anything serius is going
on.
Answer
You
are probably having an epidermal cyst. This is not a
serious matter and hence there is no need for concern.
But there are chances for this to get infected when it
becomes painful and enlarged. It is better to get ir
excised. Do consult a dermatologist to confirm the
diagnosis and take his advice.
Question,
When I scratch long lines appaer on my skin
they look like mosquito bites or likes somebody beat me.
It's really irritating and it itches.My dad gave me some
benadryll to soothe the itching it does. They appear and
they disappear. my mother say it's because I 'm going to
put on weight that' s why it's happening but I'm really
slim and tall.Is there something you could do to help
me? They appear any where I scratch like my back,my
thighs,my legs, my butt, and sometimes on my faces.
Please help because everydays complain about it and my
dad is tired of hearing me complain.
Answer
You are having a condition called dermographism. This a
type of urticaria. This is an allergic phenomenon and
usually persists for a long time, but there is no need
to panic. It can be due to various causes. The swollen
lines usually disappear within half to one hour even
without treatment. This can be kept under control with
newer long acting and non-sedating systemic
antihastamines. Do consult a dermatologist to confirm
the diagnosis and to find out the cause of this.
Question,
i had a hair transplant procedure done about 3
week ago.i hate it. i want the hairs out.scaring is a
concern.not so much at the back of my head but where the
hairs were transplanted.i've only had 1 procedure done.
im sure i dont want anymore.is there anything i can use
to reduce the maybe scare line at the doner area.also
can i have the hairs removed safely without scaring by
hair laser removal or by electrolysis.if i can't will
shaving my head cause damage to the recipient area. im
out side alot so weather is a factor. thanks for your
time.
Answer
The
scar on the back of your head (donor site) is likely to
fade in due course of time. If the grafted hairs have
established well in their new area why do you want them
removed? It is better to leave them as they are now and
avoid shaving that area. If you still want the hairs
removed, I recommend laser epilation.
Question,
I recently used a hair removal cream from over
the counter and the "kit" I purchased came with rubber
gloves which I forgot to use. I rubbed the cream over my
chest area and removed the hair. I also did thsi on my
arms and top of the hands. Now my hands sweat
constantly. The sweat is a tacky persperation that I
need to continuously wipe-off. It's very anoying. Is
there anything I can do to fix this problem, or over
time will it go away.
Answer
I do
not think there is any connection between the excessive
sweating of hands and the use of hair remover with your
bare hands. It is better that you consult a
dermatologist and take his opinion.
Question,
Hi- my boyfriend has developed a circular red
spot on is penis, which is about the size of a golf
ball. It doesn't itch or burn but lately he has had to
go to the bathroom about every 15 mins. He thinks it may
be a blood vessel that burst? What do you think this is?
We are sexually active (only with eachother) but we have
been apart for a couple weeks (he's on a holiday with
his family) and he has only recently developed this
condition. I would greatly appreciate any information
and advice you have. Thanks.
Answer
With
your description it is not possible to guess the
diagnosis. It is better that you consult a dermatologist
as aearly as possible and take his advice.
Question,
Hello Dr, thank you for offering this service.Some months ago I had strep throat, and shortly
after developed a rash on my arms and upper thighs.I
found out later that it was from the strep throat. The
rash went away, but left little round flat scars on my
arms. What would get rid of them, are they too flat for
lasering to be effective? Would Tretinoin,though
expensive,work? The spots have it impossible for me to
wear short sleeves.Thank you for your time.
Answer
Superficial scars usually fade in due course of time.
Try contractubex twice a day for a couple of months. If
the scars persist do consult a dermatologist.
Question,
I am 26 years old and I have had very bad back
aches lately. Like I usually have around the time of my
period. But lately it has been all the time. Then today
I noticed that I had a dark smelly discharge and amidst
the discharge was a small piece of bone. Is this an
indication of something?
| 
Dr.
K Dinakar Rao, MD - Specialises in Dermatology, Cosmetology, Infertility
and other sexual disorders & STD.
Consultant Dermatologist at Lama Polyclinic, CBD Area -
will be writing about skin problems. Dr. Rao has over 29 years of
experience and has worked for 12 years as a specialist with the Ministry
of Health, Sultanate of Oman. Dr. Rao will also give answer to your
problems.