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Medical Channel Asia Latest Questions

Fatimah
Fatimah
Asked: February 19, 2025

My big toe damn pain lah, think it’s ingrown. The side of my right big toe is red, swollen, and throbbing like crazy. Tried soaking in warm salt water but macam no difference leh. Any home remedies that actually work ...

  1. Mr. Benedict Khoo, Principal Podiatrist, Straits Podiatry
    Mr. Benedict Khoo, Principal Podiatrist, Straits Podiatry Principal Podiatrist

    However, if the above steps provide no relief, that generally means that the nail spike is pretty deep, and if the spike continues to be there, things can get worse. Fret not, in this day and age, we no longer need to take out the entire nail just to resolve an ingrown toenail. That is regarded as uRead more

    However, if the above steps provide no relief, that generally means that the nail spike is pretty deep, and if the spike continues to be there, things can get worse. Fret not, in this day and age, we no longer need to take out the entire nail just to resolve an ingrown toenail. That is regarded as unnecessary, and will cause a much bigger wound for you to take care. The current treatment for ingrown toenails are mainly 3 option:

    1. First is known as a “slant back”, which is basically trimming the portion of the nail spike away without cutting too deep towards the root. This is helpful when the spike is not near the nail root at all, or the shape of the nail is largely normal.
    2. The second method is known as a “partial nail avulsion”, which basically removes a small portion of the nail all the way down to the nail root. Think of it like treating a wisdom tooth, you are just remove the tooth that is causing the problem, but the other teeth stay. After the nail is removed, we could also put in a chemical to stop that portion of the nail from growing back, so that will put an end to your suffering permanently. This method is generally recommended for cases where the spike is very close to the nail root, or the edge of the nail curves deeply into the flesh (resulting in recurring ingrown toenail)
    3. The third option is relatively new, known as “nail bracing”. This involves putting a “brace” over the nail plate to try and hold the shape of the nail such that it doesn’t grow into the flesh. This is only useful if the shape of your nail (at the base of the nail) is considered normal and not involuted (or curving into the flesh).

    We hope this gives you a better idea on the management of ingrown toenail, and hope that you received help for your problem.

    Benedict Khoo,
    Principal Podiatrist, Straits Podiatry.
    Website: http://www.straitspodiatry.com/
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Straits.Podiatry

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Susanna Tan
Susanna Tan
Asked: May 2, 2024

I’ve noticed that a family member is showing signs of depression, and I’m concerned about how to best support them. They seem withdrawn, disinterested in activities they used to enjoy, and have been expressing feelings of sadness and hopelessness. I’m ...

  1. Gerald
    Gerald

    Here are some options for Singapore!   National Care Hotline: 1800-202-6868 (8am-12am daily, from 1 Sep 2020)  Mental Well-being- Fei Yue’s Online Counselling Service- Institute of Mental Health’s Mental Health Helpline (6389-2222)- Samaritans of Singapore (1800-221-4444)- Silver Ribbon SingapoRead more

    Here are some options for Singapore!
     

    National Care Hotline: 1800-202-6868 
    (8am-12am daily, from 1 Sep 2020)
     Mental Well-being
    – Fei Yue’s Online Counselling Service
    – Institute of Mental Health’s Mental Health Helpline (6389-2222)
    – Samaritans of Singapore (1800-221-4444)
    – Silver Ribbon Singapore (6385-3714)
     Marital and parenting issues
    – Community Psychology Hub’s Online Counselling platform
     Violence or abuse
    – Big Love Child Protection Specialist Centre (6445-0400)
    – HEART @ Fei Yue Child Protection Specialist Centre (6819-9170)
    – PAVE Integrated Services for Individual and Family Protection (6555-0390)
    – Project StART (6476-1482)
    – TRANS SAFE Centre (6449-9088)
     Counselling
    – TOUCHline (Counselling) – 1800 377 2252
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Gerald
Gerald
Asked: May 17, 2024

I have a ringing sound in the ear. My doctor does not think it is serious. Is it a sign of a health problem?

