Dark spots are not always harmless. Dr Ivan Chow explains the medical risks of pigmented skin lesions, diagnostic tools like dermoscopy, excision, and histopathology.
Sagging skin reflects collagen loss and deeper tissue ageing. Discover the causes of facial and jawline laxity, and explore medical lifting options such as HIFU, RF, and thread lifts. Dr Ivan Chow highlights why early assessment prevents further deterioration and maintains facial support.
Hong Kong's summers are notoriously humid, making proper hydration essential for maintaining your skin, energy levels, and overall vitality! This season, swap out sugary sodas and bubble tea for healthy drinks to cut down on guilt while staying cool and refreshed.
2026-2027 Influenza vaccination is available by injection and nasal spray. Getting a flu vaccine to protect yourself, your family and your community from flu. Right now, we can also Co-administer Flu and Covid vaccines at the same time. Further, studies has confirmed it is safe to take the pneumococcal vaccine and Flu vaccine at the same time
In Hong Kong, while the rise in HMPV cases is not as pronounced as in mainland China, it remains essential for residents to stay informed and take preventive measures. This article aims to provide comprehensive information on HMPV and Influenza, their symptoms, transmission, and prevention methods, with a focus on the current situation in Hong Kong.
Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a viral infection that can lead to severe health complications, particularly in vulnerable populations. One of the most serious complications of influenza is pneumonia, which can be life-threatening.
Hong Kong has entered the winter seasonal flu as the circulation of influenza viruses in Hong Kong intensified. Outbreaks in schools and care homes have doubled in December to January in 2025, and hospital admissions are surging with the highest rate among children younger than 5.
Moles are clusters of melanocytes. Most are benign, but some may evolve into melanoma. Dermoscopy distinguishes harmless from suspicious moles. Excision and histopathology provide a definitive diagnosis. Never remove moles at beauty salons. Seek help if a mole changes, bleeds, or itches.
Obesity is a complex medical condition, not just a lifestyle choice. Learn why professional medical evaluation and a structured, evidence-based weight management plan are essential for your long-term health. Read our professional guide today.
Keloids are raised scars that grow beyond the original wound, causing itching and pain. More common in Asian skin, they appear on the chest, shoulders, and earlobes. Unlike hypertrophic scars, keloids don't resolve on their own. Early treatment—steroid injections, laser, or cryotherapy—prevents growth. Never attempt self-removal. Seek medical advice promptly.
Lumps can be cysts, lipomas, abscesses, or enlarged lymph nodes. Some are harmless, others may signal infection or early tumours. Never self-diagnose. Medical evaluation—with ultrasound, excision, or biopsy when needed—ensures correct diagnosis and timely treatment.
Milia are small white keratin cysts trapped beneath the skin, commonly found around the eyes, cheeks, and nose. They are not acne and cannot be squeezed out. Medical extraction—using a sterile needle or laser—is the only safe and effective treatment. Never attempt home removal. Consult a doctor for persistent white bumps.
Noticing persistent dome-shaped skin bumps with a central indentation? Learn about Molluscum Contagiosum, a common, highly contagious viral skin infection affecting both children and adults. Avoid the risks of scarring and inflammation from DIY removal. Book an appointment for professional GP diagnosis, dermatological assessment, and safe, effective medical treatment today.
Benign cysts are common, harmless lumps under the skin. Types include epidermoid, pilar, mucous, and ganglion cysts. Medical evaluation rules out other conditions. Never squeeze or pop them. Treatment—surgical excision, drainage, or aspiration—prevents recurrence. Seek medical advice if concerned.
Chemical peels are medical procedures for acne, pigmentation, and sun-damaged skin. Superficial, medium, or deep peels target different layers. Proper diagnosis prevents burns, scarring, or pigmentation issues—especially for Asian skin. Always seek medical supervision.
McDonald's breakfast is one of the most common breakfast in Hong Kong! However, the calories of different breakfast choices can also vary greatly. If you want to lose weight, how should you eat to be lower in calories and healthier?
Health supplements are not risk-free. Self-prescribing can cause drug interactions, organ damage, or delayed diagnosis. This guide by Dr. Ivan Chow covers supplement types, risks, and the importance of medical evaluation for safe, evidence-based use.
Epilepsy affects millions worldwide, and while medication is a cornerstone of treatment, lifestyle factors play a a critical role in seizure prevention. This guide explores how diet, sleep, stress, and environmental triggers influence brain electrical stability and hiow you can take proactive steps to reduce convulsion naturally.
Acne scars are structural skin defects caused by permanent collagen loss, not just surface pigmentation. Over-the-counter creams and facials cannot rebuild collagen or release deep fibrous bands—only medical-grade procedures like subcision, fractional CO2 lasers, and TCA CROSS can effectively improve them. Early intervention, as soon as acne is controlled, is crucial to prevent scars from becoming deeper and more resistant to treatment. Seek professional medical advice for a personalised, multi-modal treatment plan.
