Botox - Erasing Frowns, Gaining Friends

Wear a smile and have friends, wear a scowl and have wrinkles. By George Eliot


A psychologist friend shared with me an interesting finding last Christmas, over roast chicken and our neighbour’s scrumptious sheperd’s pie.


We had just launched into a hearty discussion about botulinum toxin treatment (commonly referred to by the trade name ”Botox”) and its psychological effects.


“ Do you know that botox can improve your mood, and perhaps even treat depression?” said my friend


Hmm, I have suspected that for some time. Patients, following their first treatment with botulinum toxin, reported that they felt better than they had in a long while.


“There is research, which showed that patients who had treatments to their frown lines were able to maintain a positive mood more easily, compared to patients who did not have the treatments,” she added, citing the study findings.


Also these findings were independent of whether the patients in the study were deemed attractive or otherwise.


Click here to read more.

3 Things You Should Know About Eczema

If eczema is inherited, how come my child has eczema when I do not? Is it caused by something in the diet? Is eczema contagious? I know steroid creams work, but I am scared to use them on my child... The list goes on.


These are questions which parents ask time and again. If you are a parent of a child with eczema, you would probably have similar concerns and uncertainties.


Uncertainty #1: Is Eczema is caused by food allergy?


No. Trust me, even if you were to feed your child nothing but rice water everyday, your darling will still have eczema. Yet, there are parents who continue to subject their children to numerous, and often, costly tests, only to be told that they are "allergic" to nearly everything under the sun. When parents act on these test results, eliminating vital foods such as milk or eggs from the child's diet, they risk depriving the child of precious nutrition required for growth and health.


If you still suspect that it was the spinach from yesterday's dinner, speak to a dermatologist or allergy specialist about it. Have it properly evaluated. It also helps to keep a food diary. In the diary, detail the foods which your child has taken, and the reactions that follow.


Uncertainty #2: We do not have eczema, so why should our child?


Not having the disease, does not equate a clean slate. This is because the genes for eczema can remain hidden, till an opportune time. Or change as they are passed on.

Junior inherits genes from both parents. Eczema can be analogised to hitting the jackpot. The "perfect" combination lands Junior the "prize". Also, the disease becomes more or less severe depending on the genetic permutation.


One of the key genes which has been widely studied, is the Filaggrin gene. Filaggrin is found in our skin. It behaves like a sponge, trapping precious moisture within the skin. Children with eczema has lower than normal amount of fillaggrin. So the skin dries out too quickly, cracks up and itches.


The cornerstone in eczema treatment is therefore to use a moisturiser regularly. (More about Moisturisers later)


Uncertainty #3: No more steroid creams for me, please!

There is certainly no lack of bad press surrounding topical corticosteroid creams. While it is true that topical corticosteroids can cause undesirable side effects such as dryness and thinning of the skin, they are mostly a result of unregulated and unsupervised use of these medications.

Steroid creams are prescription-only medications in Singapore. Topical corticosteroids are available in various strengths (potency) and your doctor will advice on the appropriate one for your child.

Topical corticosteroids are still by far, the most effective treatment for reducing the symptoms of eczema. Do not be too hasty in rejecting them outright.  When used appropriately and under a dermatologist's supervision, they are effective and safe. 



I always provide my patients with specific instructions on when and how corticosteroid creams should be used. This ensures speedy recovery, which is safe at the same time.

Most of all, we fear what we do not understand. But to understand is half the battle won.

Eczema is on the RISE

The rash that heralds the start of childhood eczema

Dear Mummies and Daddies,


Do you have a child (or children) who has eczema? Perhaps you might know of a friend's kid who has. Or you might have noticed your son's playmate at the playground scratching away.


If so, it is not surprising. The incidence of eczema is indeed rising. Going by current statistics, your child would have a 50% chance of suffering from eczema at some point in his or her lifetime! This is staggering!


Whether you are already a parent to a child with eczema, or a newbie to the "club", the best defence is knowing what makes eczema tick. You can conquer eczema!


As a dermatologist, I have treated countless children with eczema.


Read on to find out the Skin Secrets to vanquishing eczema.

Beginning of Blogging

I am a Dermatologist at Mount Elizabeth Hospital and KK Women's and Children's Hospital.

I am starting the blog on Skin Secrets to engage my patients and empower you with the information that you crave.

The information is updated and cutting-edge. Founded on scientific evidence and experience gleaned from treatment thousands of patients. 

My areas of interest are Paediatric Dermatology and Laser Surgery. Areas of expertise include eczema, birthmarks, pimples and pigmentation. 



Professional qualifications:


•MBBS (Singapore)
•MRCP (UK)
•MMed (Singapore)
•FAMS (Dermatology)
•Visiting Specialist to KK Women’s and Children’s Hospital


http://www.drjeanho.com/