Acne Treatment: Does Roaccutane/ Accutane/ Isotretinoin cause mood swings/ depression?

Does accutane/ Isotretinoin cause mood swings/ depression? This is a question repeatedly asked by patients with severe acne who need to take this drug, Isotretinoin. There have been a number of isolated case reports on side effects of Isotretinoin, particularly making depression worse. However, in my personal experience  this is unlikely to happen unless individuals have severe depression with suicidal tendencies.  I was […]

Read More
Skin Diseases can be a sign of internal Cancer

There are a number of skin diseases than can often indicate to the Dermatologist, the presence of an internal cancer/ malignancy. These authors below, report quite a rare entity called Malignant Acanthosis Nigricans. Acanthosis Nigricans is a benign skin condition which occurs commonly is obese individuals, characterised by thick, brown/ black velvety skin change in […]

Read More
Bleach baths for Eczema/ Atopic dermatitis

There is a common perception that bleach baths prevent recurrent infections that are commonly responsible for eczema flares, especially in kids. How true is this? Do bleach baths help? Are they safe? This excellent review article below discusses these very issues and the pros and cons. The Gist: Bleach baths when administered correctly can be […]

Read More
Hidradenitis Suppurativa: Answer to Skin Quiz #6

The answer to the Hidradenitis Suppurativa is indeed the answer to the Photo Quiz posted last week. This is a Dermatology Quiz posted last week is indeed Hidradenitis Suppurativa. This is a disabling skin disease akin to acne of the armpits and groins but can cause large, painful boils, cysts and scars which discharge pus. […]

Read More
Dermatology Pictures: Test yourself Quiz #6

Let us make the educational quizzes a bit more exciting and visual. Have a look at this picture below. This is a skin condition featured in ‘embarrassing bodies’ a number of times. Can you name this skin condition which presents with recurrent painful boils under the armpits, groins and under the breasts? Type your answers […]

Read More
Dermatology Questions: How good is your knowledge?

We have been running a series of polls on facebook to test user general knowledge on various dermatology questions. In the latest poll that ended last week (access it by clicking here). The questions asked were actually quite simple: Washing powders are the commonest reason for allergic skiin rashes Using Biological washing powders prevents skin […]

Read More
Genital Herpes infection: Myths and facts.

As part of our on going public educational program we conducted a self assessment poll on myths and facts about Genital herpes. Please click here to see the poll first before you read the answer below.  Unfortunately only 4/ 29 got the answer right. The answer is Genital Herpes can be acquired by oral sex […]

Read More
Genital Warts: Facts vs Myths

As part of our public education program, we asked users about their perceptions about genital warts. Please click here to access the facebook poll relating to Genital warts and view the answers to the questions posted.

Read More
Acne Myths Busted

We recently ran a facebook poll (Click here to access the link)  to find out common perceptions about acne. I am glad to say that most of the people got the answer right. So let us look at these questions one by one. 1. Masturbation promotes acne: There is absolutely no evidence to support this myth. The […]

Read More