Transformative Treatments for Chronic Skin Conditions

Transformative Treatments for Chronic Skin Conditions

For Alice*, living with eczema was a constant struggle. When the teen first walked into Dr Wong Soon Tee’s dermatology practice at Camden Medical, her lower limbs were covered in angry red rashes.

The constant itch had driven her to scratch relentlessly, leaving a constellation of marks and scars across both legs. For a teenager navigating the social complexities of adolescence, the visible reminders of her condition had become a source of deep self-consciousness.

Dr Wong, founder of Assurance Skin, Lasers & Aesthetics, has made it his professional mission to bring hope and healing to patients like Alice who live with chronic skin conditions.

Comfortable in your own skin

Alice's story illustrates the profound impact chronic skin conditions have beyond their physical manifestations. Dr Wong – one of Singapore's most senior dermatologists with over three decades of experience – has witnessed firsthand how conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and severe scarring can affect every aspect of patients' lives.

Eczema causes dry, itchy and inflamed skin, while psoriasis causes rashes with itchy, thick and scaly patches. People with these visible chronic skin condition can become self-conscious, especially when it is serious and extensive, as they often lead to redness, flaky skin and scarring.

This can have multiple effects that extend beyond poor self-esteem, says Dr Wong. Relationships with partners may suffer, outdoor activities may become limited, sleep is disrupted, and the financial burden of ongoing treatment creates additional stress. Dr Wong notes that for many patients, these conditions create a cycle where stress exacerbates symptoms, which in turn increases anxiety about unexpected flare-ups.

Using biologics to get to the root of the problem

Dr Wong's approach to treating these challenging conditions has evolved significantly with the advent of biologics – treatments he describes as "smart weapons" in the fight against chronic skin inflammation.

Unlike traditional treatments that broadly suppress symptoms, biologics target an important key point of the inflammatory process, zoom in and negate it, he says – likening them to a guided missile taking out key and important military installation in modern warfare. “This causes the inflammatory process to crumble, become less robust, leading to partial or complete normalisation of skin.”

A drug known as Dupilumab has proven transformative for patients with severe eczema, ranging from six months to 80 years old. The treatment, which Dr Wong says has been described as "life changing" by many patients, allows adults to go about their daily lives unhindered and gives young women like Alice the confidence to wear whatever she wants.

For psoriasis patients, a drug called Guselkumab offers similar hope. It not only helps to reduce the thick patchy rashes, but tackle other psoriasis symptoms such as psoriatic arthritis.

Comprehensive and sustained care

Dr Wong's practice philosophy extends beyond prescribing advanced treatments.

“I hope to impact patients, not just on giving them effective treatment and a rapid recovery, but also a comprehensive understanding of their skin disorder, good skin health knowledge and maintenance,” he says.

For other skin concerns such as acne scars and keloids, he combines cutting-edge technologies like radiofrequency micro-needling with traditional approaches, often achieving superior results through synergistic treatment plans.

More importantly, he supports his patients with good old-fashioned evidence-based advice gleaned from his years of experience. From educating them on suitable skin care for their specific needs and dispelling skin myths and misinformation, to focusing on managing their skin care and expectations, Dr Wong takes pride in arming patients with a good understanding of their skin condition and what their treatment plan consists of.

Seeing patients like Alice do better and become more comfortable in her own skin is what brings Dr Wong professional satisfaction. According to Dr Wong, Alice today is "a happy young lady, who is comfortable to wear her skirts or short pants without being bothered by her eczema and scars anymore.”

Her transformation represents the hope Dr Wong offers all his patients: “Keep faith and be hopeful. Sometimes new advances in technologies and a combination of old and new treatment methods can surprise you.”

*Name changed to protect patient privacy