Skin diseases like cancer and atopic dermatitis (AD) are on the rise in Singapore, leading to growing demand for advanced skin care and diagnostics. To address this, the Skin Health Monitoring Center (SHMC) has been launched to support clinical trials and skin research.
The center is located at the P.H. Feng Research Center at Tan Tock Seng Hospital and is led by Associate Professor Steven Thng, Chief Dermatologist of the Skin Research Institute of Singapore (SRIS). SHMC works closely with Professor Malini Olivo from A*STAR’s Institute of Bioengineering and Bioimaging (IBB).
SHMC focuses on testing and validating new imaging technologies and treatments for both healthy and diseased Asian skin. It also runs clinical trials for innovative skin therapies developed by SRIS researchers and local companies.
The center features advanced, non-invasive skin imaging tools. These include handheld Confocal Raman Spectroscopy and Photoacoustic Imaging systems. Confocal Raman Spectroscopy allows doctors to see the biochemical structure of skin layers, while photoacoustic imaging provides 3D visuals of skin architecture and blood vessels.
These technologies play a crucial role in managing skin cancers and inflammatory skin diseases like AD. Unlike older methods that required cutting the skin for diagnosis, doctors can now use imaging to examine skin in real time.
“At one time, we had to remove a piece of skin to diagnose cancer. It was invasive and needed recovery. Now, we can take a detailed photo beneath the skin and detect cancer instantly,” said Prof. Thng.
The National Skin Centre (NSC), working with SHMC, has already used these tools in key studies. In one project, doctors analyzed the skin of AD patients and compared it to healthy skin. Photoacoustic imaging revealed unique blood vessel patterns, while Raman spectroscopy identified biochemical changes, helping doctors better plan treatment.
The main advantage of these devices is their handheld design. This makes them more flexible and sensitive than current table-top machines. They can also reach difficult areas of the body and give deeper insights into skin conditions.
With a dual focus on medical imaging development and clinical testing, SHMC is set to play a key role in advancing skin health research and care in Singapore.
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