Defined by Kabat-Zinn as non-judgmental present-moment awareness, mindfulness is now widely used in therapies (CBT, MBSR) and popular culture. This article reviews the evidence for its effects on mental and physical health.
Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common hormonal disorders, affecting up to 10% of women of childbearing age. Despite its prevalence, PCOS often goes undiagnosed, leading to significant physical and emotional distress.
If you are a woman in your late thirties or early forties, you might have started to notice that your body isn’t behaving quite as it used to. Perhaps your sleep is restless, your moods feel like a rollercoaster, or you find yourself craving sugary snacks with an intensity you’ve never experienced before.
Welcome to perimenopause.
Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are hidden in everyday items like non-stick cookware, food packaging, cosmetics, and furniture. They interfere with hormones and are linked to infertility, cancer, obesity, and developmental issues. This guide covers the five main types of EDCs—PFAS, phthalates, bisphenols, flame retardants, and pesticides—their sources, health risks, and practical steps to reduce exposure at home.
The LP.8.1 is the 2025-2026 updated monovalent formula for Moderna (Spikevax) and Pfizer-BioNTech (Comirnaty) COVID-19 vaccines. It is designed to target the KP.2 variant of the JN.1 lineage. The update aims to restore and improve protection as new variants evolve to partially evade immunity from older vaccine formulas.
Actinic keratoses are rough, scaly precancerous patches caused by cumulative UV sun damage—they are not dry skin or age spots. Without medical treatment, they carry a risk of progressing to squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Safe, effective removal options include cryotherapy, topical medications, photodynamic therapy (PDT), and curettage. Early diagnosis and treatment are forms of cancer prevention. If you notice persistent rough patches on sun-exposed skin, seek professional medical evaluation.
Axillary hyperhidrosis is excessive underarm sweating caused by overactive sweat glands—not hygiene. It harms confidence and daily life, but effective medical treatments exist. Seek early evaluation for proper management.
Hong Kong is generally a healthy place to live. The major diseases affecting men are similar to those in other modern countries: cancers, heart disease, cerebrovascular disease, and diabetes. These are the most serious conditions commonly seen in private clinics. Life expectancy for men in Hong Kong is excellent, with an average of 82.6 years.
The excessive sweating condition known as hyperhidrosis, which goes beyond what is required for thermoregulation, can have a substantial influence on a person's daily activities and quality of life. A successful and minimally invasive therapy alternative for hyperhidrosis has emerged: botulinum toxin.
Medical aesthetics has evolved rapidly, and one of the most exciting innovations is XERF dual-frequency radiofrequency (RF) technology. Unlike traditional single-frequency RF treatments, XERF harnesses two distinct RF wavelengths simultaneously, delivering more precise energy distribution and deeper therapeutic effects.
With the growing range of non-invasive skin tightening options—including radiofrequency (RF), ultrasound, and microneedling platforms—choosing the right technology depends on factors such as energy delivery, treatment depth, and patient comfort.
In Hong Kong, meningitis vaccination is available but not part of the routine childhood immunisation programme. The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) recommends meningococcal vaccines mainly for high risk groups such as travellers to outbreak regions, students studying abroad, and individuals with weakened immunity. Both MenACWY (covering serogroups A, C, W, Y) and MenB vaccines are accessible through private clinics.
Meningitis remains a pressing global health threat, with recent outbreaks in Kent, in the UK (March 2026) highlighting the ongoing risks. Despite antibiotics, meningitis continues to cause over 200,000 deaths annually, disproportionately affecting children under five.
It is now recommended for children and adolescents who are yet to receive vaccination should get vaccinated as early as possible. The article covers most of the frequently asked questions with regards to vaccination for adolescents and children.
Discover why willpower alone fails for weight loss and how medications like Wegovy and Mounjaro target biological barriers. Learn about the science behind weight rebound and modern solutions in Hong Kong.
Urinary incontinence is a common condition affecting many women, particularly those who have experienced childbirth or are going through menopause. This condition, characterised by the involuntary leakage of urine, can significantly impact a woman's quality of life. Fortunately, advancements in medical diagnostics, such as the Uroflowmetry test, offer valuable insights into urinary function and help in managing this condition effectively.
Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is a common condition that affects men, particularly as they age. It is also known as enlarged prostate. This article provides a comprehensive overview of BPH, including its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment options, and lifestyle considerations.
Streptococcus pneumoniae causes a wide range of diseases, the infection can be serious or even life-threatening. Vaccines are the best way to prevent pneumococcal disease. Pneumococcal disease is common in young children, but older adults are at greatest risk of serious illness and death.
The Christmas holidays are a time of joy, celebration, and often, indulgence. With festive meals, treats, and gatherings, it's easy to consume more calories than usual. Understanding how to manage your caloric intake during this season can help you enjoy the festivities without compromising your health.
In today’s fast-paced world, stress has become a common experience for many individuals. While various factors contribute to stress, the physical state of our bodies—in particular, posture and core muscle strength—can significantly influence how we feel. Understanding this connection can lead to better stress management strategies.
