Skin & Beauty

Your Most Embarrassing Skin Questions, Answered

  • Don't suffer in silence

    Don't suffer in silence

    Our strange medical conditions aren't usually topics open for discussion at dinner parties, but some people are too freaked out about weird growths and mysterious hairs to discuss it even with a doctor.

    There's no need to suffer in silence about your embarrassing skin problems. Los Angeles dermatologist Dr. Jessica Wu has heard it all, and here she shares her honest take on how to deal with these issues (all of which are more common than you think). Many of the skin issues we find shameful (butt acne, nipple hair, discolored toenails), Dr. Wu treats every day.

    Read on to find out the answers to the embarrassing questions Dr. Wu has fielded. And book an appointment with your own doctor — stat!

  • Are my nipples normal?

    Are my nipples normal?

    "I get asked about nipples a lot!" Dr Wu. says. Usually the topic arises when patients strip down for a mole check. Here are the most common queries she fields about nipples:

    Why are my nipples flat or inverted?
    Some nipples don't protrude because the connective tissue in the deeper layers of skin tugs on the underside of the nipple, pulling it downward. In some cases, flat or inverted nipples can be treated with a filler like Restylane or Juvéderm. If the nipples don't respond to injections, a simple surgical procedure that cuts and loosens the ligaments pulling down on the nipple may be an alternative.

    Is it strange for women to have nipple hair?
    Nipple hair is more common than you'd think, although it's actually more likely to sprout from the areola than the nipple itself. While it is safe to pluck nipple hair or clip it with cuticle scissors, waxing may irritate the sensitive skin around the nipples. If you're a woman and you suddenly notice a large number of hairs growing on your breasts, it may be a sign that you have a hormonal imbalance, which you should discuss with your doctor.

    What are these bumps on my areola?
    Bumps on your areola may be a sign of enlarged and clogged oil glands. Squeezing may turn the bumps into pimples or nasty boils, so try to leave them alone. If the bumps drain liquid or pus, or don't go away on their own, tell your doctor.

    Should I be worried about having an extra nipple?
    Yes, that's right — some people have extra nipples. Technically known as supernumerary nipples, they're usually much smaller than the main nipples, and they tend to appear on the chest below the main ones. Not to worry though — they're relatively common, and they're usually harmless. However, if your extra nipple feels tender, grows, or changes in shape or appearance, consult your doctor.

  • What can I do about gray hair that's sprouted below the belt? (I don't want a Brillo Pad down there!)


    There are a lot of annoying things about getting older, but going gray "down there" has got to be one of the worst wake-up calls associated with aging. You do have options, though. Here are a few age-defying hair-care tips for the pubic area.

    Color it. Make your pubic hair match the rest of your hair with a dye from These dyes are specially formulated to be nonirritating for use on your pubic area; they contain no ammonia or parabens, and they're not tested on animals. Some salons also specialize in bikini waxing and dyeing.

    Camouflage it. If you want a low-maintenance alternative, you can temporarily camouflage gray pubic hair with a touch-up pen, or even mascara. Just be careful to avoid getting the color on your skin, and avoid coloring right after you shave or wax, when your skin is more sensitive.

    Clip it. If coloring or covering up your gray pubic hair isn't for you, you can always use electric hair clippers to trim the hair short enough to make the grays less noticeable. You may also consider waxing your entire bikini area, or having your pubic hair removed with laser hair treatments or electrolysis.

  • How can I clear up butt acne?

    How can I clear up butt acne?

    Breakouts on your backside (also called butt-ne) can be caused by clogged pores, just like facial acne. Other common causes include plugged hair follicles (keratosis pilaris), sweat bumps (miliaria), and friction from clothing. In some cases, a bacterial infection (like staph) can cause pimples on the butt. To keep your booty clear, follow these tips:

    Exfoliate. The skin on those cheeks doesn't turn over as quickly as the cheeks on your face, so help it along by exfoliating with a loofah or a moisturizing body scrub. I like Carol's Daughter Almond Cookie Sea Salt Scrub.

