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Dermatology Patient-Education Notes

From the clinic toyour everyday skin.

A resident dermatologist's field notes — patient questions, new evidence, and the daily basics of caring for your skin.

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AllAcneEczemaPerioral dermatitisToenail disordersOral mucosaBiologic safetyDupilumabPediatric EczemaMelasmaSunscreenRosaceaPsoriasisHair LossAlopeciaUrticariaTineaWartsShinglesVitiligoHSBiologics雷射 / 光電健保 / 自費
Articles

What clinic doesn't have time to explain.

Latest ResearchHS biologic (bimekizumab)

Does bimekizumab work for hidradenitis suppurativa? A critical appraisal of the BE-HEARD I/II phase III trials

HS is hard to treat. Bimekizumab inhibits both IL-17A and IL-17F; in the BE-HEARD I/II phase III trials about half reached HiSCR 50 at week 16, beating placebo, with efficacy comparable to adalimumab and secukinumab. A 2026 BJD critical appraisal also flags a 31% placebo response, common candida infections, and falling long-term retention.

Latest ResearchNail psoriasis therapy

How is nail psoriasis treated? Topical, intralesional, and laser-assisted delivery — a 2026 JAAD editorial review

Topicals often fail in nail psoriasis — the drug can not cross the thick nail plate. A 2026 JAAD editorial (Elston) reviews vitamin D ointments, topical MTX + CO2 laser, and intralesional injection, marking the Taiwan NHI vs self-pay divide; injection is an advanced, self-pay option for refractory disease.

Latest ResearchJAKi switching

Does switching JAK inhibitors work for alopecia areata? Real-world data from 108 switches (JAAD 2026)

JAAD 2026 multicenter retrospective (n=108): 48.8% reached SALT≤20 on a second JAK inhibitor, 52.4% on a third. Responding to the first was the strongest predictor (OR 3.33). Covers switch paths, safety, and Taiwan drug names.

K+!
Latest ResearchSpironolactone safety

Is spironolactone safe in dermatology? JAAD 2026: hyperkalemia in women ≥45 and combination LDOM prescribing

Two June-2026 JAAD studies: hyperkalemia 10.1% overall in women ≥45 (28.1% with age ≥65 + comorbidity), but 97.5% mild and 62.5% needed no change. Simultaneous LDOM start cut hypertrichosis 64.8%. Stratified monitoring + Taiwan off-label context.

Latest ResearchPhotodynamic therapy

Photodynamic Therapy (PDT) Complete Guide — from AK and BCC to acne, synthesis of two 2026 JAAD Reviews

Synthesis of two 2026 JAAD CME Reviews: PDT triad (PS + light + oxygen) → selective ROS damage. LoE IA indications: AK (77-89%), superficial BCC (92-97%), Bowen disease, acne (matches isotretinoin, lower recurrence). 7 patient FAQs + 12 indications dual-track + 5 mechanism/evidence figures.

Latest ResearchGLP-1 & hair loss

Does semaglutide cause hair loss? Bidirectional answer from two 2026 TriNetX studies

Two TriNetX 2026 cohorts: semaglutide/tirzepatide raise new-onset hair-loss risk to RR 1.77 at 1y and AGA 2.41× anytime — yet reduce treatment needs in pre-existing scarring alopecia by 30–47%. Patient FAQ + dual-pathway mechanism (anti-inflammatory vs metabolic shock) dissection.

Latest ResearchVitiligo relapse

Does vitiligo relapse after stopping? Maintenance and risk assessment

CGMH 809-patient non-segmental vitiligo cohort: 32.9% relapse after ≥6 months stability. Acral involvement (aHR 1.56), thyroid disease (aHR 1.42), other autoimmune comorbidities (aHR 1.73) are independent predictors; combined acral + thyroid hazard 2.44×. Dual-track patient + clinician write-up.

Latest ResearchAI in dermatology

Can AI help dermatologists diagnose today? Three realistic answers from the 2026 JAAD eye-tracking study

A 2026 JAAD eye-tracking study: DEXI AI heat maps correlate with dermatologist gaze at r=0.540, approaching inter-dermatologist agreement r=0.591, yet 5/20 melanomas were misclassified as nevi. A patient + resident dual-track read.

