Dr. Parul Kolhe (M.B.B.S, D.D.V (Diploma in Dermatology & Venereology)) is a practicing dermatologist with Nanavati hospital. She is a member of the Cosmetology Society Of India or CSI and has worked with Positive Health Clinic as a consultant for skin & diet.

Q:  I have freckles on my face (my age is 26), so yesterday I went to see a skin doctor. He said he can remove the freckles by using the laser treatment. I want to know if I should go for this laser treatment? Earlier I went to a different skin doctor who said that freckles cannot be removed but can be lightened and was against laser therapy. I am really confused now and scared about the side effects. One of my friends told me that laser treatment may cause freckles to get darker than before, is this true? If I go for laser treatment can the freckles be removed permanently? Why did the doctor give me a bleaching cream to apply on the freckles area for 30 days? Will the bleaching cream spoil my face? The doctor also says that I require 2-3 sessions only.

Freckles can be lightened by the laser treatment and in some cases can be totally removed. But there is a very big chance of recurrence especially on the exposure of your face to the sun. There are other treatments also like chemical peeling which can lighten freckles but again if you have a tendency to develop freckles you keep getting them again and again.

Also in some dark skinned people laser treatment or any other treatment may cause the complication called most inflammatory hyper pigmentation. They might become darker than before. So go for a test before going in for a full treatment.

Q: Dear Doc. I got my hands waxed for getting groomed before entering the wedlock, the lady at beauty salon used disposable strips, since I informed her of one such experience of rash. Still I have got rash on my skin, pls advice how to subside it, I had applied ice also after having done the waxing. Regards, Tanuja

A: Take tablet Betnesol plain - 1 tablet 3 doses 12 hrs a part and apply Flucort twice a day alternating with calamine lotion twice a day.

Q: Can I use Flutivate skin cream for my black patches on the hand? Will these patches be cured...? I am really much worried. Any home remedy will be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

A: This sounds like a latest allergy Latex. But I can’t be sure until I see it. Preferably pls consult a dermatologist. In the meantime you can try putting Flucort and Nivea lotion mixed 1:4.

Q: I am 24 years old but I still suffer from skin breakouts (on my cheeks mainly). I used to suffer a hormonal imbalance but now I don’t know why it still happens. And I get red spots after the breakouts. My skin type is probably oily T area, with dry cheeks.

Please help

A: It’s very important to check that your hormonal problem has not recurred. Even if it is normal acne form breakouts are normal. It’s not only in teenage but also later in life. You need to maintain good hygiene. Keep frequently washing your face and exfoliate facial skin twice a week. Use home scrubs for exfoliation. Meanwhile use Tlindac gel on your face twice a day during the breakout and Adaferin at bed time.

Q: I would like to know few things, which I listed below. Could u just clarify? I am 29 years old. I travel 15 mins daily to my work place. I noticed a change on my face; my face is very dull and life less. I tried to use SPF 15 moisturizers; it just showed some bumps on my face. What should I do? What special care I should take to combat this age factor?

Lakshmi.

A: You should take adequate protection while traveling. For ex: cover your face with a scarf or a dupatta while traveling. Use a good apricot scrub on alternate days and put Glico-A on your face for two hours on alternate nights.

Q: I want to know how much safe is Lazer treatment ...n will it harm my internal organs like stomach or back..?

A: It doesn't penetrate more than 6 millimetres into the skin. It will never damage any internal organ. It's absolutely safe apart from mild redness and swelling you get for a day or two after treatment.

Q: The skin on my hands tans faster than anywhere else. The skin above elbow is fairer than below. Can I do something to "untan" it?

A: Use sunscreen during the daytime. And during night use Melalite or Glyaha-H Q.

Q: I am a 24 year old Guy. My problem is that my beard grows up very fast as compared to others and I have to do it regularly because of which if even one day goes without shaving it looks very odd. How can this be cured?

A: You have a natural thick beard growth and little or nothing can be done about it. Ever thought of sporting a beard? That will surely help overcome the bother of daily shaving.