    Medicate. If the bumps are rough, a buildup of dead skin cells is probably the culprit. Look for scrubs and lotions with lactic or salicylic acid (like Oxy Maximum Hydrating Body Wash with 2 percent salicylic acid) to help dissolve them. If the bumps are whiteheads, try a benzoyl peroxide wash like DDF Pumice Acne Scrub with 2 1/2 percent benzoyl peroxide.

    Wear loose clothing. This will help prevent friction, which can clog sweat glands and lead to sweat bumps. If you must wear tight, stretchy workout clothes, try to shower immediately after.

    If your butt remains pimply after following these tips, ask your doctor whether prescription acne pads would help. I often prescribe medicated pads, such as clindamycin wipes, for my patients with stubborn butt-ne.

  • Is there anything I can do about hair on my forehead that grows above my brows?


    Many women have unwanted hair in various places. And while contending with extra fuzz between the brows, above the upper lip, and even on the chin may be more common, there are many women like you who struggle with excess hair on their foreheads, and a Japanese razor might be the right tool to help.

    Here's what you need to know before shaving your forehead:

    1. I suggest picking up Sephora's eyebrow razor (which is made in Japan), Noxzema's eyebrow shaper, or a personal eyebrow trimmer — these are basically mini personal razors that are designed to maneuver around your brows.

    2. Use an eyeliner pencil to draw a line where you want the hair to stop, and be conservative. Take a little off one side, then the other, and keep going back and forth so you're able to keep your brows and your hairline even.

    3. Keep in mind that stubble will grow wherever you shave, just as it does on your legs. You will also be susceptible to ingrown hairs, so make sure you exfoliate before shaving.

    4. If you get razor burn with whiteheads, dab a bit of nonprescription benzoyl peroxide on the area to dry up the breakout.

    5. To avoid razor cuts, don't press too hard — the skin on your forehead is thinner and has more blood flow than the skin on your legs.

    6. Don't use a magnifying mirror when shaving your forehead, because you may end up taking off too much hair. Stand back and take in the full picture for the best results.

  • Should I be worried about my thick yellow toenails?

    Should I be worried about my thick yellow toenails?

    Thick yellow nails can be a sign of something contagious, like a fungal infection. But many people's nails turn yellow for other, relatively harmless reasons — poor circulation, walking barefoot, or not taking good enough care of their feet.

    In some cases, yellow discoloration is caused by dark nail polish that has stained the nail bed. You'll know polish is the culprit if the nail surface is smooth and the discoloration affects all the nails equally. This problem can easily be fixed by using a base coat, by periodically removing polish and going without for a while, or by switching to a lighter color.

    If you do have some kind of fungus, it's probably the same as the one that causes athlete's foot. A fungal infection will usually cause nails to become thick and crumbly, not just discolored, and it may affect just a few or only one of your toenails. Fungal infections are commonly accompanied by scaly patches and itching on the soles of the feet or between the toes.

    Another possibility is nail psoriasis, which can look exactly like a fungal infection, although people with nail psoriasis tend to have psoriasis patches elsewhere on their bodies, most often on the elbows or knees. The only way to really know what's going on with your nails is to get them tested by your doctor.

  • I sweat buckets, and regular deodorant doesn't work! What can I do?


    It's hard to act cool when your armpits are dripping and you're worried about staining your favorite shirt. Here are some secrets to keeping cool:

    First, check to make sure you're using an antiperspirant (which helps keep you dry), not just a deodorant (which keeps you smelling fresh). For extra protection, switch to a stronger formula, like Dove Clinical Protection Antiperspirant & Deodorant.

    If you're still sweating through your clothes, see a dermatologist who can examine you for possible underlying causes, such as a thyroid condition. Your doctor may recommend a prescription antiperspirant called Drysol (though this antiperspirant can be irritating to the skin).

    If none of these options work, talk to your dermatologist about Botox. I often use Botox to treat patients with excessive sweating. The procedure involves the injection of tiny amounts of Botox right under the skin in the armpits (it also works for sweaty palms), and it keeps you dry for six months or longer.

  • What makeup can I use to cover adult acne without making it worse?