PrescriptionScabies

Severe scabies: why is it so hard to cure? Complete ivermectin + permethrin treatment guide

2026 NEJM RCT: standard ivermectin Days 0/7/14 + permethrin Days 0/7 + daily emollient = 82% Day 28 cure. Outbreak management, household co-treatment, environmental cleaning, Taiwan drug availability.

Latest ResearchBiologic safety

Do you really need annual blood tests on psoriasis biologics? A 2026 JAAD evidence-grade reappraisal

A JAAD 2026 systematic review reapplies USPSTF evidence grades: TNF-α inhibitors still need TB + HBV screening; IL-17 needs symptom inquiry for oral candida and bowel changes; IL-12/23 and IL-23 are mostly grade D. Includes Taiwan NHI gap analysis.

Latest ResearchDupilumab

Dupilumab maintenance: JAAD 2026 real-world study finds tapering relapses earlier than stopping

JAAD May 2026 Xinjiang 79-patient real-world retrospective: continuous dupilumab q2w delayed relapse markedly (159 vs short-term 66 vs tapering 48 days). Counter-intuitive: tapering relapsed earlier than stopping. Includes Taiwan NHI Article 13.17.1.

PrescriptionOral mucosa

Mouth sores, white patches, peeling gums — when to see a dermatologist: oral mucosa exam & biopsy guide

Oral mucosa is "specialized skin." 6 oral conditions in dermatology's scope, biopsy timing, Taiwan epidemiology (betel 17× leukoplakia, OLP F:M 4:1), AHA prophylaxis. 2026 JAAD CME.

Myth-bustingAcne

8 acne myths the public still believes

Squeeze it? Toothpaste? Chocolate? Adults? Stronger creams faster?

SPF
Myth-bustingSunscreen

8 sunscreen myths — indoors, cloudy days, SPF, mineral vs chemical

Skip indoors? Cloudy off? Higher SPF better? Mineral wins? Dark skin safe?

PrescriptionAtopic dermatitis

Topical therapy for AD — moisturizers, steroids, TCI, PDE4, JAK creams

Soak-and-seal, TCS class 1-7, TCI proactive maintenance, crisaborole/ruxolitinib/tapinarof/roflumilast comparison.

PrescriptionAtopic dermatitis

Systemic therapy for AD — biologics, JAK inhibitors, phototherapy

4 biologics (dupilumab/tralokinumab/lebrikizumab/nemolizumab) + 3 JAK inhibitors detailed comparison chart.

PrescriptionToenail disorders

Toenail mechanical disorders: 12-type atlas — footwear, foot deformity, joints, diabetes

Over 90% of toenail dystrophy is mechanical, not fungal. 12-type visual atlas, 4 foot deformities, diabetic foot care, Taiwan NHI drug coverage. 2026 JAAD review.

PrescriptionPerioral dermatitis

Periorificial (perioral) dermatitis: complete patient guide

Patient guide to periorificial dermatitis: the steroid trap, differentiation from acne/rosacea/eczema, stepwise topical+oral therapy, Taiwan NHI status.

PrescriptionAtopic dermatitis

AD comorbidities & special populations — atopic march, mental health, pregnancy, infections

7 comorbidity screens, atopic march prevention, infants, pregnancy, elderly, refractory AD management.

PrescriptionAtopic dermatitis

Atopic Dermatitis Complete Guide — Treatment, Comorbidity, 6 Myths

Pathophysiology, diagnosis, severity, comorbidity, treatment ladder, and 6 patient myths in one consolidated guide — covering 4 biologics, JAK inhibitors, and NICE/AAD 2024.

PrescriptionPediatric AD

Pediatric Atopic Dermatitis — Complete Care Guide

0-5 yr pediatric AD: bathing, topical steroid / TCI, allergen testing, Dupilumab ≥ 6 mo indication, atopic march. Per 2024 German S3.

Myth-bustingMelasma

7 melasma myths — laser, creams, rebound, pregnancy

One-shot laser? Stronger HQ? Rebound? Men exempt? Pregnancy clears? Plus ladder.