  1. Dr Valerie Tay, ENT Specialist, Aspire Ear Nose Throat And Snoring Clinic
    Best Answer
    Dr Valerie Tay, ENT Specialist, Aspire Ear Nose Throat And Snoring Clinic

    Thank you, Gerald, for sharing your experience with tinnitus, commonly known as ringing in the ear. Tinnitus is quite common and typically isn't a sign of a serious health issue. However, if it worsens or becomes chronic (lasting more than three months), it can significantly impact your mood and sleRead more

    Thank you, Gerald, for sharing your experience with tinnitus, commonly known as ringing in the ear.

    Tinnitus is quite common and typically isn’t a sign of a serious health issue. However, if it worsens or becomes chronic (lasting more than three months), it can significantly impact your mood and sleep.

    If your tinnitus persists or interferes with your daily life and sleep, it’s crucial to have it evaluated by an ENT specialist. Tinnitus can stem from various causes, including:

    • Exposure to loud noise
    • Age-related hearing loss
    • Ear injuries or infections
    • Medication side effects
    • Tumors like acoustic neuroma

    An ENT specialist will conduct a comprehensive evaluation to pinpoint the exact cause of your tinnitus and rule out any serious conditions. This evaluation may include a physical examination, hearing tests, and imaging scans.

    Once the cause is identified, your ENT doctor can recommend the most suitable treatment plan, which may include:

    • Sound therapy to mask the tinnitus
    • Medications to manage related conditions or underlying infections
    • Hearing aids if there’s associated hearing loss
    • Lifestyle changes such as stress reduction and avoiding loud noises

    I would encourage you to schedule an appointment with an ENT specialist for a thorough assessment and to discuss the next steps for managing your tinnitus. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out.

    Dr Valerie Tay
    Senior Consultant Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) Surgeon
    https://www.aspire-ent.sg/
    https://www.instagram.com/drvalerietay/

    The information provided on this forum is for educational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Please consult a healthcare provider for any medical concerns, diagnosis or treatment.

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Becky Chai
Becky Chai
Asked: June 27, 2024

I’m 14 weeks pregnant (baby boy) and i have zero appetite. almost everything sounds unappealing and the act of eating feels like a chore. I thought I will show a bigger bump by now but I’m barely visible! I just ...

  1. HELF AI
    HELF AI
    The following answer is provided by HELF AI (www.HELF.co), a next-gen AI backend built to power the health & wellness industry.

    It’s understandable to be worried about your appetite and weight during pregnancy, especially with the well-being of your baby in mind. Here's some guidance to help you navigate this: Appetite Loss During Pregnancy: It’s not uncommon to experience appetite changes, especially during the first trimesRead more

    It’s understandable to be worried about your appetite and weight during pregnancy, especially with the well-being of your baby in mind. Here’s some guidance to help you navigate this:

    1. Appetite Loss During Pregnancy:
      • It’s not uncommon to experience appetite changes, especially during the first trimester, as your body adjusts to pregnancy. Nausea, food aversions, and changes in hormones can all contribute to this.
      • Focus on small, frequent meals: If large meals are too daunting, try eating small portions throughout the day. Even snacking on nutrient-dense foods like nuts, yogurt, fruit, or smoothies can help.
      • Stay hydrated: Sometimes liquids like soups, smoothies, or even water can be easier to manage than solid foods. Staying hydrated is also crucial for your baby’s development.
    2. Nutritional Support for Baby:
      • Prenatal vitamins: Continue taking your prenatal vitamins, as they can help cover any nutritional gaps.
      • Consult with your doctor: It’s important to mention your weight loss and appetite to your doctor or midwife. They can provide specific advice and, if necessary, refer you to a nutritionist.
      • Weight gain during pregnancy: Early pregnancy weight loss can happen, especially with morning sickness or food aversions. As long as you’re working with your healthcare provider to ensure you’re getting enough nutrients, your baby can still thrive.
    3. Premature Birth Concerns:
      • While it’s natural to worry, a slight weight loss or appetite change in the early stages doesn’t automatically increase the risk of premature birth. Your doctor will monitor your progress and provide support as needed to keep you and your baby healthy.

