What is Contact Dermatitis?

It is a skin inflammation caused by an allergic or irritating reaction to certain substances coming into contact with the skin. The reaction can be acute (sudden), within minutes to hours, or chronic, which comes on slowly (such as the reaction to the nickel in a watchband-nickel allergy).

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF DERMATITIS?

  • Redness of the skin
  • Itchiness (itchy skin)
  • Bright red weeping areas or blisters (if severe)

The dermatitis can actually range from a faint redness to ‘watermelon’ swelling of the face.

WHAT AREAS ARE USUALLY AFFECTED?

  • The face, especially around the eyes
  • The genital area
  • The hands and feet

WHAT SUBSTANCES COMMONLY CAUSE DERMATITIS?

IRRITANTS

  • Acids and alkalis
  • Detergents or soaps
  • Sprays
  • Solvents or oils

ALLERGENS

  • Plants (e.g. poison ivy, mango skin, parnships)
  • Chemicals in some perfumes and cosmetics
  • Some metals in jewellery, especially nickel; chromate
  • Rubber and latex
  • Some topical medications
  • Resins and glue dyes
  • Coral

WHAT IS OCCUPATIONAL DERMATITIS?

Occupational dermatitis is a very common form of contact dermatitis. It is caused by a whole range of irritants and allergens used in the industry that come into contact with the skin of the workers. Most problems occur on the hands.

WHAT IS HOUSEWIFE’S DERMATITIS?

This is a common form of dermatitis on the hands of women (and men) who regularly use detergents, washing liquids and various household cleaners, especially with hot water. The skin becomes red, sore, dry and rough, especially over the knuckles. It may itch and crack, leading to extreme soreness.

WHAT IS THE TREATMENT FOR DERMATITIS?

The obvious thing to do is work out the cause and remove it or avoid it if possible.

PREVENTION

Always try to avoid the cause: example is to get someone to remove any offending plants from the garden. Cut down the use of irritating substances such as solvents, soap, detergents, paint, and thinners, scouring powder and pads, turpentine, various polishes. A barrier cream can be rubbed into the hands before work.

For dermatitis of the hands, wear protective work gloves such as cotton lined PVC gloves.

For housewives’ dermatitis, wear rubber gloves, if not sensitive to rubber or other gloves for washing and peeling or squeezing fruit. Do not use any gloves that develop holes. Use soap substitutes such as Cetaphil lotion or Dove soap and pat dry the hands thoroughly after washing them. Use a dishwasher where possible if dishwashing is a problem.

SELF- HELP

For hand problems, rub in a prescribed cream, ointment or lotion and any moisturiser that helps.

MEDICAL HELP

Your doctor may prescribe a stronger anti-inflammatory cream or ointment such as hydrocortisone if the rash is severe or slow to heal. Sometimes anti-allergy tablets are prescribed. It is common to use patch testing, where suspected substances are applied to the skin to find the exact cause. If the patch test is positive, you should avoid the particular substance.

A Comprehensive Allergy Test can be done at our medical clinic. Please make an appointment for a consultation with Dr Don Lau at Tel: 6694 1661.

Comprehensive Allergies Test for up to 101 allergens:
* Food Allergy eg Seafood, Nuts, Eggs, Fish, Meat, Fruits, Seeds or Vegetables.
* Dust/Mold Allergy
* Insect Sting Allergy.
* Pet/Cockroach Allergy.
* Eye or Skin Allergy
* Sinus Infection/Allergic Rhinitis
* Drug/Latex Allergy

Contact Dermatitis Common Allergens

Sinopharm COVID-19 & Latest Influenza Vaccines (Protects against Flu and H1N1 Viruses) / Pre-Departure COVID-19 PCR  Swab & Serology Tests for Travellers, Serology Testing to Certify Vaccination status and Pre-Event COVID Testing. Make your Appointment at Tel: 6694 1661

Flu Subsidy Scheme eligible for Singaporeans & PRs (Pay subsidized rate of $10 for Consultation and Treatment) & Merdeka Generation /Pioneer Generation seniors (Pay subsidized $5) for patients with Acute Respiratory Infections (ARIs).

Learn about the Diagnosis, Treatment and/or Removal of the following skin problems :

Dermatology Problems - Acne, Dry Skin, Warts, Corns & Calluses on Feet

Up to $400 per Medisave Account per year can be used for Vaccinations under the National Adult & Childhood Immunisation Schedule - Influenza, Pneumococcal (PCV13/PPSV), Human Papillomavirus (HPV2/HPV4), Hepatitis B, Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis (Tdap), Measles, Mumps & Rubella (MMR) and Chickenpox (Varicella).

Part of MOH's Swab & Go Home programme. Our clinic can carry out the COVID-19 Swab test for anyone who meets the MOH medical criteria. All individuals aged 13 and above, diagnosed with ARI will be COVID Swab-tested. Cost of Swab test to be borne by Ministry of Health Singapore.

Part of the National Influenza Sentinel Surveillance programme with MOH. If you have a fever of > 38 degrees with a cough, our clinic is able to test for COVID-19. For children below 12 years old with clinical diagnosis of HFMD (eg fever, oral ulcers, rash), our clinic can test for Hand Foot & Mouth Disease (The tests are for surveillance purposes only).

The Proven and Unexpected Way to Fix Allergies

In this video, Dr. Mike VanDerschelden explains the true cause of allergies and how to easily fix over 80% of the cases for allergies that the doctors are not telling you.

Skin Problems - Treatment for Allergies, Dermatitis, Eczema & Urticaria/Hives

Sinopharm COVID-19 Vaccine in Singapore

Sinopharm COVID-19 Vaccine is now available @ MD International Medical Centre. Make a Vaccination or Booster Appointment at Tel: 6694 1661. Learn more about Sinopharm here.