Myth-bustingRosacea

6 rosacea myths — not allergy, not mites, treatable

Caused by alcohol? Allergy? Mites? A-acid works? Toner soothes? Plus ladder.

Myth-bustingHair loss

7 hair loss myths — Minoxidil, Finasteride, transplant

How many strands per day? Coloring? Hats? Minoxidil? Stress alopecia? Transplant once?

Rx / LaserAcne scar treatment

Complete Acne Scar Treatment Guide — 4 atrophic, erythema, pigment, hypertrophic

How to differentiate ice-pick, boxcar, rolling scars — full comparison of fractional laser, picosecond, TCA CROSS, subcision, hyaluronic acid.

PrescriptionAlopecia areata

Alopecia areata complete guide — the JAK inhibitor era

SALT grading, intralesional steroid injection, baricitinib / ritlecitinib — TDA 2024 consensus.

PrescriptionVitiligo

Vitiligo complete guide — the JAK inhibitor era

Segmental vs non-segmental classification, ruxolitinib (Opzelura), NB-UVB, 308 nm excimer — TDA 2024 consensus.

PrescriptionTopical steroids

Topical steroid complete guide — 7-level potency, FTU, TCI comparison

How to differentiate steroid potency, which level for face, fingertip unit calculation, TCI explained.

PrescriptionBiologics

Dermatology biologics + targeted therapy overview — mechanism, frequency, cost

Dupilumab, IL-17/23, JAK inhibitors, adalimumab full comparison — indications and NHI criteria.

Product overviewWhitening agents

Whitening agents complete review — 8 ingredients, mechanism, concentration, safe use

Hydroquinone, tranexamic acid, azelaic acid, vitamin C, niacinamide, retinoids, thiamidol, cysteamine — with pregnancy use guidance.

FAQFAQ

Top 25 dermatology FAQs — why apply retinoids at night? How long can you use topical steroids?

Top 25 most-searched questions: medication use, skincare combinations, acne, lasers, pregnancy/breastfeeding — answered.

Rx / SurgeryEpidermoid cyst

Epidermoid cyst complete guide — why not to squeeze, when to excise

Cyst vs acne differentiation, the cyst wall, flare management, elliptical excision technique, NHI criteria.

PrescriptionNHI rules

Dermatology drugs NHI rules — coverage criteria, dose, prior authorization (PASS)

Oral isotretinoin, biologics, JAK inhibitors, IL-17/23 — NHI coverage criteria, dosing, course, PASS workflow.

PrescriptionTargeted therapy SE

Targeted therapy (TKI) skin side effects complete guide — TLCS + TDA consensus

EGFR inhibitor acneiform eruption, xerosis, paronychia, hand-foot syndrome — prevention, assessment, management.

Infection careMpox

Mpox skin care complete guide — TDA official recommendations

5 lesion stages, scratch avoidance, gentle cleansing, wound care, scar prevention.

PrescriptionHidradenitis suppurativa

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) complete guide — TDA consensus

Acne inversa, Hurley staging, adalimumab NHI 2024 coverage, surgical treatment.

Myth-bustingShingles

Shingles 6 myths — will it kill if it wraps around? Is the vaccine worth it?

72-hour golden window, Shingrix vaccine, post-herpetic neuralgia — 6 common myths clarified.

Myth-bustingViral warts / HPV

Viral warts 6 myths — banana peel? One laser treatment enough?

Will it resolve on its own? How many cryo sessions? HPV vaccine relevance? Plantar wart vs corn differentiation.

Complete guidePsoriasis

Psoriasis complete guide — subtypes, severity assessment, triggers, diagnosis

IL-23/Th17 axis, 6 clinical subtypes, PASI/BSA/IGA/DLQI scoring, triggers and differential diagnosis.

Complete guidePsoriasis

Psoriasis topical therapy — steroids, vitamin D, special site applications

Steroids levels 1-7, calcipotriol/betamethasone combo, TCI, salicylic acid, scalp/nail/intertriginous practice.

Complete guidePsoriasis

Psoriasis systemic therapy — phototherapy, oral, biologics, NHI coverage

NB-UVB/PUVA, MTX/cyclosporine/acitretin, IL-17/IL-23/TNFi comparison + Taiwan PASI 10/10/10 criteria.