    Please reach out to your healthcare provider as soon as possible to discuss your concerns in more detail. They can help you develop a plan to manage your appetite and weight throughout your pregnancy. You’re doing a great job looking out for your baby, and your care team will support you every step of the way.

    https://www.helf.co/en

    All responses provided by HELF are generated by its AI architecture. The information shared is intended for general informational purposes only and should not be relied upon for medical diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a healthcare provider for any medical concerns, diagnosis or treatment.

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Mandy
Mandy
Asked: July 18, 2024

I’m 31 female. Been getting reddish stools, no pain though. at first I saw it was near menses period, so I think could have been menses. but menses no more and its still persists. Not pain and also no changes in ...

  1. Dr John Hsiang (Richmond Gastroenterology Centre)
    Dr John Hsiang (Richmond Gastroenterology Centre)

    It is always best to check with your doctor if there are any changes in your bowel habits, especially if symptoms persist. The gastroenterologist can investigate further to see if the change in stool colour is indeed food-related or not. You can consider stopping the food for few days to see if theRead more

    It is always best to check with your doctor if there are any changes in your bowel habits, especially if symptoms persist. The gastroenterologist can investigate further to see if the change in stool colour is indeed food-related or not.

    You can consider stopping the food for few days to see if the red stool colour disappears, and restart again and see if redness recur.

    More serious causes of red stools can include:

    • Hemorrhoids or anal fissures, which can bleed when passing hard stools.
    • Gastrointestinal bleeding from conditions like ulcers, colon polyps or colon cancer.

    If you experience symptoms like abdominal pain, black stools, fatigue, weight loss, get it checked by a gastroenterologist.

    Dr John Hsiang
    Gastroenterologist and Hepatologist
    https://richmondgastro.com.sg/
    FB – Richmond Gastroenterology Centre
    https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61552438412862&mibextid=ZbWKwL
    https://www.tiktok.com/@gastrodoc_sg

    The information provided on this forum is for educational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Please consult a healthcare provider for any medical concerns, diagnosis or treatment.

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Matthew
Matthew
Asked: October 29, 2024

Hi there, I am having an issue with my skin. I have eczema and sometimes it gets worse when I am feeling stressed or when the weather gets too humid. How can I mitigate this? Thank you.

  1. Dr Paul Yow
    Best Answer
    Dr Paul Yow https://eagleeyeaesthetics.com.sg/doctors/dr-paul-yow/

    Hi, I’m Dr. Paul Yow – Director of Aesthetic Medicine at Eagle Aesthetics and Surgery and I hope the following answer will be useful to you! You have correctly identified that stress and weather/environmental changes can trigger eczema flares in persons with sensitive skin or difficult to manage eczRead more

    Hi, I’m Dr. Paul Yow – Director of Aesthetic Medicine at Eagle Aesthetics and Surgery and I hope the following answer will be useful to you!

    You have correctly identified that stress and weather/environmental changes can trigger eczema flares in persons with sensitive skin or difficult to manage eczema. Fortunately, there are several things you can do to mitigate the flares and soothe the skin faster.

    1. Moisturizing is key to maintaining a healthy skin barrier and reducing the number of flares you do experience. Even if the skin looks to be ok, I would still advocate the regular use of moisturisers to keep your skin healthy. 
      With regards to which type – as there are many brands out there, I would advise for a moisturizer that is adequate for your lifestyle and one that does not irritate your skin. For example – you can consider a thicker moisturiser for the night especially if you sleep in an airconditioned room. The main takeaway would be to find a moisturiser that you will apply frequently and just keep reapplying it.
    2. Seek treatment early.
      In the case of a bad flare, it is always good to see a doctor early to review the condition and see if medical treatment such as topical steroids to control the flare or anti-histamines to control the itch are required. Delaying a review can often lead to a prolongation of the flare and may contribute to other side effects such as excoriations and infections from scratching at the eczema sites.
    3. Avoid triggers.
      If there are certain instances or products you know will cause a flare – do your best to avoid them to reduce the chance of a flare occurring.

