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General Dermatology

General dermatology covers the diagnosis and medical treatment of skin, hair and nail conditions — from the very common to the genuinely rare. It is the foundation of everything else the clinic does.

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At a glance

What it covers
Medical diagnosis and treatment of conditions affecting the skin, hair and nails in adults and children.
Common reasons to attend
Acne, eczema, urticaria, psoriasis, skin infections, rashes of uncertain cause, hair loss and nail problems.
What happens
History, examination — often with dermoscopy — and a treatment plan. Tests such as swabs, scrapings or biopsy are arranged where needed.
Languages
Consultations available in English and Mandarin.
Who is seen
Adults and children.
What it is

Medical dermatology, explained

The skin is the body's largest organ, and it produces an unusually wide range of problems — inflammatory, infectious, allergic, hormonal, structural and occasionally a sign of disease elsewhere in the body. General dermatology is the branch of medicine concerned with sorting out which of these is responsible and treating it.

A great deal rests on accurate diagnosis. Many skin conditions look similar to one another — eczema and psoriasis, fungal infection and dermatitis, an ordinary mole and something requiring removal. Treatment that suits one may aggravate another, which is why examination matters more than trying products in sequence.

Equally important is how a treatment is used. A prescribed cream applied too sparingly, to the wrong area, or stopped too early will underperform regardless of how appropriate it was. Part of a consultation is making sure you leave knowing exactly what to do.

What we treat

Conditions seen in general dermatology

This is not an exhaustive list — skin conditions are numerous, and part of the value of an assessment is identifying something that has not been recognised.

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Inflammatory conditions

🧿

Infections and infestations

  • Fungal infections of skin, nails and scalp
  • Bacterial infections including boils and cellulitis
  • Viral conditions including warts and molluscum
  • Shingles and cold sores
  • Scabies and other infestations
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Pigment and lesions

👥

Hair and scalp

  • Hair loss and thinning
  • Alopecia areata
  • Scalp inflammation and scaling
  • Excess hair growth (hypertrichosis)
  • Scarring hair loss
🖐

Nail conditions

  • Nail infection and discolouration
  • Ingrown and pincer nails
  • Nail changes associated with skin disease
  • Pigmented bands in nails, which require careful assessment
  • Nail matrix biopsy where indicated
❓

Rashes of unclear cause

  • Persistent or recurrent rashes
  • Suspected drug reactions
  • Itch without an obvious rash
  • Rashes not responding to previous treatment
  • Skin changes that may reflect internal disease
Your visit

What to expect at a consultation

Before

Gather any treatments you are using or have tried, including over-the-counter products. Bring the packaging rather than relying on memory. If your skin varies — better some days, worse others — photographs taken on your phone at a bad moment are genuinely useful.

During

The consultation covers your history, then examination. A dermatoscope may be used to look at lesions in more detail. Depending on findings, tests may be arranged: a swab for infection, a scraping for fungus, or a small biopsy where a diagnosis needs microscopic confirmation.

Afterwards

You should leave with a clear understanding of what the condition is, what the treatment is intended to do, how to apply or take it, and roughly when to expect improvement. Chronic conditions usually need review to check response and adjust the plan.

A note on timeframesSkin treatments rarely work overnight. Many topical treatments need six to eight weeks before their effect can be judged fairly. Knowing this in advance makes it much easier to persist through the early phase.
Dr Chen Qiping, Consultant Dermatologist, Chen Dermatology Singapore

Dr Chen Qiping

Consultant Dermatologist · MBBS, MRCP (UK), M.Sc, FAMS (Dermatology)

Dr Chen practises general adult and paediatric dermatology, with subspecialty interests in skin cancer and pigmentary disorders. Consultations are available in English and Mandarin.

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Common questions

General dermatology — frequently asked questions

What does a general dermatology consultation involve?
The consultation begins with a discussion of your concern, how long it has been present, what has already been tried and any relevant medical history. Examination of the affected skin follows, often with a dermatoscope for lesions. Depending on the findings, a diagnosis and treatment plan may be given straight away, or a test such as a skin swab, scraping or biopsy may be arranged. You will also be advised on how to use any prescribed treatment correctly, which is frequently the difference between a treatment working and not working.
Do I need a referral to see a dermatologist in Singapore?
You may attend a private dermatologist directly without a referral. However, if you intend to claim under an insurance policy or corporate health plan, a referral is sometimes required by the insurer. It is worth checking your policy before your visit. The booking form asks about corporate health insurance so our staff can advise you beforehand.
How long will I need to be on treatment?
This depends entirely on the condition. Some infections resolve within a couple of weeks. Chronic inflammatory conditions such as eczema, acne and psoriasis are managed rather than cured, and often need a period of active treatment followed by lighter maintenance. Stopping the moment the skin looks clear is one of the most common reasons a condition returns.
Can several skin problems be addressed in one consultation?
Often yes, and it is sensible to mention everything at the outset so that time can be allocated appropriately. Some concerns are related in ways that are not immediately obvious. If a problem requires a procedure or a longer discussion, a further appointment may be arranged.
What should I bring to my appointment?
Bring any creams, ointments or tablets you are currently using or have recently tried, including over-the-counter products — the packaging is more useful than trying to recall the name. Also bring your NRIC or passport, and any insurance details. If your skin looks different at other times, photographs on your phone are genuinely helpful.

References

  1. DermNet. Topics A–Z. dermnetnz.org
  2. MSD Manual Professional Edition. Dermatologic Disorders. msdmanuals.com

Page last reviewed: 28 July 2026.

Important — This page is general information about a skin condition and is not medical advice. It cannot take the place of an individual consultation, examination and diagnosis. Treatment options, their suitability and their possible side effects should be discussed with a qualified doctor who has assessed your skin. Individual results vary. If you have concerns about your skin, please arrange a consultation.

Need a skin problem properly assessed?

Arrange a consultation with Dr Chen Qiping at our Collyer Quay clinic — two minutes' walk from Raffles Place MRT. Adults and children welcome.

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