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Every doctor-written article from The Skin Doctor, newest first, across both branches of the clinic — Skin Cancer and Skin Medicine, and Aesthetics & Wellness. Filter by topic, or search the whole site.

Articles

Articles & patient guides

Every doctor-written article from The Skin Doctor, newest first, across both branches of the clinic — Skin Cancer and Skin Medicine, and Aesthetics & Wellness. Filter by topic, or search the whole site.

66 articles

Melanoma New

The Personalised mRNA Melanoma Vaccine: What Patients Need to Know

A patient guide to intismeran autogene, the personalised mRNA melanoma vaccine given with pembrolizumab after surgery. W…

11 min read Read →

Skin cancer surgery New

Why Is My Skin Cancer Scar So Much Bigger Than the Cancer?

Why a skin cancer scar is so much longer than the cancer was. Diagrams follow a 5 mm spot through the safety margin that…

9 min read Read →

Acne New

Skincare for Acne-Prone Skin: What Actually Helps

Skincare supports acne treatment rather than replacing it. A soap-free (syndet) cleanser twice daily, a light non-comedo…

18 min read Read →

Field therapy New

Efudix (Efudex) Healing Stages: A Week-by-Week Timeline

Week-by-week patient guide to the Efudix (Efudex / 5-fluorouracil) reaction — the quiet first days, the building reactio…

8 min read Read →

Field therapy New

Efudix vs Aldara vs PDT: Choosing a Field Treatment

Doctor-led comparison of the three field treatments for actinic keratosis and selected superficial skin cancers — Efudix…

9 min read Read →

Acne New

Roaccutane (Isotretinoin) for Acne

Doctor-led patient guide by Dr Chris Irwin to Roaccutane (isotretinoin) for acne in Melbourne. When it helps — severe, c…

14 min read Read →

Rosacea New

Phymatous Rosacea and Rhinophyma — Ablative Laser Treatment

A guide to phymatous rosacea and rhinophyma — thickening and overgrowth of the skin, most often the nose. Explains why m…

8 min read Read →

Prevention

How to reduce your skin cancer risk

A doctor-led guide to reducing skin cancer risk, for everyone and especially after a first skin cancer. The foundation i…

10 min read Read →

Prevention

Vitamin B3 (nicotinamide) — the DNA-repair protocol for skin cancer prevention

For people with a history of non-melanoma skin cancer, nicotinamide (vitamin B3) is an evidence-based, low-cost part of …

8 min read Read →

Acne

Acne Scarring Treatments — A Structured, Combination-Based Approach

Doctor-led acne scar care in Melbourne. Acne scarring is structural — evidence supports combination approaches (micronee…

10 min read Read →

Rosacea

Erythematotelangiectatic Rosacea — Persistent Redness, Flushing and Broken Capillaries

A guide to erythematotelangiectatic rosacea (ETR) — persistent redness, flushing and visible capillaries. Covers why red…

10 min read Read →

Rosacea

Ocular Rosacea — Dry, Gritty Eyes, Blepharitis and Recurrent Styes

A guide to ocular rosacea — rosacea affecting the eyes. Covers symptoms (dry, gritty eyes, lid margin redness, recurrent…

8 min read Read →

Rosacea

Papulopustular Rosacea — Bumps and Pimples Treatment Plan

A practical plan for papulopustular rosacea (the bumps and pustules subtype). How to tell it from acne, a barrier-first …

8 min read Read →

Rosacea

Rosacea Skincare Routine — Barrier Repair, Sunscreen and What to Avoid

A daily skincare routine for rosacea-prone, reactive skin — designed to reduce stinging, support the barrier and improve…

10 min read Read →

Eczema

Adult Eczema Triggers, Contact Dermatitis and Patch Testing

Why adult eczema flares — and when facial or eyelid "eczema" may actually be contact dermatitis or peri-orificial dermat…

9 min read Read →

Prevention

Advanced protection for high-risk groups — transplant, genetics and occupational risk

For organ transplant recipients, the immunosuppressed, people with genetic syndromes, and outdoor workers, standard prev…

9 min read Read →

Sunscreen

Chemical sunscreen ingredients — a medical deep dive

When you look at the back of a sunscreen bottle you face a list of complex chemical names. This deep dive moves past mar…

7 min read Read →

Sunscreen

CHOICE sunscreen testing and TGA updates — what it means for your sunscreen

In 2025 CHOICE tested 20 popular sunscreens and found 16 fell short of their label. The TGA responded with recalls and u…

6 min read Read →

Seborrheic dermatitis

Cradle Cap (Infant Seborrhoeic Dermatitis) — What to Do at Home

A gentle home plan for cradle cap (infant seborrhoeic dermatitis) — soften scale with bland oil for 10 to 30 minutes, li…

5 min read Read →

Eczema

Daily Eczema Routine for Children — Soak + Seal, Bathing & Itch Control

A practical, parent-friendly daily routine for childhood eczema built around the "Soak + Seal" method: short warm bath, …

7 min read Read →

Eczema

Daily Routine for Adult Eczema — Soak + Seal and Hand Eczema Plan

A simple, realistic daily plan for adult eczema — built around consistent barrier care and a clear flare plan. Covers "S…

