This topic caught my eye last night, while watching a program on TV. Made me realise that as a supposedly net-savvy Dermatologist, I am a bit far behind in catching up with technology. In my defence, there have been a number of sham fat reduction devices promoted in recent years and this has led me […]

Contact Dermatitis is an extremely common problem, caused by an allergic reaction to various substances coming in contact with the skin. An itchy, flaky skin rash is the commonest symptom. Common forms of contact dermatitis include Hand Eczema, Eyelid Dermatitis or Facial Dermatitis. People with a history of childhood eczema/asthma/ hay fever are particularly prone […]

Although keratosis pilaris (KP)- commonly known as Chicken Skin- is a harmless condition, everyone who is afflicted with it wants to get rid of it as soon as possible to restore smooth, normal-looking skin. Chicken skin results from the buildup of protein that causes an acne-like bump to form when it clogs the skin’s hair […]

There are various risk factors for skin cancer. Below is a standard questionnaire I get patients who see me to fill in, while waiting for their appointment. Try and answer these questions for yourself. If you are of Skin Type I or II and or say yes, to any of the other questions below, you […]

A number of patients I see admit to covering up moles on exposed areas with a plaster, or applying a high factor sunscreen specifically on moles that they are worried about.  Which is a better practice? A research paper published in JAMA Dermatology earlier this year, tried to address that question: Impact of Sunscreens on Preventing […]

Are you a ‘green’ person who likes to wash your clothes in the ‘Eco’ mode and save energy? Well, think again! Fungal infections are extremely common. Athlete’s foot, Jock itch, Tinea infections, Pityriasis versicolor, Onychomycosis etc are various skin diseases caused by fungi. Treatment of these diseases is relatively easy, with various antifungals, topical and […]

Stress does not only cause problems with your mental health but can also aggravate skin diseases and make your skin look ugly. It may not be obvious but the mind and the skin are intertwined. A lot of skin problems are rooted in the disturbed psyche. Experts are calling this new phenomenon psychodermatology. It is […]

What is Hyperhidrosis? Hyperhidrosis is a condition most commonly known as excessive sweating and sometimes referred to as the “silent handicap”. This being because many of those inflicted choose to suffer in silence, afraid of the stigma surrounding excessive perspiration. With the top two triggers being emotion and spicy food, most sufferers will usually try […]

Plastic surgery options are great for those who wish to alter themselves physically, enhancing their features to better fit their ideal of beautiful. With the nature of surgery, however, some patients suffer scars that don’t heal well, growing into deep marks that do nothing to flatter their appearance. The risk of scarring needs to be […]

Shiitake Mushrooms are commonly eaten in Asia. With the easternization of the west in recent years, these have become common place in restaurants in Europe and America too. Though considered a delicacy, undercooked Shiitake mushrooms are poison and should be avoided as the cause a dramatic itchy skin rash referred to as Shiitake Dermatitis. The […]