General Articles

What home remedies or over the counter treatment can I apply to my Actinic Keratosis?

Actinic keratoses are a form of sun damage caused by exposure to harmful UV rays over many years. If left untreated, there is a risk of them developing into a form of skin cancer, therefore we generally tend to treat them. Your GP and dermatologist can discuss the treatment options available but there are no evidence based home remedies or over the counter treatments.

Applying high factor sunscreen (SPF50 with 5 star UVA protection) to exposed sites will prevent new areas of sun damage developing. One Australian study found that using sunscreen led to a reduction in actinic keratoses in outdoor workers. This is because in addition to damaging the skin cells, UV radiation suppresses the immune system in the skin which would otherwise detect and destroy abnormal cells. Using high factor sunscreen reactivates this 'immune surveillance' mechanism.

What is the best treatment to minimise/eradicate acne scarring?

Acne can result in scarring in at least 20% of people who experience it. Raised scars are sometimes treated with topical steroids or steroid injections, though we might sometimes wait six months after isotretinoin therapy is finished to introduce these treatments.

If you wanted to consider something in the meantime, a silicone-based gel (left to dry on as a thin layer) could be obtained over the counter and used daily on any raised scars, for 3 months. Results with this approach can be less consistent.

Why do older ladies get brown face marks?

These brown marks on your face are most likely to be solar lentigos, which are sun-induced lesions, most prominent on the face, forearms and dorsal aspects of the hands. 

Solar lentigos are flat, uniformly brown and can be quite large. They are caused by sun exposure over the years. It is never too late to use sun protection, which may help prevent new solar lentils from forming. If you have any larger darker expanding patches, please do ask your GP/health care professional to check, as there is a risk of skin cancer for any changing lesion in adult years.

Why do I have blisters under my breasts?

Some people are prone to developing yeast infections beneath the breasts due to the warm environment and the presence of moisture from sweat. You can also develop tender nodules (folliculitis or hidradenitis suppurativa) beneath the breasts due to occlusion of the hair follicles.

Blisters may be a complication of a skin infection but occasionally can be caused by uncommon skin conditions. I would recommend seeing your GP for further assessment.