7 min read Read →

Seborrheic dermatitis

Daily Scalp Routine for Dandruff — Seborrhoeic Dermatitis Shampoo Protocol

Practical daily scalp routine for dandruff and scalp seborrhoeic dermatitis. Which medicated shampoo actives to choose (…

7 min read Read →

Sunscreen

Does sunscreen prevent skin cancer? The evidence

Robust, long-term clinical data shows that consistent sunscreen use is one of the most effective medical interventions w…

6 min read Read →

Eczema

Eczema Baths for Children — Bath Oil, Pool Salt and Optional Bleach

A Royal Children's Hospital–style eczema bath recipe for children, combining bath oil, pool salt and optional household …

8 min read Read →

Eczema

Eczema Triggers and Flare Control in Children

Childhood eczema flares are usually driven by a predictable mix of dryness, irritation, heat/sweat and infection — not b…

8 min read Read →

Eczema

Eczema, Diet and Allergy Testing in Children

Evidence-based guidance for parents of children with eczema — without unnecessary food restrictions. Covers when to susp…

9 min read Read →

Eczema

Facial Dermatitis in Adults — Eczema vs Contact Dermatitis vs Peri-Orificial Dermatitis

Adult facial dermatitis isn't always "eczema". This page explains the three most common patterns — atopic facial eczema,…

9 min read Read →

Seborrheic dermatitis

Facial Flaking Guide — Seb Derm vs Rosacea vs Peri-Orificial Dermatitis vs Psoriasis

Practical differential guide to the four most common causes of facial flaking and redness — seborrhoeic dermatitis, rosa…

7 min read Read →

Seborrheic dermatitis

Facial Seborrhoeic Dermatitis — Nose, Eyebrows, Eyelids Treatment Plan

Two-phase facial seborrhoeic dermatitis treatment plan — antifungal cream plus steroid-sparing anti-inflammatories for f…

8 min read Read →

Prevention

Gardasil 9 (HPV vaccine) for actinic keratoses — the off-label evidence

For patients with difficult-to-control actinic keratoses, the HPV vaccine (Gardasil 9) is being studied off label. The 2…

7 min read Read →

Acne

Hormonal Acne in Women — Jawline, Chin and Cyclical Flares

Doctor-led guide to hormonal acne in women — typically chin/jawline distribution, cyclical flares and adult-onset breako…

9 min read Read →

Sunscreen

How to apply sunscreen properly — the teaspoon rule (and why it matters)

Most "sunscreen failures" happen for one reason — we don't put enough on, and we don't reapply often enough. This guide …

8 min read Read →

Eczema

Infected Eczema in Adults — Impetigo, Cellulitis, HSV Red Flags and Bleach Soaks

How to recognise infection early in adult eczema, what to do safely at home, and how dilute bleach baths or soaks can he…

9 min read Read →

Eczema

Infected Eczema in Children — Impetigo, Eczema Herpeticum and Red Flags

How to recognise infected eczema in children early — and when to seek urgent medical care. Covers bacterial infection (i…

7 min read Read →

Peri-oral dermatitis

LED Phototherapy (MediLUX) for Peri-oral Dermatitis

A practical guide to LED phototherapy (MediLUX) for peri-oral (peri-orificial) dermatitis. Where LED fits in the staged …

7 min read Read →

Acne

LED vs Laser vs PDT for Acne — Choosing the Right In-Clinic Technology

Doctor-led comparison of LED, Nd:YAG laser (Fotona SP Dynamis) and photodynamic therapy (PDT) for acne in Melbourne. LED…

11 min read Read →

Aftercare

Life after skin cancer — surveillance and self-monitoring

Once skin cancer treatment is complete, the focus shifts from eradication to long-term surveillance. Because you have al…

6 min read Read →

Eczema

Medications for Adult Eczema — Steroids, Steroid-Sparing Creams, STAQUIS and Phototherapy

A doctor-led guide to medications and the full treatment pathway for adult eczema — topical steroids matched to body sit…

13 min read Read →

Eczema

Medications for Childhood Eczema — Steroids, Elidel, Tacrolimus and STAQUIS

A doctor-led explainer for parents of the medications used in childhood eczema under 12: topical corticosteroids by body…

11 min read Read →

Sunscreen

Mineral vs chemical sunscreen — how to choose (safely, and for your skin)

Both mineral and chemical sunscreens can be safe and effective. The best sunscreen is the one you can wear daily and rea…

7 min read Read →

Acne

Natural & Biomimetic Acne Treatment — A Barrier-First Approach

Doctor-led natural-aligned acne pathway in Melbourne. Uses biomimicry (high-purity molecules the skin already recognises…

10 min read Read →

Prevention

Optimising vitamin D and nutrition for sun-avoidant and high-risk patients

Patients who must avoid the sun — because of a skin-cancer history, photosensitivity or immunosuppression — can still ma…

6 min read Read →

Acne

Over-The-Counter (OTC) Acne Treatments Explained

Doctor-led guide by Dr Chris Irwin to over-the-counter acne treatments — benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, adapalene, az…