A vegan diet, which is completely free of all animal products including dairy and eggs, is popular for its numerous health benefits. This article explores the advantages of adopting a vegan lifestyle and explores whether a vegan diet can enhance the wound healing process.
As we age, our skin’s natural collagen production diminishes, leading to wrinkles, sagging, and a loss of firmness. Biostimulators address these concerns by encouraging the body’s own collagen production, resulting in a more youthful and revitalised appearance.
In the realm of aesthetic medicine, Prostrolane Blanc B emerges as a groundbreaking product, introducing a novel peptide technology dedicated to skin brightening. This avant-garde solution is tailored for skin contouring, brightening, and pigment reduction, offering a shield against photo-ageing and bestowing a natural radiance to the skin.
Belotero® is a popular dermal filler that has been widely used in cosmetic treatments to address a variety of ageing concerns. Developed by Merz Aesthetics, Belotero is a hyaluronic acid-based injectable that helps restore volume, smooth lines and wrinkles, and enhance facial contours for a more youthful appearance.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus that usually causes respiratory diseases such as infections of the trachea, lungs and middle ear. This virus is the most common cause of bronchitis and pneumonia in infants under 2 year old.
In the culinary world, cream is a beloved ingredient, adding a touch of richness to everything from coffee to soups and desserts. However, with the rise of dietary preferences and intolerances, a new contender has entered the arena: non-dairy whipping cream. This article explores the health implications of both dairy cream and non-dairy whipping cream.
In East Asia, particularly in Hong Kong, the consumption of fish maw is a cherished tradition, especially among women. This delicacy is often consumed in the form of fish maw chicken soup or braised fish maw, with the belief that it can boost collagen levels in the body. But does eating fish maw really increase collagen? Let’s explore this topic in detail.
Intermittent fasting (IF) is a dietary approach that alternates between periods of fasting and eating. It has gained popularity worldwide, including in Hong Kong, for its potential benefits in weight management, improved metabolic health, and overall well-being.
A Thread Lift is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure designed to lift and tighten sagging skin, providing a more youthful and rejuvenated appearance. Unlike traditional facelift surgery, a thread lift involves no surgical incisions or general anesthesia.
Fever is a normal body reaction when there is an infection or other illness. In most cases, a fever is a healthy reaction of the body's immune system to help fight viruses. However, it is crucial to understand the different types of fevers and when to seek medical advice. This article will explore the definition of fever, different types of fever and when to seek medical advice and ways to self-manage a fever.
If coughing lasts for a long time and does not recover after more than two to three weeks, or if coughing gets better after seeking medical treatment, but coughs again without medication, it may be a "sensitive cough" and further examination is required to find out the cause.
Botulinum Toxin, an effective aesthetic procedure best known for its wrinkle-reducing effects, can also use in shoulder slimming and relieve painful tension on your shoulder. This non-surgical procedure has been used to alleviate issues with bulging shoulders or prominent shoulder muscles.
The thyroid gland's function is to produce thyroid hormones, which are essential for maintaining the metabolic functions of the body. Thyroid hormones are hormones that stimulate the production of proteins by our cells. Both excessive secretion (hyperthyroidism) and insufficient secretion (hypothyroidism) of thyroid hormones can have significant effects on numerous body organs.
Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is a collective term for symptoms caused by intestinal dysfunction, disorders or intestinal allergies. Occasionally, people may have the above conditions, but if the symptoms are frequent or daily life is affected, while cause cannot be found after colonoscopy, you may have IBS.
Breast cancer is not exclusive to women. Men who also have breast tissue are also likely to suffer from breast cancer. The incidence of breast cancer in men is lower than that in women, yet, due to structure of the breast, cancer cells spread faster and the mortality rate is higher than that in women.
When your body loses too much salt and water—typically through sweating—heat exhaustion results. In contrast, a significant medical emergency called a heat stroke happens when your body is unable to regulate its internal temperature. Knowing the warning signs and symptoms of these two diseases may save your life.
Wrinkles are a sign of ageing, and people always want to get rid of them. It is common to opt for aesthetic medicine to improve the situation, including botulinum toxin injections or fillers. So how should we decide how to treat wrinkles?
Melanoma is a cancer that develops from melanocytes. It is one of the fastest-growing malignant tumours and the most dangerous skin cancer, with a high probability of metastasis and a high risk of death. Therefore, early treatment and prevention of melanoma is important.
Many cranberry-related products are on the market, from dried cranberry fruit and cranberry juice to cranberry jam. When it comes to cranberries, people always know they can help prevent urinary tract infections, especially urethritis. So what are the other benefits of cranberries?
For diabetic patients, there are numerous forms of medication that are available. Some are in the form of oral medication, while some are administered to injection. For patients that need to take injection type, what are the available choice?
Omicron is a highly infectious disease. A recent review in the Lancet suggests that up to 90% of these cases will have no symptoms. For most of the cases, especially the vaccinated, it will be somewhere between a mild cold and serious flu.
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