Medical dermatology deals with the diagnosis and treatment of skin, hair, and nail disorders and diseases. In medical dermatology, doctors identify underlying health issues and perform appropriate treatments to combat the problem and restore the skin’s health.
Medical dermatologists are skin specialists who diagnose and treat a full range of skin, hair, and nail diseases for health reasons (rather than purely aesthetic ones), whether through non-surgical or surgical means.
An MOH-accredited dermatologist in Singapore has completed extensive training and certification in dermatology, so you can rest assured in receiving accurate diagnoses and effective management of your skin disorder.
Acne and Acne Scars - This occurs when the pores become clogged due to dead skin cells and sebum (skin oil), resulting in blackheads, whiteheads, pimples, and long-lasting facial scarring.
Allergy - This manifests in the form of itching, redness, and swelling in the skin due to an allergic reaction to an irritant (allergen), which could be a type of food, medication, or coming into contact with a certain substance.
Eczema - A common and chronic skin disorder, eczema causes the skin to become inflamed, itchy, or flaky and leads to the breakdown of the skin's protective barrier (stratum corneum).
Fungal Infections - Fungal infections of the skin and nails are usually characterised by a rash, itch, redness, swelling, blisters or dry, scaly skin.
Hair Loss - Excessive shedding of hair can result from damaged hair follicles due to stress, illness, or hormonal imbalances.
Keloids - These are hard, fibrous tissue growths that form on the skin following an improper injury or wound healing.
Moles - Typically black or brown in colour, these non-cancerous skin growths appear at birth or develop over time due to prolonged sun exposure. It may sometimes even be indicative of skin cancer, if there are certain abnormal characteristics such as uneven and changing borders.
Nail Problems - These are changes in the nails, including discoloration, spots, and nail separation, resulting from trauma, infection, or a skin disorder.
Psoriasis - This chronic skin disorder occurs when the immune system becomes overactive and stimulates the growth of skin cells, causing inflammation and patches of scaly discoloured skin (plaques).
Skin Cancer - This is characterised by the out-of-control growth of abnormal skin cells as a result of excessive exposure to UV rays from the sun, or tanning beds.
Urticaria - Also known as hives, urticaria are red or skin-coloured rashes on the skin, varying in size and severity and are known to be very itchy.
Viral Warts - This is a common skin lesion that occurs when the skin is infected with human papillomavirus (HPV).
Patients may consider visiting a dermatologist in Singapore if they are experiencing symptoms such as:
Moles or skin patches with unusual appearances
Persistent skin lesions
Severe loss of hair
Painful acne outbreak
Strange rashes appearance
Prolonged skin dryness and irritation (pruritus)
Chronic skin redness
Presence of nail conditions, such as ingrown nails or fungus-infected nails
Here are a few things a patient must take into account before scheduling an appointment with a Singapore dermatologist:
Check with Your Insurance Provider - Consult with your insurance provider about the services covered by your insurance plan.
Compile Background Information - Collate information about your skin issue, including the nature of the condition, symptoms, medical history and treatment methods that you have tried.
Write Down All Your Questions - Prepare a list of all the questions and concerns you have to facilitate a smooth dermatological visit.
Find Photos of Previous Flare-Ups - If possible, take photographs of your skin during times of flare-ups to help dermatologists examine your skin concerns better.
Wear Loose Clothing - Patients should wear loose-fitting clothing to help dermatologists inspect their skin with ease.
Remove Your Nail Polish - For the diagnosis of nail disorders, patients must remove their nail polish ahead of the appointment so that nails and skin can be examined closely.
Book Appointment in Advance - Make an appointment with the dermatologist beforehand to ensure that he or she is available and allocates sufficient time for you.
Here are some things a patient should consider when selecting the right Singapore dermatologist:
Consider the Dermatologist’s Experience and Specialisation - A dermatologist who has extensive experience is likely to achieve a better treatment outcome.
MOH Accreditation - Patients should consider MOH accreditation when choosing a dermatologist to ensure they are qualified to provide dermatological care.
Research Facility Quality - Ensure the hospital or clinic is equipped with advanced diagnostic equipment and well-trained s in order to provide quality and safe medical care.
Referrals, Reviews and Satisfaction Surveys - Ask your family, friends or a primary care provider to recommend a dermatologist or check online reviews about a certain doctor and their services.
Know About Your Insurance Covers - Ensure that you choose a dermatologist who accepts your insurance plan to optimise your healthcare benefits.
Patients are recommended to schedule an appointment with our dermatologist in Mouth Elizabeth should they experience any skin discomfort or abnormalities that were not present before. Doctors may advise multiple follow-ups if it is deemed necessary for the patient to be seen periodically to track their progress.
Dermatologists can identify various skin conditions with the help of these diagnostic tests:
Skin biopsy - This is performed to detect abnormal growth of skin cells or skin cancer by obtaining skin samples for laboratory examination.
Culture - This is done to examine whether microorganisms, such as bacteria and fungus, are present and causing skin infections.
Patch testing - A substance (allergen) is applied in the skin to determine if patients do exhibit certain allergic reactions, within a controlled setting.
Dr Wong Su-Ni is a Mount Elizabeth dermatologist who is experienced in medical dermatology, among others. With more than 20 years of clinical experience with a good track record, she is committed to delivering quality, effective, and individualised care for every patient who suffers from all kinds of skin problems.
