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.

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.

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.

Family physician Dr. Ivan Chow explains cherry angioma features, causes, diagnosis, and safe treatment options. Learn why you should never pick or remove them at home.

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.

What are the types of vaccination available? How do they differ from each other? When will the vaccine be ready for us? what is the latest update? All information that you need to know is here.

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.

Compare Saxenda, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Ozempic. Find the best weight-loss injection for you. We break down effectiveness, cost, side effects, and how they work.

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.

Obesity is neither an external nor a cosmetic worry byt an urgent health concern. (Chinese only)

Overweight and obesity are defined as abnormal or excessive fat accumulation that may impair health. Body mass index (BMI) is a simple index of weight-for-height that is commonly used to classify overweight and obesity in adults.

Wonder what Peptide Injection is? How does the mechanism work? What problem can Peptide therapy address? Click to read all the FAQ on peptide therapy.

2025-2026 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

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.

Common cold and flu are both contagious respiratory illnesses, however, they caused by different virus.

The Vaccine Subsidy Scheme, also known as the VSS, is created by the Hong Kong Government to subsidise the costs of annual vaccinations and private primary healthcare.

High-risk individuals with underlying health conditions, such as diabetes patients, are at risk for more severe complications from flu than the general public.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The JN.1 variant is a sublineage of the coronavirus 19 (COVID 19) derived from the Omicron BA.2.86.

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.

The Hong Kong Government provides vouchers to pay for private primary healthcare services to eligible persons.

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.

Vaccinations are an important part of family and public health. Your body builds a defence system to fight foreign germs that could make you sick or hurt you.

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. 

For many women, the regularity of their menstrual cycle is a barometer of reproductive health. Yet, deviations from the norm, such as a delayed period, can prompt a flurry of concern.

Vitiligo is a chronic autoimmune disorder characterised by the loss of skin pigmentation. This condition leads to the development of white patches on the skin, hair, and mucous membranes.

Paying attention to 6 points will improve your digestive tract naturally

Bruxism is a condition of grinding or clenching teeth. People with bruxism may unconsciously clench their teeth when awake or grind their teeth while sleeping.

Is bubbly urine a sign that we do not drink enough water? Is foamy urine a bad omen?

Have you had Botulinum Toxin injections and are fed up with not seeing any results when you look in the mirror? You might be encountering treatment failure to Botulinum Toxin.

Immunity is our body's defence mechanism against alien organisms. Caring for yourself will support your immune system in caring for you.

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.

In skin rejuvenation treatments, doctors may utilise carbon dioxide (CO2) lasers. The aim of treatment is to stimulate the production of new skin cells and remove the topmost layer of skin to improve the skin’s appearance.

Studies have shown that regular screening of women with no symptoms has decreased the number of women who die from breast cancer by approximately 45 percent.

Though both dietitians and nutritionists focus on food nutrition knowledge, a dietitian is different from a nutritionist.

Tips in helping you start a heart-healthy life.

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.

Shingles (also known as “herpes zoster”) does not only happen to the elderly, young people who suffered are also on an uptrend.

There are many kinds of plant-based milk (e.g. soy milk, almond milk, oat milk, pea milk, coconut milk, etc); which one is healthier and how should I choose?

The primary sources of trans fats in our diet are fried meals and bread items that contain or use hydrogenated vegetable oils. Sheep and cattle, such as whole milk and butter, naturally contain a small amount of trans fats.

In cold weather, we like to eat hot pot and spicy food to warm ourselves up. However, spicy food may cause acid reflux, which makes the stomach "complain".

During the Lunar New Year period, various delicious festive food will be served. But most New Year foods are high in salt or sugar, so overeating is not beneficial. How can we eat happily and healthily during the Lunar New Year?

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. 

The lymphatic system probably needs to be better known by the public as it looks complex. Most people may not have a good understanding of this vital system of our body and how it works.

It is common to feel bloated (burp or fart) at times. Sometimes foods you eat or certain illnesses can cause gassy.

Introduction, treatment and laxative drugs of Chronic Constipation.

Helicobacter Pylori (HP) is a bacterium that can cause peptic ulcer and gastritis, HP infection is very common, the rate of infection in Chinese population is about 50-60%, and most infected people have no symptoms.

Sunlight in autumn and winter is not as strong as in summer, so it is easier to perform skin procedures. Remember the below three tips, take advantage of this autumn and winter to regain your bright, smooth and glowy skin before next summer.

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.

There are several different types of dermal fillers. The most common types included hyaluronic acid(HA), Poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA), Polycapolactone (PCL) and Calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA).

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.

Make sufficient preparations before traveling, and clearly understand the environment, customs and cultural beliefs of the destination, so as to reduce the chance of facing diseases when traveling abroad.

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?

Most invasive wrinkle treatments on the market involve injecting botulinum toxin to smooth out dynamic muscles, reducing wrinkles caused by muscle movements.

You may ignore the necessity of sunscreen on cloudy days as our skin will be damaged by ultraviolet rays any day.

Collagen is an important protein in the human body. It exists widely in the human body and plays the role of connection and support. Among them, the highest proportion is in our skin. 

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?

Everyone wants to stay young and slow down the time when our body gets old. The latest research found that following a diet plan to reduce daily calorie intake can slow the ageing rate by 2-3% after two years.

