Ask a Dermatologist: Dr Ker Khor Jia from Gleneagles Hospital Singapore

Ask a Doctor Forum › Category: Dermatology › Ask a Dermatologist: Dr Ker Khor Jia from Gleneagles Hospital Singapore
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dr. Ker Khor Jia asked 2 years ago
I am Dr Ker Khor Jia, Medical Director and Consultant Dermatologist at Dermatology & Co based in Gleneagles Hospital. I trained in the United States and have expertise in the fields of laser and skin surgery, paediatric dermatology, eczema, immune-related skin diseases and hair disorders. My passion lies in caring for patients with complex skin problems and I believe in providing the most up-to-date and personalised expert care for patients. I have more than 12 years of experience in clinical practice and was actively involved in research, with multiple publications in peer-reviewed journals and dermatological book chapters. I completed my dermatology specialist training at the National Skin Centre, Singapore, and my fellowship at Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, USA. My work experience includes:
  • Deputy Head of Immunodermatology Unit, National Skin Centre, Singapore
  • Core Clinician in the divisions of Paediatric Dermatology, Dermatologic and Laser Surgery units, National Skin Centre, Singapore
I hold memberships in multiple prominent dermatologic societies in the USA, namely Rheumatologic Dermatology Society, Society for Pediatric Dermatology, Asian Society of Pediatric Dermatology, and Medical Dermatology Society. Learn more about Gleneagles Hospital here: https://patients.smarterhealth.my/hospital/gleneagles-hospital-singapore/ Learn more about me here: https://patients.smarterhealth.my/specialist-doctor/ker-khor-jia/ I am excited to be here to share/discuss Dermatologic Care with everyone. Whether you've got questions about skin, hair and nail disorders (both in children and adults), sexual health or aesthetic dermatology treatments, ask me anything! === Want to ask a question? Submit your question at the bottom of this page. Don’t forget to include your name and email address to get notified when the doctor answers your question.
15 Answers
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Dava Ajjh answered 2 years ago
I have Guttate Psoriasis. What is the best medicine for this?
dr. Ker Khor Jia replied 2 years ago

Hi, it depends on the cause of your guttate psoriasis. If it is due to an infection, eg Streptococcus infection, your psoriasis will improve after treating the infection.

Depending on your severity, Guttate psoriasis can be treated with topical steroids, topical creams containing a Vitamin D derivative, or phototherapy and systemic oral medicines.

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DK answered 2 years ago
How do we know if a skin infection is due to fungus or bacteria? How much is the estimated cost to get treatment? Thank you.
dr. Ker Khor Jia replied 2 years ago

You will need to see a dermatologist and be assessed thoroughly in person before a diagnosis can be given. I will need a detailed history and examination of your skin, with investigations before appropriate treatment can be prescribed. The estimated cost for a consultation in my clinic starts from SGD 180.

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Sintya Kumala answered 2 years ago
Doctor, is face whitening cream safe for our skin? My skin is on the tanned side and I do not feel confident about it. I bought a whitening cream online. After one month of usage, my skin is hot and peeling. Is that normal? Should I continue to use the product?
dr. Ker Khor Jia replied 2 years ago

I will suggest seeing a dermatologist to assess what is the type and cause of your pigmentation. Many whitening creams bought over the counter or online are later tested to contain some degree of harmful substances which may result in the skin irritation that you are experiencing. I will suggest stopping the whitening cream for now and seek professional medical advice.

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M Anthon Mohammad answered 2 years ago
I have been feeling itchiness on my skin. Is there any medicine to treat this?
dr. Ker Khor Jia replied 2 years ago

This can be due to dry skin so using a gentle soap and moisturiser will help. If there are rashes associated with itch, you will need to consult a dermatologist.

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Khairunisa answered 2 years ago
Doctor, sometimes when I am at a dusty place, I find red specks appearing suddenly on my arm. They don't itch, nor do they hurt. I usually treat this with an ointment from the pharmacy. However, if I enter a dusty place again, the same condition recurs. Is this an allergy? Is it okay if these specks keep appearing?
dr. Ker Khor Jia replied 2 years ago

Hi, it sounds like you have sensitive skin that is prone to allergies. Dust in the environment can trigger rashes to appear, which usually subsides fairly quickly when you leave that environment. Do avoid dusty places if that is a trigger for you. There are allergy tests to house dust mites which can be done.

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Maya answered 2 years ago
Doctor, I am 18 years old. I tend to sweat a lot - until my shirt is soaked. I don’t do strenuous activity though. Is that normal? What should I do to reduce excessive sweating?
dr. Ker Khor Jia replied 2 years ago

Sweating helps your body to cool down if you are warm. If you sweat excessively compared to your peers, it can be due to a thyroid problem, that can cause excessive sweating. It is good to have a blood test to check that out. If thyroid test is normal and you sweat excessively, that can be treated with topical anti-perspirants to the armpits, palms and soles, or oral medication for generalised excessive sweating.

