Skin problems are varied, and accurate diagnosis is essential
Skin problems can have very different causes and treatments even if their appearance is similar. Whether it's eczema or athlete's foot, a wart or a mole, herpes or impetigo—self-diagnosing and using steroids or over-the-counter medications can worsen symptoms or make diagnosis difficult.
Our clinic has both internal medicine and dermatology departments, and we handle a wide range of issues, from common skin conditions to infections and injuries. In cases of severe conditions or suspected malignancy, we promptly refer patients to specialist dermatological institutions.
Main Skin Conditions Treated at Our Clinic
Eczema, rashes, chapped hands, dry skin, insect bites, herpes, impetigo, warts, athlete's foot, heat rash, burns, cuts, chilblains, shingles, mole consultations, initial evaluation of skin tumors—we can address a wide range of skin conditions.
Common Skin Symptoms and Their Characteristics
Eczema/Dermatitis (Inflammatory Skin Diseases)
| Condition | Characteristics | Main Treatment |
|---|---|---|
| Contact dermatitis (rash) | Redness and itching consistent with the area that touched the causative substance | Elimination of cause, topical steroids, antihistamines |
| Hand eczema (housewife's eczema) | Worsened by water work, dryness, cracks, itching | Moisturizers, topical steroids, glove use |
| Seborrheic dermatitis | Redness and dandruff on the scalp, eyebrows, and sides of the nose | Antifungal topical medication, mild steroids |
| Nummular eczema | Coin-shaped redness, severe itching, especially on the lower limbs | Topical steroids, moisturizers |
| Xerosis (senile xerosis) | Dryness, flaking, itching that worsens in winter | Primarily moisturizers, steroids if necessary |
| Heat rash (prickly heat) | Summer rash caused by blocked sweat ducts | Cooling, moisturizing, steroids if necessary |
Infectious Skin Diseases
| Condition | Characteristics | Main Treatment |
|---|---|---|
| Herpes simplex (e.g., cold sores) | Tingling → blisters → scabs, recurrent outbreaks | Antiviral drugs (oral/topical) early initiation |
| Shingles | Unilateral pain → band-like blisters | Antiviral drugs (early initiation is crucial) |
| Impetigo | Weeping blisters or erosions, spreads by contact | Antibiotics (oral/topical) |
| Verruca vulgaris (warts) | Hard, rough papules, HPV infection | Liquid nitrogen cryotherapy (multiple sessions needed) |
| Molluscum contagiosum (water warts) | Shiny papules with a central indentation | Observation or removal (common in children) |
| Tinea pedis (athlete's foot) | Weeping/itching between toes, nail fungus | Antifungal topical medication, oral medication for nail fungus |
Injuries/Burns
- Cuts, scrapes, contusions, puncture wounds
- Burns (initial evaluation of 1st to 3rd degree)
- Chilblains (frostbite)
- Insect bites (mosquitoes, gnats, mites, bees, etc.)
Growths/Pigmented Lesions
| Type | Characteristics | Treatment Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Atheroma (epidermoid cyst) | Dome-shaped lump with a black dot in the center | Incision and drainage if infected, surgical excision for definitive cure (referral) |
| Lipoma | Soft lump under the skin | Observation, referral if large or growing |
| Seborrheic keratosis (senile wart) | Brownish raised lesions that increase with age | Observation if not for cosmetic reasons |
| Mole (pigmented nevus) | Congenital or acquired, usually benign | Differentiating melanoma based on ABCDE criteria |
| Spots (senile lentigo, etc.) | Brown, flat pigmentation on the face and back of hands | Cosmetic area, topical treatments, laser (self-pay) |
Danger Signs of Moles and Growths (ABCDE Criteria)
Do not overlook melanoma
Findings that meet the following ABCDE criteria may indicate skin cancer. If even one applies, a detailed examination by a specialist institution is necessary.
| Item | Suspicious Finding for Malignancy |
|---|---|
| Asymmetry | Asymmetrical shape |
| Border | Blurred or irregular border |
| Color | Multiple colors present (black, brown, red, white, etc.) |
| Diameter | Diameter 6mm or larger |
| Evolution | Changes in size, color, or shape in a short period |
Other Warning Signs
- Bleeding, erosion, or ulceration
- Pigmented lesions on the palms, soles of the feet, or nails
- Rapidly growing lumps
- Accompanied by pain, itching, or numbness
- Family history of skin cancer
Consult us in these cases
- Eczema/itching that does not improve with over-the-counter medicine for more than 2 weeks
- Symptoms are spreading throughout the body
- Rashes accompanied by blisters or weeping
- Accompanied by fever or swollen lymph nodes
- Recurrent herpes outbreaks
- Warts are increasing or getting larger
- Concerned about moles or they are changing
- Burns accompanied by blisters, or extensive burns
- Children's skin symptoms (impetigo, molluscum contagiosum, etc.)
