Dermatology (skin disorders)

The Division of Dermatology manages all dermatology inpatients and referrals. We also run daily outpatient clinics and provide specialized investigations and treatments in all aspects of dermatological problems.

Outpatient Services:

Medical Dermatology
Clinic sessions are daily. Medical dermatological cases seen here range from the common to the exotic and covers patients of all age groups.

Surgical Dermatology
Clinic sessions are on Wednesday mornings.

We evaluate and manage a full range of conditions. They include the following:

1. Benign skin lesions eg seborrhoeic keratosis, tags, moles, keloids, epidermal cyst, epidermal naevus, warts, mollusca
2. Benign skin tumours eg lipoma, neurofibroma, dermatofibroma
3. Skin cancers eg basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma
4. Pigmentary disorders eg vitiligo, melasma, naevus of Ota, café au lait macules, tattoos, drug-induced pigmentation

Skin Cancer Screening and Surveillance
Clinic sessions are on Monday afternoons. Female patients are screened by a female nurse clinician.

Objectives:

• Early detection of cancerous change in pre-existing or new moles with an aim to early removal of malignant melanoma, hence reducing cancer morbidity and mortality.
• Screening and periodic surveillance of pre- and post-organ transplant recipients for precancerous and cancerous skin lesions with an aim to secondary prevention;
• Primary preventive strategies by education and sun protection.

Individuals with multiple (>10) moles, moles on inconspicuous sites, family history of malignant melanoma, giant congenital melanocytic naevus (>20cm), history of primary skin cancer and organ transplants are eligible for this programme.

Aesthetic dermatology
Clinic consultations are daily. Dr Aw runs a session at the Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Centre on Tuesday mornings.

Services include:

• Laser-assisted hair removal
• Chemical peel using glycolic acid, salicylic acid or trichloroacetic acid
• Pigment removal with QS Nd:Yag laser
• Wrinkle reduction using botulinum toxin or filler injections
• Removal of facial and leg veins using injections
• Laser (Carbon dioxide) or electrocautery ablative treatments
• Microlaser (Sciton) skin resurfacing (for wrinkles, coarseness, acne scarring)
• Laser (GentleYag) and radiofrequency-assisted (Thermage) skin tightening
• Treatment of sweaty palms, armpits and feet using botulinum toxin injections
• Removal of moles, “facial oil deposits”, skin tags, seborrhoeic warts, etc.

Dermatological Procedures
Our dermatologists and dermatology nurse clinician perform a variety of skin biopsies, electrosurgery, cryosurgery, chemical peeling, intralesional steroid injections, carbon dioxide laser surgery etc. A new and experimental treatment for acne scarring (dermaroller) is also available.

Phototherapy
We have broadband ultraviolet A and narrowband ultraviolet B phototherapy units for full body as well as local treatments. Multiclear, a targeted phototherapy treatment for localized psoriasis and vitiligo as well as acne is available.

Nurse Wart Clinic
Our Dermatology nurse clinician runs a weekly intensive clinic treating warts with a combination of paring and cryosurgery. Option for electrocautery (or carbon dioxide laser) can also be discussed.

Investigations

• Skin prick tests
• Patch tests
• Fungal / scabies microscopy
• Tzanck smear
• Various skin biopsies

Nurse-led chronic skin diseases clinic
New or difficult, both inpatient and outpatient cases of chronic skin conditions, receive personalized counseling with our dermatology care nurse. Our Dermatology nurse clinician runs a chronic skin diseases clinic every Tuesday afternoon, which caters specifically to eczema and psoriasis.

Specialist Outpatient Clinic/ Centre

University Dermatology Clinic
Main Building Level 3, Lift Lobby 1
Tel : 6772 2370 (For Appointments)
Operating Hours:
8.30am – 5.30pm (Mondays – Fridays)
Closed on Saturdays, Sundays & Public Holidays

Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Centre
Kent Ridge Wing, Level 4
Tel : 6772 2022 (For Appointments)
Operating Hours:
8.00am – 5.30pm (Mondays – Fridays)
Closed on Saturdays, Sundays & Public Holidays

Inpatient Services:

The dermatology division attends to inpatient referrals from all disciplines. Patients seen in the University Dermatology Clinic with more complex and serious skin disorders may be admitted for more intensive workup, nursing care and coordinated multidisciplinary management.