Spot Diagnosis

Some of the most challenging and misunderstood conditions in dermatology are not defined by what we can see, but by what the patient experiences. Psychodermatology sits at this intersection where the skin and the brain are in constant dialogue. In this episode, Associate Professor Alvin Chong and Dr Jacqui Jiang sit down with specialist dermatologist Dr Josie Yeatman to talk about skin picking dis...

The cosmetics industry is booming, and misinformation is keeping pace. In this episode, A/Prof Alvin Chong and Dr Jacqui Jiang sit down with leading cosmetic dermatologists, A/Prof Phil Bekhor and Dr Cara McDonald to cut through the noise. From botulinum toxin, dermal filler and lasers to body dysmorphia, social media trends and what skincare routine our experts recommend to their patients, we dis...

A mildly itchy eyelid. A periocular rash. A drug that transforms lives for patients with eczema – but comes with a catch. In this episode, dermatologist Associated Professor Alvin Chong and new co-host Dr Jacqui Jiang are joined by ophthalmologist Dr Nathan Wong to explore the intersection of the skin and the eyes. From eyelid dermatitis and ocular rosacea to the side effects of drugs common...

Over the past decades, oncologists have developed an armament of incredible new anti-cancer medications. Unfortunately, these impressive medications also have an impressive list of side effects, many of which affect the skin. In this episode, we explore these adverse effects alongside dermatologist A/Prof Michelle Goh and oncologist Dr Luke McLean.   See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy in...

Few conditions cause as much uncertainty as pyoderma gangrenosum. When should you suspect an ulcer is pyoderma? How should you investigate it? What treatment options are available? We investigate these questions and more with Associate Professor Robert Kelly, an expert in ulceration and pyoderma gangrenosum. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In the five years since our initial episode on eczema, two new game-changing systemic therapies have been added to the PBS. Despite this progress, controversy in eczema remains, and issues such as topical steroid withdrawal are becoming increasingly discussed. In this episode, we address advances in eczema and tackle clinical cases alongside dermatologists Professor John Su and Associate Professor...

More than half of Australia's population will experience menopause. Yet, it remains a condition that many doctors, particularly male ones, feel underprepared to manage. What skin changes happen in menopause?  What treatments are available? Does topical oestrogen actually help with wrinkles in menopause? In this episode we answer these questions with dermatologists Dr Emma Veysey and Dr Anita...

Mycosis fungoides - a term that is both misleading and redundant. It represents just one aspect of the often complex world of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. When should clinicians suspect cutaneous T-cell lymphoma? How is it accurately diagnosed? What treatment options are available? In this episode, dermatologists Dr Friyana Bhabha and A/Prof Aaron Robinson provide expert insights into these question...

Social media is increasing used as a source of health advice, yet misinformation remains a serious concern. What kind of information are young people learning about on TikTok? Are they able to discern fact from fiction? How do we approach misinformation in patients? In this episode, we dissect these issues alongside three special guests: Dr Wonie Uahwatanasakul, Professor Margie Danchin and Dr Lax...

Psoriasis was the focus of our second Spot Diagnosis episode over five years ago. Since that time, the treatment landscape has expanded considerably, with the development of new oral agents and biologic therapies. In this episode, we are joined once again by Associate Professor Peter Foley who provides a comprehensive update on current treatment strategies and provides a suggested treatment approa...

Every interaction we make as doctors depends on communication - yet we rarely pause to reflect on how we’re actually doing it. How can we improve our everyday conversations with patients? How can we break bad news with compassion? And how should we respond to alternative health beliefs that challenge evidence-based medicine? In this episode, we explore these questions with oncologist and aut...

Sexually transmitted infections are increasing across Australia, bringing them to the forefront of concern for medical professionals. So, when is it appropriate to test for HIV? How is monkeypox diagnosed? And what’s the most effective way to manage a genital ulcer? In this episode, we discuss these key questions with Clinical Professor Louise Owen, Director of the Tasmanian Sexual Health Se...

