Seborrheic keratoses are common benign skin lesions that frequently appear in adults as they age. Family physician Dr Ivan Chow explains why professional medical evaluation is crucial to distinguish these harmless growths from skin cancers and reviews safe, effective clinical removal options.

Xanthelasma are yellowish cholesterol-rich plaques that appear around the eyelids. While harmless, they are medically significant because they may indicate underlying lipid abnormalities or cardiovascular risk. Family physician Dr Ivan Chow explains the medical causes, the necessity of cholesterol screening, and safe, clinical treatment options.

Temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction is a common medical condition affecting the jaw joint and surrounding muscles. While many assume jaw pain or clicking is purely stress-related, it reflects mechanical imbalance, inflammation, or muscular overactivity. Family physician Dr Ivan Chow explains the causes, types, risks of ignoring symptoms, and why structured medical evaluation and early treatment are essential to prevent long-term joint damage.

Syringomas are harmless sweat-duct tumours that form small, skin-coloured or yellowish bumps around the eyes and face. Discover why squeezing is ineffective, how doctors distinguish syringomas from milia or xanthelasma, and explore safe medical removal options like electrosurgery and laser therapy.

Sebaceous cysts are common, benign skin lumps filled with keratin. Discover why proper medical diagnosis is essential to rule out other conditions, why squeezing cysts at home is dangerous, and how minor surgical excision provides safe, permanent removal.

Skin tags (acrochordons) are common soft, pedunculated growths. Family physician Dr Ivan Chow explains why medical evaluation is vital to rule out skin cancer, highlights metabolic factors, and reviews safe clinical removal procedures.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Warts are contagious skin infections caused by HPV. Learn about common wart types, health risks, and 6 medical treatment options, including CO2 laser and cryotherapy.

Wrinkles reflect structural skin ageing. Learn about key wrinkle types, risks of delay, and 9 medical treatment options including botulinum toxin, lasers and RF.

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.