Complete guidePsoriasis

Psoriasis comorbidities + special populations — PsA, CV, pregnancy, pediatric, nail, erythroderma

7 mandatory comorbidity screens, pregnancy/breastfeeding, pediatric, nail psoriasis, erythrodermic emergencies.

Myth-bustingPsoriasis

Psoriasis 7 myths — not a fungus, not contagious, are biologics safe?

IL-17/23 inhibitors, NHI criteria, psoriatic arthritis, comorbidities explained.

Myth-bustingUrticaria

Urticaria 6 myths — is it always an allergy? Do antihistamines cause drowsiness?

Does recurrence mean weak immunity? Contagious to family? Can chronic forms be cured? Are food allergen tests useful?

Myth-bustingTinea / Onychomycosis

7 tinea / onychomycosis myths — topical only? Hot water? No pain = no treatment?

Caused by shoes? Topical for nail fungus? Vinegar kills it? Oral antifungals harm liver? Pet fungus?

A 酸
ProductsTopical acids

Topical acids decoded — five families compared

Five families compared — uses, mixing, pregnancy, purging.

PrescriptionIsotretinoin

Oral isotretinoin — every clinic FAQ in plain language

Indications / cumulative dose / lip dryness & LFTs / contraception / laser timing / relapse.

PrescriptionAK / SCC

Skin biopsy & tumor excision — why, how, post-op

4 biopsy techniques + nail biopsy + benign lesion guide + fusiform excision + evidence-based wound care + NHI vs self-pay.

PrescriptionAK / SCC

Actinic keratosis (AK) + squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) — complete guide

From precancerous to invasive: Olsen grading, Bowen disease, cSCC treatment, Mohs, follow-up, sun protection.

PrescriptionContact dermatitis

Contact dermatitis (allergic vs irritant) complete guide

ACD vs ICD, patch testing, top allergens (nickel/fragrance/MI/PPD), avoidance, topical therapy, occupational care.

Editor's Picks
Frequently Asked

The 15 most-searched dermatology questions

Click any question to expand. Each links to a full deep-dive article.