Irregular vaginal bleeding after menopause may be a sign of disease. After menopause, there is usually no bleeding period. As long as there is bleeding, it is considered abnormal.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a common cause of cervical cancer, but it does not mean that men will not be infected HPV.

(English version will be available soon) 浪漫的情人節來臨，許多情侶會共享下午茶或者互送巧克力來表達愛意，但要注意下午茶常見的蛋糕、甜點及巧克力等甜食，在製作過程中會添加糖、油脂或其他原料，因此多屬於高熱量、高糖或高脂肪的食物。

There are more than 200 types of HPV with different symptoms in each kind, which are commonly transmitted through sexual contact. They can be roughly divided into high-risk and low-risk types.

In winter, it's common to hear, "It's cold out there. Put on extra layers. Don't catch a cold!" What is the relationship between cold weather and illness? Cold weather does not directly make people sick, but other reasons cause it.

Food additives are found in all processed foods these days and a good percentage of our foods are now processed.

Insomnia is a common encounter living a city life. And many factors may affect your sleep quality, however, you may change change daily habit to improve your sleep quality.

Have you ever felt stomachache or tummy pain before an interview, a bowel urgency before an examination or faster heartbeat when you are presenting? Let's understand how does stress affect your body.

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?

A vaccine antibody test, also known as a vaccine efficacy test, is conducted to check whether individuals have developed antibodies after being vaccinated. Such test looks for antibodies that are specific to the outer portion of the virus itself. 

All viruses, including SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, change over time.

Getting simple screenings like cardiovascular health, high blood pressure, and age-appropriate cancers could help doctors to arrange treatment for potentially fatal conditions.

How to find out bladder cancer at early stage? (Chinese version only)

For those afflicted by Covid, many will feel unwell for some time after. This feeling may be due to the flurry of immune activity that your body musters to fight the virus, but may also be due to other reasons.

As people are living longer, parts of their body such as the heart valves can develop a problem. Let's talk about heart valves disease, including the specific risks, symptoms, detection, and treatment.

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. 

A family doctor is a community-based healthcare provider, which provides continual and comprehensive health care service.

Travel bubble has been set up between countries to re-establish connections by opening borders. Here are some tips to travel safely during the Covid-19.

This article will discuss tips on maintaining mental health for adults, children and those with mental health issues during the challenging time of Covid-19.

Everyone is at risk of getting COVID-19 if exposed to the virus. Some people are more likely than others to become severely ill.

To get rid of yeast in the body, it is important to go on a sugar free diet to starve the yeast.

Gluten is a protein found in wheat. Removal of Gluten / Wheat from your diet can have many great health benefits.

Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) is very common in a city like Hong Kong.

Important Data about COVID-19 current development

Monkeypox (mpox) is a rare zoonotic disease. Though the disease is not often to be reported in Hong Kong, it is something that we need to be aware of.

During autumn and winter, cases of sudden death caused by myocardial infarction are more common. The public should be careful to prevent heart attacks.

Successful weight loss depends on higher calories-burnt compared to calories-consumed, is intensive exercise the only way to lose weight?

Obesity is commonly found in women aged between 65 to 84 years old (34.3%) and men aged 34 to 54 years old (34.1%). Is dad bod a natural phenomenon or a warning sign of obesity?

Cough is a common symptom of respiratory diseases. It may be a reaction caused by dry throat or trachea, or it may be caused by more serious infections such as colds, pneumonia, tuberculosis or even lung cancer.

Not only adults can develop gastroenteritis, but if your children experience diarrhoea, stomachache, fever or throw-up, with continual changes in bowel habits, they may be infected with rotavirus and suffer from "viral gastroenteritis".

Melioidosis is also known as Whitmore’s disease, which is an infectious disease caused by a bacterium called Burkholderia pseudomallei. Melioidosis can infect humans or animals. 

Stiff-person syndrome is an autoimmune and neurological disorder that causes rigidity and spasms in the trunk and limbs.

Inflammation is a key factor behind many diseases and poor function in the human body. Certain foods cause inflammation and certain foods decrease inflammation.

Healthy aging is the goal when you have reached your fifties and beyond. Being devoted to your work and family for most of your life, now is the time to focus on your health.

Most of the major transition in life was completed by women during this period, whether you’re starting a new job or living on your own for the first time or considering starting a family.

If you have reached your 50s, here are some screenings and vaccinations recommendation to help you prevent health conditions that are more common at this age.

People infected with COVID-19 can have a wide range of symptoms, ranging from being completely well, to being severely ill.

Dengue fever has arrived in Hong Kong. We need to protect ourselves.

Common signs of infection include respiratory symptoms, fever, cough, shortness of breath and breathing difficulties.

Cervical Cancer is a largely preventable disease through awareness, screening and vaccination and is treatable if caught early.

This article describes the use of cryotherapy (often also called cryosurgery) for the treatment of skin conditions in primary care.

The prevalence of food allergy has been estimated as more than 1-2 % but less than 10 % of the general population based on objective diagnostic methods.

Pneumococcal infection is caused by the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus). Understand the symptoms and how does it transmit and the risk factors.

Osteoporosis is a disease in which the density and quality of bone are reduced. Often there are no symptoms until the first fracture occurs.

In your 30s and 40s, you’re most likely to be the cornerstone at a different role, and probably busy juggling work, home, and family.