Skin Conditions
Clear, referenced information about the skin conditions we most commonly treat — what they are, how they present, how they are treated, and when it is worth seeing a specialist. Written with Singapore's climate and skin types in mind.
Acne, eczema & inflammatory conditions
The conditions we see most often — long-term, but very manageable with the right approach.
Acne, eczema, psoriasis, seborrhoeic dermatitis, rosacea and urticaria are among the most common inflammatory skin conditions seen in Singapore.
Acne
The most common condition seen in dermatology practice. Treatable at every level of severity, and treating it early is what limits scarring and dark marks.
- Blackheads, whiteheads, papules and cysts
- Post-inflammatory pigmentation in Asian skin
- Acne scarring
Read more →
Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)
The most common inflammatory skin disease worldwide. A long-term condition of dryness, itch and recurrent rash that can be controlled well with the right routine.
- Infant, childhood and adult patterns
- Emollients and topical treatment
- When systemic treatment is needed
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Seborrhoeic Dermatitis
Dandruff and facial redness around the nose and brows — harmless but persistent, and often mistaken for eczema or rosacea.
- Dandruff, facial redness & flaking
- Why it flares in humidity
- How it differs from eczema & psoriasis
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Contact Dermatitis
A red, itchy rash where something touched the skin — the key is whether it's irritant or allergic, and exactly what's responsible.
- Irritant versus allergic types
- Nickel, fragrance & preservative allergy
- Patch testing to find the cause
Read more →
Rosacea
Flushing, persistent facial redness and inflammatory bumps — commonly mistaken for adult acne, and made worse by several of the treatments people reach for.
- Flushing and persistent redness
- Papules without blackheads or whiteheads
- Under-recognised in deeper skin tones
Read more →
Psoriasis
A chronic immune-mediated condition producing well-defined scaly plaques. Not contagious, and treatment options have advanced considerably.
- Plaque, guttate, flexural and nail types
- Psoriatic arthritis
- Topicals through to biologics
Read more →
Urticaria (Hives)
Intensely itchy weals that come and go, often without an obvious cause. Frequently mistaken for an allergy — but in chronic cases, rarely one.
- Acute versus chronic
- Spontaneous and inducible types
- Angioedema
Read more →
Heat Rash (Miliaria)
Itchy, prickly bumps that flare in the heat — a quintessentially tropical complaint that settles once the skin is kept cool and dry.
- Why blocked sweat ducts cause it
- Where it appears in adults & babies
- Simple cooling measures that work
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Skin infections
Common in a warm, humid climate — and often mistaken for other rashes.
Fungal infections, viral warts and molluscum contagiosum are common infectious skin conditions in Singapore’s warm and humid climate.
Fungal Infections
Ringworm, athlete's foot, jock itch and tinea versicolor thrive in Singapore's humidity — common, and easily confused with other rashes.
- Ringworm, athlete's foot & sweat spots
- Why they recur in humidity
- When the wrong cream makes it worse
Read more →
Viral Warts
Among the most common skin infections, and among the most frustrating to treat. Many clear on their own — but there is much that can be done when they persist.
- Common, plantar, plane and filiform types
- How they spread, and how to limit it
- Salicylic acid, cryotherapy and beyond
Read more →
Molluscum Contagiosum
Small pearly bumps, often on a child — a harmless viral infection that usually clears on its own, though it can spread meanwhile.
- The pearly bumps common in children
- How it spreads, and how to limit it
- When to treat versus watchful waiting
Read more →
Pigmentation, moles & skin growths
From pigmentation and benign lumps to the mole checks that matter most.
Pigmentation concerns, moles, cysts, keloids and skin cancer often require assessment to distinguish harmless lesions from those needing treatment.
Pigmentary Disorders
One of the most common reasons patients seek dermatological care in Singapore — and one where accurate diagnosis before treatment genuinely matters.
- Melasma and post-inflammatory pigmentation
- Age spots, freckles and Hori's nevus
- Vitiligo
Read more →
Moles & Skin Lumps
Most moles and lumps are harmless — the key is to assess first and remove second, with the ABCDE guide for when a mole needs review.
- The ABCDE guide to checking moles
- Skin tags, milia & seborrhoeic keratoses
- Safe assessment before removal
Read more →
Epidermal Cyst
A firm lump under the skin that may sit quietly for years, then suddenly become red and painful. Benign — but it will not resolve on its own.
- Why ‘sebaceous cyst’ is a misnomer
- The inflamed cyst, and why it flares
- Drainage versus complete removal
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Keloid & Hypertrophic Scars
Raised, thickened scars that itch and keep growing — notably more common in the skin tones common in Singapore.
- Keloid versus hypertrophic scars
- Why they're common in Asian skin
- Combination treatment & prevention
Read more →
Skin Cancer
Less common in Asian populations, but more often found late — and frequently in places people do not think to check.
- Basal cell and squamous cell carcinoma
- Melanoma and the ABCDE checklist
- Acral melanoma on palms, soles and nails
Read more →
Hair & nail conditions
Medical assessment of hair thinning, scalp problems and nail disease.
Hair loss and nail disorders may reflect local disease or broader dermatological conditions and benefit from accurate diagnosis.
Hair Loss
Most hair loss is treatable — and acting early with an accurate diagnosis beats shampoos and tonics that were never going to work.
- Pattern hair loss, shedding & alopecia areata
- Why early diagnosis matters
- Well-established medical treatments
Read more →
Nail Disorders
From fungal nails and ingrown toenails to nail changes that reflect a skin condition — and a dark streak that should never be ignored.
- Fungal nails & ingrown toenails
- Nail changes from psoriasis
- Why a dark nail streak needs checking
Read more →
Not what you were looking for?
These pages cover the conditions we are asked about most often, but dermatology encompasses a great deal more — skin infections, hair and nail disorders, rashes of uncertain cause, and conditions that are uncommon enough that most people have never heard of them.
If your concern is not listed here, that does not mean it cannot be helped. See our general dermatology page, or simply arrange a consultation.
You may also find our service pages useful:
- General dermatology — medical diagnosis and treatment
- Paediatric dermatology — infants, children and adolescents
- Surgical dermatology — biopsy, excision and removal
- Laser & cosmetic dermatology — aesthetic treatment
- Skin prick test — allergy testing
Dr Chen Qiping
Consultant Dermatologist · MBBS, MRCP (UK), M.Sc, FAMS (Dermatology)
Dr Chen practises general adult and paediatric dermatology alongside surgical, laser and cosmetic dermatology. Consultations are available in English and Mandarin.
Not sure which condition applies to you?
That is a perfectly good reason to book. Arrange a consultation with Dr Chen Qiping at our Collyer Quay clinic — two minutes' walk from Raffles Place MRT.