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Nony answered 2 years ago
Doctor, my son is 20 years old and he has some warts on his face. What is the cause? Are there any foods he should avoid? What is the solution and how much is the estimated cost to treat this problem? Thank you
dr. Ker Khor Jia replied 2 years ago

Warts are caused by the Human papillomavirus (HPV) virus. When you touched certain surfaces which have the virus and touched your face it cam spread like that. No food to avoid. Depending on exact location and size of warts they can be treated by liquid nitrogen or laser therapy. Estimated cost ranges from SGD 100-800.

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Manda Yul answered 2 years ago
Doctor, can I ask if moles are dangerous? I read an article that said a mole can turn into a tumor or cancer. I have a mole on my chin and I feel like it has grown bigger these 2 years. Should I be worried and see a dermatologist?
dr. Ker Khor Jia replied 2 years ago

Moles are generally not dangerous and they are benign. Danger signs which suggest a mole turning bad will be sudden enlargement over a few months, change in colour eg brown to pale white, irregular borders, asymmetric shape, diameter >6mm, and a new nodule on top of existing one. Do see a dermatologist if any of your moles show the above features.

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Nony answered 2 years ago
Dotorc, my son is 23 years old. He has some bald spots on his head. Some say the bald spots are due to fungal issues. I took him to a doctor who said it was baldness and that my son has very slow hair growth. What is the cause, Doctor? What should I do?
dr. Ker Khor Jia replied 2 years ago

Hello, the bald spots have to be assessed in person by a dermatologist. It is difficult to ascertain an exact cause without seeing the patient. Several causes may be:

1. Alopecia areata where there are bald patches on the scalp caused by an immune system problem.
2. Localised fungus infection where there may be redness and scales on the bald patches.
3. Pulling of hair can also cause bald patches.

Do see a dermatologist for appropriate treatment options.

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Dio Agustinus answered 2 years ago
Hello Doctor. This past month, I have been having chapped skin on my right palm. It feels hot and itchy. This problem started after I wash the dishes. Does it mean I am allergic to dish soap, even though I have never had an allergy to any kind of soap before? How do I treat this allergy on my palm?
dr. Ker Khor Jia replied 2 years ago

Hi, this sounds like hand eczema which is sensitive irritated skin on the palm. The dishwashing detergent may be too harsh and caused damage to your skin. It is not a form of allergy but it is an irritation from harsh soaps. You can start wearing gloves when you wash dishes. This can be treated by a topical anti-inflammatory cream and moisturisers.

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Arimbi answered 2 years ago
 Doctor, the skin on my face has all along been dry - it's now gotten drier as I spend a lot of time in an air-conditioned room. I am not comfortable with my skin as it's sometimes chapped near the nose and mouth. Are there any suggestions on how I can treat dry skin, Doc?
dr. Ker Khor Jia replied 2 years ago

Hi, you should use a gentle skin cleanser to wash your face so as not to strip your skin of moisture. Next, use a ceramide-containing moisturiser on your face twice a day as that helps to retain moisture. For the lips you can use a lip balm as frequently as you can.

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nami answered 2 years ago
Hi Doctor. Are there any foods that can whiten the skin? My skin is brown. I have tried whitening creams but the result was awful, with my face turning hot and chapped. I would like to whiten my skin naturally. Can my skin turn white by consuming certain foods?
dr. Ker Khor Jia replied 2 years ago

Hi, there are no foods to consume to whiten the skin unfortunately. Use sun block daily and avoid excessive sun exposure as that will worsen the brown patches. There are whitening creams which are gentle, you may want to consult a dermatologist on that, to determine the type of pigmentation you have and advise on appropriate treatment.

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Vnda answered 2 years ago
Doctor, I have been living with a red circle on my face since I was born. People say it's a birthmark but my parents do not have something similar. Can it be removed so that I can be more confident?
dr. Ker Khor Jia replied 2 years ago

Hi, if you have been born with it then it is likely a birthmark. It will be more accurate to have a dermatologist assess it. Lasers can be done for removal.

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julianto saputra answered 2 years ago
Doctor, why are there red spots on the head of my penis? Urinating does not hurt for me though, and there is no pus. 
dr. Ker Khor Jia replied 2 years ago

This will have to be assessed by a dermatologist in person as there are many causes of red spots, such as irritated skin on the sensitive area, or fungus infection. Please see a doctor for assessment. Thank you.

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Frantisek answered 2 years ago
Good morning, I read that it is common now to use long term maintenance therapy by Isotretinoin in low doses. I got one full dose of isotretinoin course 5 years ago (male, aged 35 years) for adulthood bad acne. My acne relapsed two years later and I got a few months on Doxybene - relapsed, so then I got a few months of 20 mg of isotretinoin daily, then 10 mg daily and now it is maintainance 3x10 mg weekly for more than one and a half years. It seems that for me, an effective amount is 30 to 40 mg of isotretinoin weekly. I have no issues, no side effects and acne and face seborrhea is gone. Is it possible to continue in this maintenance isotretinoin regime for long term? For years? I found articles that it is possible and even some dermatologists themselves use this regime only for oily skin. In our country it is not common and my doctor want me to stop treatment by isotretinoin. It also keeps my face seborrea under control. Thank you for your response.

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