There is always a wrong notion that skin treatment is expensive because people often associate all cases to dermatology. Victoria R. Patino-Guillano, M.D., F.P.D.S., dermatologist/dermatopathologist in a Christmas gathering of buiness reporters on Thursday at the MediSpa of SM City said cosmetic surgery is quite expensive but dermapathologic is affordable.

She said people though there are already signs of skin problem would rather do self medication leading primary to secondary problem.

She admitted that cosmetic treatment is expensive however pathologic treatment is not costly and dermatology is not just only about cosmetic.

She explained that among the pathologic cases are psoriasis and leprosy.

In cases where there is failure of treatment, Guillano said they resort to deeper skin analysis through biopsy saying that the process would help them determine the appropriate treatment of the disease.

Guillano who heads the dermatopathology unit of the Davao Medical Center said that cases of other doctors from as far as Cagayan, General Santos City, Bukidnon and other neighboring areas refer to her specific skin cases for further analysis.

“In this set up the clinical result are available within a week or two, unlike the past set-up where the result is made available after a month or two.” Said Guillano who acquired her fellow American Academy of Dermatology in Singapore for a year.

She meanwhile explained that dark skin persons have their own skin protection from the sun.

She said that with the advent of new discoveries many Filipinas go for whitening of the skin and they noticed that cases of post inflammatory hyper pigmentation are increasing.

“This is so because many do not consult dermatologists and do their own application of the product and when not properly administered would result to hyper pigmentation. Ito yong nakikita nating namumula ang skin especially sa mukha,” she said.

She advised that people who apply skin whiteners must apply sun block and limit themselves to sun exposure.

Meanwhile she said people nowadays are conscious of skin protection and many are into pampering their skin.

She said that in their clinic most of those that submit for skin maintenance are males although females are into it also.