Alopecia areata is a distressing condition and a frequent reason for referral to dermatologists. What treatments are appropriate to start in a GP setting? How do you actually perform intralesional steroid injections? And when do you need to refer to a dermatologist? In this episode, we unpack the management of alopecia areata in 3 clinical vignettes of escalating severity. See omnystudio.com/liste...

Hair loss can be a distressing concern for patients and a frequent reason for visiting GPs. When is further investigation warranted? What treatments are effective for hair regrowth? In this episode, we explore common cases of telogen effluvium and female pattern hair loss, along with a recommended management approach. Plus, two medical students join us to share their enthusiasm for hair health and...

In this episode of Spot Diagnosis , we explore two frequently coexisting conditions: venous eczema and tinea pedis. How should a patient with both be managed? This episode provides insight into the causes and treatment of these common yet challenging clinical presentations. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Introducing the latest episode of the Spot Diagnosis Podcast: Hand Dermatitis. Hand dermatitis, an itchy and often troublesome rash affecting the hands, is a frequent concern in clinical practice. It presents a range of diagnostic and therapeutic challenges. In this episode, we delve into the complexities of hand dermatitis, exploring its various causes, common clinical scenarios, and key triggers...

In recognition of Trans Awareness Week, celebrated from November 13 to November 19, we have released a new episode of the Spot Diagnosis podcast dedicated to transgender dermatology. This episode delves into the field of transgender dermatology, shedding light on the distinctive skincare needs and concerns faced by some transgender individuals. Dermatologists Dr Ahmed Kazmi and A/Prof Aaron Robins...

In this episode, we delve into the various skin changes that can arise during pregnancy. We discuss common concerns such as melasma, changes in skin pigmentation, and stretch marks, which are frequently on the minds of expectant mothers. Furthermore, we address significant pregnancy-specific skin disorders that may signal more serious underlying conditions, potentially impacting the fetus. We'll a...

In this episode, we explore two common pediatric conditions: molluscum contagiosum and impetigo, also known as school sores. We'll cover the causes of these skin infections, which often worry parents, and discuss effective management strategies. Our panel of experts for this episode includes specialist dermatologist and Spot Diagnosis Co-Host A/Prof Alvin Chong and GP and Spot Diagnosis Co-Host Dr...

In this episode, we delve into the world of photosensitivity. We discuss the inherent differences between primary and secondary photodermatoses and how a good clinical history and examination findings can assist with diagnosis. In addition, the role of investigations including the use of phototesting, the gold standard for proving photosensitivity, is also explored. Our panel of experts for this e...

More and more frequently we hear the term ‘skin of colour’ being used colloquially and in medicine. What exactly do we mean by the term ‘skin of colour’? Why are patients with ‘skin of colour’ considered different, unique or distant from societal norms? In this episode, dermatologist Dr Ahmed Kazi passionately educates the listener about how and why common skin conditions present differently in pa...

The latest episode, Skincare Gone Crazy, delves into the growing obsession with skincare among today’s youth and its potential physical and psychological repercussions, providing parents and practitioners with valuable insights and the latest information from top clinicians.  We have a distinguished panel of experts including consultant dermatologists, Dr Mei Tam and Dr Katherine Armour, consultan...

In honour of HS Awareness Week, we had consultant dermatologist and lead consultant of the Skin Health Institute HS Clinic, Dr Diana Norris join us on the Spot Diagnosis Podcast to delve into the complex condition that is hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). HS can be challenging to diagnose and manage, and it is pivotal to address both the physical and psychological aspects of the condition to optimise...

In this episode, we delve into the crucial role clinical trials play in advancing dermatological treatments and enhancing skin health. Clinical trials are essential for demonstrating the effectiveness and safety of new treatments and interventions to prevent, detect, treat, or manage various medical conditions. They are key to improving our current disease management methods and shaping future med...

In this episode, we delve into a comparison between two prevalent skin issues: periorificial dermatitis and seborrheic dermatitis. We explore the factors associated with periorificial dermatitis, such as frequent use of layered cosmetics, prolonged application of potent topical steroids, and wearing masks. In contrast, seborrheic dermatitis manifests in areas abundant in sebaceous glands, where sk...