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.
Higher SPF means better protection? 8 sunscreen myths
8 Acne Myths: the misconceptions patients ask about every week
7 Psoriasis Myths: not ringworm, not contagious — are biologics safe?
7 Hair Loss Myths: hats cause baldness? Can't stop minoxidil? Stress causes alopecia areata?
Rosacea — complete patient guide: phenotypes, treatment ladder, Demodex, myth-busting
6 Urticaria (Hives) Myths: is it always allergy? Do antihistamines cause drowsiness? Can chronic urticaria be cured?
6 Shingles Myths: is wrap-around fatal? Is the vaccine worth it? How long does the neuralgia last?
7 Athlete's Foot / Nail Fungus Myths: just apply cream? Hot water kills it? No pain, no treatment?
6 Wart Myths: banana peel, single laser session, self-resolution?
Infant & pediatric atopic dermatitis — complete care guide: ages 0–5, topical therapy, the dupilumab era
Topical steroids — complete guide: 7-class system, site-by-site selection, TCI comparison, safe use
Oral Isotretinoin — a complete patient guide: who it's for, how to take it, side effects, relapse
What clinic doesn't have time to explain.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Dupilumab: How Long, When to Stop, and Maintenance Treatment
When is reducing or stopping dupilumab discussed? Review maintenance and relapse research, its limitations, and questions to discuss with your doctor.
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.
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.
Periorificial (perioral) dermatitis: complete patient guide
Recurring rash around the mouth or nose: perioral dermatitis, acne or eczema? Read about symptoms, possible triggers, diagnosis and when to seek care.
AD comorbidities & special populations — atopic march, mental health, pregnancy, infections
7 comorbidity screens, atopic march prevention, infants, pregnancy, elderly, refractory AD management.
Systemic therapy for AD — biologics, JAK inhibitors, phototherapy
4 biologics (dupilumab/tralokinumab/lebrikizumab/nemolizumab) + 3 JAK inhibitors detailed comparison chart.
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.
Psoriasis comorbidities + special populations — PsA, CV, pregnancy, pediatric, nail, erythroderma
7 mandatory comorbidity screens, pregnancy/breastfeeding, pediatric, nail psoriasis, erythrodermic emergencies.
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.
Psoriasis topical therapy — steroids, vitamin D, special site applications
Steroids levels 1-7, calcipotriol/betamethasone combo, TCI, salicylic acid, scalp/nail/intertriginous practice.
Psoriasis complete guide — subtypes, severity assessment, triggers, diagnosis
IL-23/Th17 axis, 6 clinical subtypes, PASI/BSA/IGA/DLQI scoring, triggers and differential diagnosis.
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.
Actinic keratosis (AK) + squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) — complete guide
From precancerous to invasive: Olsen grading, Bowen disease, cSCC treatment, Mohs, follow-up, sun protection.
Contact dermatitis (allergic vs irritant) complete guide
ACD vs ICD, patch testing, top allergens (nickel/fragrance/MI/PPD), avoidance, topical therapy, occupational care.
Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL / MF)
Prurigo Nodularis: Meaning, Symptoms and Treatment
Prurigo nodularis (PN) is called 結節性癢疹 in Chinese. Read about its definition, itch and nodules, diagnostic assessment, treatment options and references.
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.
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.
Dermatologic laser comparison
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.
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.
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.
Dermatology biologics + targeted therapy overview — mechanism, frequency, cost
Dupilumab, IL-17/23, JAK inhibitors, adalimumab full comparison — indications and NHI criteria.
Topical steroid complete guide — 7-level potency, FTU, TCI comparison
How to differentiate steroid potency, which level for face, fingertip unit calculation, TCI explained.
Targeted therapy (TKI) skin side effects complete guide — TLCS + TDA consensus
EGFR inhibitor acneiform eruption, xerosis, paronychia, hand-foot syndrome — prevention, assessment, management.
Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) complete guide — TDA consensus
Acne inversa, Hurley staging, adalimumab NHI 2024 coverage, surgical treatment.
Mpox skin care complete guide — TDA official recommendations
5 lesion stages, scratch avoidance, gentle cleansing, wound care, scar prevention.
Vitiligo complete guide — the JAK inhibitor era
Segmental vs non-segmental classification, ruxolitinib (Opzelura), NB-UVB, 308 nm excimer — TDA 2024 consensus.
Alopecia areata complete guide — the JAK inhibitor era
SALT grading, intralesional steroid injection, baricitinib / ritlecitinib — TDA 2024 consensus.
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.
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.
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.
Psoriasis 7 myths — not a fungus, not contagious, are biologics safe?
IL-17/23 inhibitors, NHI criteria, psoriatic arthritis, comorbidities explained.
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?
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.
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?
7 hair loss myths — Minoxidil, Finasteride, transplant
How many strands per day? Coloring? Hats? Minoxidil? Stress alopecia? Transplant once?
6 rosacea myths — not allergy, not mites, treatable
Caused by alcohol? Allergy? Mites? A-acid works? Toner soothes? Plus ladder.
7 melasma myths — laser, creams, rebound, pregnancy
One-shot laser? Stronger HQ? Rebound? Men exempt? Pregnancy clears? Plus ladder.
8 sunscreen myths — indoors, cloudy days, SPF, mineral vs chemical
Skip indoors? Cloudy off? Higher SPF better? Mineral wins? Dark skin safe?
8 acne myths the public still believes
Squeeze it? Toothpaste? Chocolate? Adults? Stronger creams faster?
Oral isotretinoin — every clinic FAQ in plain language
Indications / cumulative dose / lip dryness & LFTs / contraception / laser timing / relapse.
Retinoids, Retinol and Azelaic Acid: Differences and Combinations
Compare retinoids, retinol, azelaic acid, AHA and salicylic acid. Find sections on their differences, getting started, combining products and irritation.