Sinopharm BBIBP-CorV vaccine has now been approved for use by private clinics in Singapore against the COVID-19 virus under the Special Access Route. It is the first China-made vaccine to be approved by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

To date, more than a billion doses of the Sinopharm BBIBP-CorV have been administered. The vaccine has also been approved for use in over 50 countries around the world.

Inactivated vaccines are a tried-and-tested form of vaccine technology which is used in other well-established vaccines, such as the Flu and Hepatitis B vaccines.

If you would like to receive the Sinopharm vaccine or booster, please make your appointment at MD Int'l Medical Centre at Tel: 6694 1661.

Effects of COVID-19 on the Brain

COVID Symptoms to watch out for:

SARS-CoV-2 Virus Infection of Human Organ  Tissues through Cell ACE-2 Receptors:

mRNA Vaccines Possible Adverse Reactions or Side Effects (source: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2778441)

Asymptomatic patients may not display no symptoms of illness. Vulnerable people should get vaccinated against Influenza as the stop gap until the COVID vaccine is found. The Flu vaccine would protect susceptible people from, as well as exclude the Flu and H1N1 viruses should they start to show URTI or ARI symptoms.

- Latest Influenza Vaccine

The latest Influenza Vaccine is now available. It protects against the Flu and H1N1 Viruses. In the event that a person displays flu-like symptoms after the Flu vaccination, both Flu and H1N1 may be excluded in his diagnosis, and treatment can be sought quickly should the patient have contracted COVID-19.

Ministry of Health Safety protocols are adhered to at all times for the safe vaccination of you and your family.

* Latest COVID-19 Updates & Health Tips

* Importance of Keeping your Vaccinations Up-to-date

Plant-strong & healthy living: Rip Esselstyn at TEDxFremont

Rip Esselstyn, a former firefighter and author of The Engine 2 Diet, advocates a plant-strong diet to combat chronic diseases. Esselstyn inspired his fellow firefighting crew at the Austin Engine 2 station to follow a plant-based diet and dramatically heal their health. In 2012, Engine 2 and Whole Foods Market unveiled the Engine 2 food line.
www.engine2diet.com

Public Health Preparedness Clinic

National University Health System Primary Care Network

Singapore Ministry of Health Chronic Disease Management Programme (CDMP)

The information provided in this website is for knowledge purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice.

Should you encounter any medical problem that you are unsure of, always consult your doctor or health care provider for assistance and medical advice.

MD International (Singapore) Pte Ltd

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9 Taman Serasi #01-11, Botanic Gardens View

Tel : 65-6694-1661  Fax : 65-6694 1771

Email : contact@mdimc.sg

Clinic hours:

Monday to Friday: 9am-12.30pm / 2pm-6.30pm    Saturday: 9.30am-1pm

*Last registration is 30mins before the closing time

Closed on Sundays & Public Holidays

- Cashless service with most International Insurance companies and Insurance Medical cards are accepted

- Japanese & Mandarin-speaking Doctors and Medical staff

Please contact us at Tel: 6694 1661 to make an appointment.

OUR MEDICAL TEAM

Dr Don Lau – Medical Director

MBBS (Monash), B Med Sc (Hons) (Monash), Dip Pract Derm (Wales, UK)

Fujiwara Takanori

- Doctor of Chiropractic

The Chiropractic Association Singapore, Japan Chiropractic Register, American Chiropractic Association, California Chiropractic Association

Physiotherapy-trained NBCE The National Board of Chiropractic Examiners

Medical Conditions Treatable with Chiropractic:  

  • Head & Neck – Neckaches/ Spondylosis/ Wry Neck/ Whiplash/ Headaches/ Migraine/ Facial Palsy
  • Back – Back Strain/ Slipped Disc/ Scoliosis/ Sciatica/ Spondylosis/ Spondylolisthesis/ Spondylolysis
  • Shoulder – Frozen Shoulder/ Rotator Cuff Tear/ Impingement Syndrome
  • Elbow – Tennis Elbow/ Golf Elbow
  • Hip / Knee – Anterior Knee Pain/ Runner’s Knee/ Meniscus Injury/ Ligament Injury
  • Foot – Plantar Fasciitis/ Heel Pain/ Metatarsalgia
  • Joint – Arthritis/ Cartilage Wear & Tear/ Osteoarthritis
  • Ligament – Sprains/ ACL Laxity/ Ankle Sprain
  • Muscle – Strains/ ITB Tightness/ Hamstring Tear
  • Tendons – Tendonitis/ Repetitive Strain Injury/ Tendinopathy
  • Sports Injuries
  • Obesity – Exercise & Meal Planning 
  • Post Operation/ Hospitalization
  • Fibromyalgia

Dr Lee Sao Bing – Opthalmologist (in-house Specialist)

MBBS, MMed(Ophth), FRCSEd(Ophth), MD, FAMS

Dr Pang Yoke Teen – ENT (Visiting Consultant)

FRCS (ORL), FRCS(EDIN), (FRCSGLASG), FAMS, MBBS

MD International Medical Centre

Medical Services

Minor Surgical Procedures :

·       Injection for Supraspinatus or Bicipital Tendonitis / Epicondylitis / Trigger finger / Plantar Fasciitis

·       Tendon Sheath Injection

·       Excision of small Skin tumours / Lipomas / Nail bed / Ear lobe cysts / Meibomian cyst

·       Removal of Skin sutures / Skin tags / Sebaceous cysts / Various foreign bodies / Corneal foreign body

·       Liquid Nitrogen Therapy

·       Treatment of Plantar Warts / Calluses / Corns / Ganglions

·       Splinters under nails

·       Olecranon and Pre-patellar Bursitis

·       Ear syringing

·       Embedded earring stud

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