    If you have any concerns about your options, feel free to reach out for more information. Happy to help answer any more questions!

    Dr. Paul Yow
    Director of Aesthetic Medicine
    Eagle Aesthetics & Surgery
    Instagram: Dr. Paul Yow

    The information provided on this forum is for educational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Please consult a healthcare provider for any medical concerns, diagnosis or treatment.

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laser123
laser123
Asked: November 11, 2024

Hi, I’m interested to know more about fractional lasers. I’ve heard that it’s good for sagging skin and acne scars, was wondering if it would also help to shrink my pores? What are some of the benefits of going for ...

  1. Dr Paul Yow
    Dr Paul Yow https://eagleeyeaesthetics.com.sg/doctors/dr-paul-yow/

    Hi, I’m Dr. Paul Yow – Director of Aesthetic Medicine at Eagle Aesthetics and Surgery and I hope the following answer will be useful to you! You’re absolutely right – fractional lasers do help stimulate collagen production and can be an effective method to rejuvenate the skin and target texture concRead more

    Hi, I’m Dr. Paul Yow – Director of Aesthetic Medicine at Eagle Aesthetics and Surgery and I hope the following answer will be useful to you!
    You’re absolutely right – fractional lasers do help stimulate collagen production and can be an effective method to rejuvenate the skin and target texture concerns of scarring and pores as well as fine lines.

    There can be some overlap between PICO and fractional lasers but generally speaking with fractional lasers, we are referring to a class of lasers such as the Carbon Dioxide laser or Halo Laser that causes microscopic columns of damage to the skin to trigger a wound healing response to improve the skin. With PICO lasers, we are referencing a class of lasers based on their speed / rate of fire, i.e. they fire a laser beam at ultrashort picosecond pulses, and when people refer to them, they are traditionally referring to PICO lasers to help even out skin tone and treat hyperpigmentation.
    However, as laser technology advances – you will find many new PICO lasers have settings or handpieces to operate as both a fractional as well as toning (anti-pigmentation) device and this can be changed based on what your doctor is planning in that session for you.

    If you have any concerns, feel free to reach out for more information. Happy to help answer any more questions!

    Dr. Paul Yow
    Director of Aesthetic Medicine
    Eagle Aesthetics & Surgery
    Instagram: Dr. Paul Yow

    The information provided on this forum is for educational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Please consult a healthcare provider for any medical concerns, diagnosis or treatment.

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dennis2828
dennis2828
Asked: November 14, 2024

i’ve heard that men who are 60 years old are at a higher risk of prostate cancer. what are some of the symptoms that i should be looking out for?

  1. Dr Francis Chin Kuok Choon (Icon Cancer Centre)
    Dr Francis Chin Kuok Choon (Icon Cancer Centre)
    This answer was edited.

    Prostate cancer is often asymptomatic in its early stages. Many men don’t experience noticeable symptoms until the cancer has grown or spread. When symptoms do occur, they can include: Frequent need to urinate Sudden urge to urinate Reduced flow of urine Unexplained weight-loss and fatigue Lower bacRead more

    Prostate cancer is often asymptomatic in its early stages. Many men don’t experience noticeable symptoms until the cancer has grown or spread. When symptoms do occur, they can include:

    • Frequent need to urinate
    • Sudden urge to urinate
    • Reduced flow of urine
    • Unexplained weight-loss and fatigue
    • Lower back pain or pain in the hip area

    It is important to note that these can be symptoms for other conditions too.

    Dr Francis Chin Kuok Choon
    Senior Consultant in Radiation Oncology, Palliative Medicine
    https://iconcancercentre.sg/doctor/francis-chin-kuok-choon/
    https://sg.linkedin.com/in/dr-francis-chin-kuok-choon

    The information provided on this forum is for educational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Please consult a healthcare provider for any medical concerns, diagnosis or treatment.

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