About Topical Steroids
Topical steroids are the cornerstone of eczema treatment, but it's crucial to choose the appropriate strength, application area, and duration. At our clinic, we use different strengths depending on the symptoms, aiming for maximum effect with the minimum necessary amount.
Strength of Topical Steroids (5 Levels)
| Rank | Representative Product Name | Main Application Area |
|---|---|---|
| I. Strongest | Dermovate, etc. | Palms, soles of feet, stubborn eczema |
| II. Very Strong | Antebate, Myzer, etc. | Severe eczema on trunk and limbs |
| III. Strong | Rinderon V, Boara, etc. | General eczema on trunk and limbs |
| IV. Medium | Rocoid, Almeta, etc. | Face, children, delicate areas |
| V. Weak | Kinderbate, etc. | Infants, very mild symptoms |
Correct application method: "FTU (Finger Tip Unit)"
The amount squeezed from the fingertip to the first joint of the index finger (approx. 0.5g) is a guideline for the amount to apply to an area the size of two adult palms. The basic principle is "apply a sufficient amount thoroughly" rather than "apply thinly." Applying inadequately can prolong inflammation and actually extend the usage period.
Examination and Procedures at Our Clinic
Examination/Tests
- Evaluation of lesions by visual inspection and palpation
- Evaluation based on dermoscopy (magnified observation of pigmented lesions)
- Fungal testing (KOH direct microscopy): confirmation of athlete's foot and candidiasis
- Bacterial culture test (when necessary)
- Blood tests (allergy-related, inflammatory markers)
Procedures
- Liquid nitrogen cryotherapy (for warts, seborrheic keratosis)
- Cleaning, suturing, and dressing of cuts and abrasions
- Dressing of burns
- Incision and drainage for infected atheromas
- Early antiviral treatment for shingles and herpes
- Antibiotic treatment for impetigo
Referral when necessary
- Lesions suspected of skin malignancy → Specialist dermatology hospital
- Surgical excision of atheromas/lipomas → Plastic surgery/Dermatology
- Extensive or deep burns → Emergency/Plastic surgery
- Intractable or specific atopic dermatitis → Specialist dermatologist
Self-care for Maintaining Skin Health
Basic Skincare
- Avoid over-washing: bathe once a day, don't scrub too hard
- Lukewarm water at 38-40℃ (hot water worsens dryness)
- Choose mild soap and those with moisturizing ingredients
- Apply moisturizer within 5 minutes after bathing
- Apply plenty of moisturizer (2-3 times a day in dry seasons)
- Keep nails short to prevent scratching
Infection Prevention
- Avoid sharing towels and bath mats (for athlete's foot and herpes prevention)
- Keep wounds clean and consult early (for impetigo prevention)
- Do not scratch molluscum contagiosum or warts (to prevent spread)
Sun Protection (Skin Cancer Prevention)
- Use sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher, PA++ or higher) year-round
- Physical protection with hats, long sleeves, and sunglasses
- Avoid direct sunlight between 10 AM and 2 PM
- Do not ignore blisters after sunburn; seek medical attention
Characteristics of Our Dermatology Services
- Internal medicine co-location allows evaluation of skin symptoms + overall health
- Treatment of a wide range of common skin conditions such as eczema, infections, and injuries
- Wart treatment with liquid nitrogen, suturing, and procedure support
- Appropriate prescription of topical steroids, considering rank, area, and duration
- Prompt referral to specialist institutions if skin malignancy is suspected
- Fungal tests and blood tests available on the same day
- No appointment needed, same-day consultation OK / open 9 AM - 9 PM daily / 1-minute walk from Jujo Station
If in doubt, consult us first
Please feel free to consult us about "skin symptoms where you don't know which department to go to." We will collaborate with specialist dermatology institutions, plastic surgery, and internal medicine as needed. Receiving an early and accurate diagnosis is the first step in treatment.