How do I treat acne? Should I see a dermatologist?
輕度粉刺、零星痘痘可以先用 OTC(過氧化苯醯 BPO 2.5%、水楊酸、杜鵑花酸)2–3 個月。如果出現囊腫型、結節型、深層痛感、開始留疤,或外用治療 3 個月無改善,應該到皮膚科。中重度痘痘可能需要處方藥(Adapalene、口服抗生素、口服 A 酸)。完整看 痘痘 8 大迷思口服 A 酸完整衛教
Can I pop pimples?
白頭粉刺可以用消毒過的粉刺棒輕壓,不要用指甲擠。發炎中的紅腫痘絕對不要擠 — 擠壓會把感染推得更深、破壞真皮層、留下凹疤。多數凹疤源頭都是「年輕時擠過的痘」。詳見 痘痘 8 大迷思
Is higher SPF always better?
不是。SPF 30 已擋掉約 97% 的 UVB,SPF 50 擋 98%,SPF 100 擋 99% — 邊際效益很小。實際擦的厚度才是關鍵 — 多數人實際擦的厚度只有實驗室測試的 1/3。挑日常 SPF 30+ PA+++、能規律補擦的防曬,比追求 SPF 50+ 重要。完整看 防曬 8 大迷思
Do I need sunscreen indoors or on cloudy days?
要。UVA 能穿透 50% 以上的玻璃,陰天 UVA 強度可達晴天 80%。靠窗座位、開車、室內仍會被曬到。可見光與藍光也會加重肝斑。建議室內族群每天仍擦 SPF 30+ 廣譜防曬,有色防曬(含 iron oxide 氧化鐵)能多擋一層可見光。詳見 防曬 8 大迷思
How long can I use topical steroids? Will they damage my skin?
短期、依醫囑、按部位選對強度的類固醇藥膏是非常安全的第一線治療。臉、眼周、外陰需用低強度(Class V–VII),四肢可用中強度。急性期每天 1–2 次連續 7–14 天,之後改週末療法(一週 2 次)維持。長期大量錯誤使用才會皮膚萎縮。詳見 異膚 6 大迷思 — 含類固醇恐懼症
Will atopic dermatitis go away with age?
約 40–60% 的兒童異膚會在青春期前明顯改善,但 30–50% 會持續到成年。重要的是越早控制越能避免後續過敏進行曲(食物過敏、氣喘、過敏性鼻炎)。每天大量保濕修復皮膚屏障是治療基礎。詳見 異膚 6 大迷思
Can melasma be cured? Does one laser session clear it?
肝斑是慢性疾病,無法根除但可以高度控制。傳統全切除式雷射對肝斑效果差,還會誘發反黑。主流治療:每天含氧化鐵防曬 + 三合一藥膏(限期 8–12 週) + 必要時口服傳明酸 + 低能量雷射 toning(多次)。耐心 6–12 個月可顯著改善。詳見 肝斑 7 大迷思
Which doctor for hair loss? Do AGA medications work?
看皮膚科。雄性禿真正有實證的治療只有兩個:外用 Minoxidil 5%(每天 1–2 次)和口服 Finasteride 1 mg(降低 DHT)。需要連續使用 6 個月以上才看效果。已脫落的毛囊不可逆,越早治療效果越好。詳見 落髮 7 大迷思
Does Minoxidil have many side effects? Can I stop it?
多數副作用很輕(頭皮癢、初期掉髮加速、臉部多毛)。「初期掉髮」是把休止期舊髮推出去讓新髮長出來的正常過程,堅持下去就好。停藥後幾個月內會逐漸回到原本進度,不是「掉光」。換成泡沫劑型可避免 propylene glycol 過敏。詳見 落髮 7 大迷思
Is alopecia areata caused by stress?
圓禿是自體免疫疾病,壓力可能誘發但不是根本原因。不會自己好,需主動治療。輕度可用局部類固醇注射,嚴重(>50% 頭皮)的近年有 FDA 核准的口服 JAK inhibitor(Baricitinib、Ritlecitinib)效果很好。詳見 落髮 7 大迷思
How long does athletes foot take to heal? Do I need oral meds for nail fungus?
香港腳:用對的處方抗黴菌藥膏連續 2–4 週,治好後再多擦 1 週避免復發。灰指甲:多數中重度需要口服(Terbinafine 250 mg/day,足甲 6 週、趾甲 12 週),塗藥膏穿透不了指甲。輕度灰指甲可用 Efinaconazole 油劑 48 週。口服抗黴菌藥嚴重肝毒性 < 0.5%,定期追蹤抽血很安全。詳見 香港腳 / 灰指甲 7 大迷思
How to tell rosacea from acne?
痘痘有粉刺(白頭/黑頭)、皮脂多、發生在油性肌、青少年常見。玫瑰痤瘡(酒糟肌)沒有粉刺、反覆潮紅灼熱、發生在臉頰鼻頭中央(對稱)、30+ 女性多。治療策略不同 — 用治痘痘的 A 酸往往會加重酒糟。詳見 玫瑰痤瘡 6 大迷思
How long do I take oral isotretinoin? Are the side effects bad?
一般療程 6–9 個月,目標累積劑量體重 × 120–150 mg(60 公斤約 7,200–9,000 mg)。常見副作用:嘴唇乾(>90%)、皮膚乾、肝指數/血脂輕度上升。女性育齡必須嚴格避孕(致畸風險)。療程中暫停雷射、刺青、四環黴素抗生素。停藥後約 1/3 復發。詳見 口服 A 酸完整衛教
Topical retinoids vs retinol — which is for beginners?
A 酸是處方藥,效力強、轉換步驟少;A 醇是化妝品成分,需在皮膚內 2 步驟轉換才有效,效力較弱但較溫和。新手建議從 Adapalene 0.1%(處方,溫和)或 Azelaic acid 15–20%(杜鵑花酸,孕婦也可)開始,從每週 2–3 次低頻率漸進。詳見 外用酸類完整衛教
Medical disclaimer · All content here is for general educational reference only. It is not individualized medical advice and cannot replace an in-person consultation, examination, or prescription. Any decision to start, stop, or change a medication should be made with your treating physician.