Dear Dr. Gendler,
Is it possible that I am still getting a monthly pimple in the same spot (chin) that always broke out during my period? I haven’t had a period in quite a few years. What gives?
Not sure how to answer this, because of course it’s possible to break out in the same areas. If it were ONE SPECIFIC SPOT, then I would say it’s not a pimple but a recurrent cyst. I suspect you are asking if it’s possible to break out in the same pattern once you are menopausal that you broke out in before you reached menopause. And that answer is yes.
Dear Dr. Gendler,
Can you identify the most likely culprits for the dermatitis on my cheeks that are bumpy and red and driving me nuts. I cannot throw away every item in my bath cabinet. Someone suggested an allergy to Vitamin E, but I’m doubtful? Any other ideas?
OK, this question that is giving me chest pain. How could anyone answer this question? It’s like saying, “I have pain in my legs, and I heard it could be from doing squats.” What exactly is the dermatitis you are describing that is bumpy and red? Is it rosacea? Is it acne? Is it a contact dermatitis to something you are using? Why Vitamin E? Are you using that? What about the ten million other things you are using? It is definitely possible to develop an allergy (a contact dermatitis) to things you use on your skin, even those that you have used for many years. And yes, Vitamin E is a not-uncommon sensitizer. But so are the myriad preservatives and fragrances that are in most cosmetics. I would need to see a photo of the rash, learn every single thing you are using on your face, how often you wash, what medications you apply, etc. etc. before I could even venture a guess as to what your “red and bumpy” rash is! The best answer is to make an appointment with a qualified dermatologist who might then refer you to an allergist—I know the answer isn’t a simple one, your skin is complicated.
Dear Dr. Gendler,
I guess I deserve the big brown spots on my calves because I always neglected to apply sunscreen on my legs. Is there a good, perhaps less costly solution to fading them? The stuff I use on my face is mega expensive.
The short answer to this question is—-NO! Actually there is probably no way at all to get rid of any of the brown spots on your legs with a topical cream. They are actual growths, not just pigmentation. The best way to rid yourself of them is to have them lasered off—-and all of them will not go away. Also, the darker the spots are, the easier it is to get rid of them. And as far as using expensive stuff on your face to get rid of them, most of the time you can’t get rid of facial spots, either, with creams, though the right bleaching creams and Retin A can help lighten pigment in general on your face. Then the residual pigment and “lentigines” can be lasered off.
Dear Dr. Gendler,
Can we talk about the light fuzz on my face? My makeup and skin products sit there first. How is this fuzz different from the darker hair on my upper lip and what is the best way to get rid of all of it? The waxer has abandoned me since I started using Retin A. I’ve heard that dermaplaning is the solution. Is this something I can do myself?
Dermaplaningis a nice way to get rid of hair—temporarily. The light fuzz that appears on our faces as we get older is vellus hair, which is very fine, and some younger people have it as well. The hair above the lip is a thicker type of hair, which is sometimes associated with hormonal abnormalities, and sometimes is just plain old genetics. Those hairs are fewer in number and respond to permanent hair removal techniques like electrolysis and laser hair removal. The very fine, light fuzz does not. I don’t love waxing because it’s quite traumatic and yes, it should not be done on Retinized skin because it can be very irritating. So dermaplaning is a nice alternative—-and there are devices like the Dermaflash, which are good for at-home use, and less costly than having it done by an aesthetician every month.