    It seems so unfair that we're susceptible to acne again as adults, but it's not uncommon, especially among women. Hormonal fluctuations related to menstruation and menopause may be to blame. Adult acne can be successfully treated, so first I'd suggest making an appointment with a dermatologist to evaluate your acne and help you find the right treatment.

    In the meantime, if you're trying to cover up a blemish or breakout, your best bet is to use a loose powder, such as Physicians Formula Mineral Wear Talc-Free Mineral Loose Powder. It's better than liquid foundation because it provides natural-looking coverage without clogging your pores; if you need more coverage, then it's better to use a liquid concealer than an oil-based stick, which is almost certain to clog your pores and make your acne worse. Dab on a little concealer and cover it up with a light dusting of the loose powder, then repeat if necessary.

    When choosing makeup for acne-prone skin, look for oil-free or "oil control" on the label. If your skin tends to be oily, go with a powder that has a matte finish to help reduce shine. You may want to consider using a medicated concealer with salicylic acid, like Revlon ColorStay Blemish Concealer; this kind of product does double duty, helping to control your acne while covering up your breakout.

  • I want to look tan for my wedding, but the spray tan I tried left me orange and splotchy. Help!


    Self-tanners contain two main ingredients, dihydroxyacetone (DHA) and erythrulose, that react with the proteins in the outer layers of your skin to produce a darker color. But patches of dead, dry skin soak up more of those ingredients, which is why elbows, knees, and other dry spots tend to get darker. Using a loofah or washcloth in the shower to exfoliate the dead, discolored skin cells will help any streaky color fade faster.

    The quickest way to loosen the top layers of dead skin is to use a scrub containing glycolic acid; it should help you get rid of your leopard spots within three to five days. To avoid the splotchy look next time, start exfoliating at least a week before you use a self-tanner, and pay extra attention to any dry patches.

  • I need to know what I can do to get rid of my moustache.


    Luckily, there are several things you can do to reduce your facial hair. Bleaching is painless and will make it less noticeable. It works best if you have fine hair and fair skin; otherwise it will just look like you have a blond mustache.

    If your hairs are mainly on either side of your upper lip, you can trim them once or twice a week. Some makeup artists keep cuticle scissors in their makeup cases for just this purpose. Waxing, threading, and sugaring will give you a perfectly smooth upper lip, but if you're using prescription retinoids (like Retin-A), you should stop for a week before such a procedure or you'll risk ripping off a layer of skin along with the hair. To stretch out the time between waxings, ask your doctor about Vaniqa. This is a prescription cream that helps your hair grow back lighter, finer, and slower (but it doesn't get rid of what you already have).

    Laser hair removal and electrolysis give longer-lasting results. With electrolysis, the technician inserts a fine needle into each hair follicle to kill it. It works on any color of hair and is eventually permanent, but it can lead to scarring if not done properly. It can also be very painful, so I usually recommend this for patients who have only a small patch of hair to remove. If you have light skin and dark hair, laser removal may be the best option. It typically requires three to five monthly treatments, but the hair can grow back, so you may need maintenance treatments a few times a year.

  • I have a skin-colored growth on my face. What could it be and how can I get rid of it?


    If the growth is rough, skin-colored, and slowly getting bigger, there's a good chance it could be a wart. I usually treat common warts in the office with a cold liquid nitrogen spray, which freezes them and makes them scab and fall off in about a week.

    If your growth is smooth, beige to brown, and hasn't changed in years, it's likely to be a benign mole. Such moles can be removed by shaving them off at the surface. The skin underneath looks like a shallow abrasion and heals in about a week, although the mole can grow back over time.

    Sebaceous hyperplasia is a condition in which oil glands become enlarged. The growths, often found on the nose, are typically yellowish pink and have a large pore in the center. They can be zapped with an electric needle, although they usually grow back within a few months.

    Basal cell skin cancers are commonly found on the nose. If the bump is growing, getting darker, or otherwise changing, you should show it to a dermatologist, who may want to do a skin biopsy to make sure it's not something dangerous.

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  • Last Updated: 11/01/13
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  • Last Updated: 11/01/13