Acne
We offer a comprehensive range of treatments which aim to clear, control and prevent pimples. The programmes include the use of oral medications, topical creams, chemical peels, laser micropeels and non-invasive blue light therapy. (Acne scars)
Eczema
Eczema is a chronic, itchy inflammatory skin condition. Although it may be difficult to cure eczema, effective control can be achieved. We provide a range of treatment programmes for eczema through proper education and counselling, relief of itch and inflammation, effective skin hydration, topical and oral medications, and phototherapy.
Hair loss
Hair loss can be broadly categorised into non-scarring and scarring alopecia.
The common causes of non-scarring hair loss are male/female pattern hair loss, alopecia areata and telogen effluvium. Scarring hair loss is less common, but early recognition and diagnosis is important because once it has occurred the hair loss is permanent. Therefore it is crucial to start treatment early. A scalp biopsy may be necessary to confirm the diagnosis.
At Skin Physicians, we provide a comprehensive range of treatment options for these hair loss problems ranging from topical/oral medications to injections. In addition, we have available diphencyprone immunotherapy for extensive or refractory alopecia areata.
Mole check
We provide clinical and dermoscopic assessment of moles, together with skin biopsies and surgery for further evaluation and treatment.
If you notice any changes in size, shape, pattern, pigment changes to a pre-existing mole, or a newly developing pigmented lesion on the skin, a medical review is recommended.
Nail disorders
There are many causes of nail abnormalities, ranging from fungal infections to malignancies. Laboratory investigations and biopsies may be necessary to determine the cause.
One of the more common nail problems is ingrown toe nail. At Skin Physicians, we perform surgical nail avulsions, partial nail avulsion, matricectomy for recalcitrant ingrown toe nails, and gutter splinting.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that presents with red and scaly patches on the skin and deformities on the nails. Although it may not be possible to cure psoriasis, advances in medical science have made effective control a reality. At Skin Physicians, we provide not only topical and oral therapies for psoriasis, but advanced treatments like biologics and targeted ultraviolet light therapy (Multiclear™ light).
Sexual Transmitted Diseases
We provide confidential and comprehensive investigations/treatment for sexually transmitted diseases.
Skin Allergy
Skin allergy can present in various forms including skin swellings, hives, measles-like rash or blisters. Common triggers include drugs, chemicals, airborne agents, dyes and food. To establish if an agent is truly the cause of skin allergy, various tests can be performed after a careful and detailed clinical history. They include prick tests, patch tests and specific blood tests. Provocation tests can also be done, usually to rule out a non-offending agent.
Skin Cancers
The incidence of skin cancers has been rising in recent years, possibly due to an increase in sun-seeking behaviour, depletion of the ozone layer, coupled with increasing life expectancy. The common types of skin cancers include basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. Skin cancers can be detected early by proper skin examination. At Skin Physicians, we provide a comprehensive array of services that range from the detection of skin cancer (including full body mole check) to surgical removal of the lesions. For complex cases, we regularly partner with other specialists in Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre to provide multi-disciplinary care.
Skin Infections
Skin infections are common in the tropics, especially fungal infections, which can affect the skin folds, soles or extend to other parts of the body or scalp. Bacteria can also gain entry into our skin through small cuts and can result in boils (furuncles and abscesses) and cellulitis in severe cases. Management of skin infections include a proper skin examination, specific tests (e.g. fungal and bacterial cultures) and appropriate anti-fungal or anti-bacterial therapy. (See below for Viral Infections / Viral Warts)
Urticaria (Hives)
Urticaria, otherwise known as hives, is a common condition. It can be acute or chronic. Urticaria that lasts for more than six weeks is considered as chronic urticaria. Acute urticaria can be caused by viral infections, food allergy, drug allergy and so on. Chronic urticaria may be idiopathic or autoimmune in nature. It can also be caused by physical factors like pressure, sun and cold.
We have a special interest in urticaria. Investigations may be necessary following a detailed history and examination. The autologous serum skin test is available at our clinic and this is a screening test for autoimmune urticaria.
Viral Warts
Warts are harmless growths on the skin caused by human papilloma viruses. They can affect any part of our skin and may appear as flat papules, “cauliflower”-like growths or indented lesions, like those on the soles which can be painful upon compression. At Skin Physicians, our treatment options for viral warts are comprehensive, including liquid nitrogen therapy, electrocautery, CO2 laser ablation and topical therapy.
Vitiligo and Cellular Grafting
Vitiligo is a genetically controlled condition that results in the loss of skin pigmentation. The absence of pigmentation is a result of autoimmune attack against the pigment cells of the skin. Although vitiligo does not cause any physical harm, the psychological distress it impounds upon an affected individual can be disabling. Vitiligo can disfigure.
At Skin Physicians, we provide a dedicated service and a complete range of treatment programmes for vitiligo. They include proper education and counselling, effective camouflage, topical and oral medical therapies, state-of-art targeted ultraviolet light therapy (Multiclear™ light), as well as highly-specialised transplant surgery.
Non-cultured cellular grafting is an established and evidence-based transplant service offered by our centre for vitiligo treatment. In cellular grafting, a small piece of normal skin is taken from a donor site of the subject. From this donor skin, pigment cells are extracted and subsequently transplanted onto vitiligo areas of the same subject. The procedure is performed in an outpatient basis and takes about 3 to 4 hours to complete. Return of skin colour takes about 2 to 3 months to occur. This procedure is most effective for stable vitiligo, especially segmental vitiligo.