10 min read Read →

Peri-oral dermatitis

Peri-oral Dermatitis Around the Eyes, in Children, and in Pregnancy

Peri-oral / peri-orificial dermatitis in special situations — around the eyes (peri-ocular), in children (including the …

6 min read Read →

Peri-oral dermatitis

Peri-oral Dermatitis FAQs and Myths

FAQs and common myths about peri-oral / peri-orificial dermatitis. The steroid rebound cycle, why heavy moisturisers and…

7 min read Read →

Peri-oral dermatitis

Peri-oral Dermatitis Skincare Routine — Barrier-First, Low-Irritation

Barrier-first skincare routine for peri-oral (peri-orificial) dermatitis. The 2 to 3 week active-flare reset, moisturise…

7 min read Read →

Peri-oral dermatitis

Peri-oral Dermatitis Treatment Plan — Reset, Calm, Rebuild

A staged plan for peri-oral (peri-orificial) dermatitis — the "zero therapy" reset (stopping topical steroids, occlusive…

8 min read Read →

Peri-oral dermatitis

Peri-oral Dermatitis Triggers and Causes

Trigger and cause checklist for peri-oral / peri-orificial dermatitis. The "big three" drivers — topical steroid exposur…

7 min read Read →

Medications

Photosensitising Medications & Products — Before Laser & Light Treatments

Doctor-led reference for patients booked in for laser, IPL or photodynamic therapy. Lists the medications, supplements a…

7 min read Read →

Peri-oral dermatitis

Post Peri-oral Dermatitis Recovery — Redness, Marks, Texture and FRAC3 Laser

Recovery after peri-oral / peri-orificial dermatitis settles — managing lingering redness, post-inflammatory marks and t…

7 min read Read →

Acne

Prescription Acne Treatments in Melbourne

Doctor-led guide by Dr Chris Irwin to prescription acne treatments in Melbourne. Topical retinoids (adapalene, tretinoin…

10 min read Read →

Seborrheic dermatitis

Prescription Seborrhoeic Dermatitis Treatment in Melbourne

A guide to prescription options for seborrhoeic dermatitis when OTC routines are not enough. Antifungals (ketoconazole s…

10 min read Read →

Rosacea

Rosacea Triggers and Lifestyle Plan — Heat, Exercise, Alcohol, Stress and Sun

A practical rosacea triggers and lifestyle plan. Covers a "top three triggers" method, sun and heat strategies, an exerc…

8 min read Read →

Sun protection

Sun protection beyond sunscreen — clothing, hats, and shade

For the most reliable sun protection, start with coverage, not sunscreen. Clothing, hats, sunglasses and shade provide p…

7 min read Read →

Sun protection

Sunscreen — a doctor's practical guide

A doctor-led practical guide to sunscreen in Australia — what SPF means, what broad-spectrum covers, how much to apply, …

7 min read Read →

Sunscreen

Sunscreen allergy and photoallergy — how to recognise it (and what to do)

If sunscreen makes your skin burn, sting, itch, or break out in a rash, you're not imagining it — reactions happen. Most…

7 min read Read →

Sun protection

Sunscreen and Vitamin D — staying sun-safe without becoming deficient (Australia)

Vitamin D matters — and so does preventing skin cancer. Sensible sun protection does not put most Australians at risk of…

8 min read Read →

Sunscreen

Sunscreen for babies, kids, and pregnancy — a family guide

Protecting young skin is the single most effective way to prevent skin cancer later in life — but it needs to be sustain…

7 min read Read →

Sunscreen

Sunscreen for outdoor workers and athletes

If you work outdoors or train hard, your sun protection has to survive more than just the sun. Sweat, water, dust, and t…

5 min read Read →

Sunscreen

Sunscreen for rosacea, acne, eczema and pigmentation

If sunscreen stings, breaks you out, worsens redness, or you're battling melasma or PIH, you don't need "the best sunscr…

7 min read Read →

Sunscreen

The CHOICE sunscreen study — what this means for your sunscreen

In 2025, Australian consumer organisation CHOICE independently tested a range of popular SPF 50 and SPF 50+ sunscreens s…

7 min read Read →

Sunscreen

Tinted sunscreen and visible light — protection for pigmentation

If you struggle with melasma, "the mask of pregnancy," or dark spots that linger after acne (PIH), standard sunscreen ma…

5 min read Read →

Field therapy

Treating sun damage to prevent future skin cancers (field therapy)

When we treat one skin cancer we are pulling a single "weed." For many patients the surrounding skin is also sun-damaged…

6 min read Read →

Sunscreen

UVA vs UVB, SPF and broad-spectrum sunscreen explained

Understand what sunscreen labels actually mean — and how to make your sunscreen work in real life. Covers UVA vs UVB dam…

7 min read Read →

Prevention

Vitamin D and skin cancer — what the evidence actually shows

A plain-English review of vitamin D and skin cancer. There is real biological plausibility that it could help, and low v…

11 min read Read →

Eczema

Wet Wrap Therapy for Childhood Eczema — A Step-by-Step Guide

Wet wrap therapy is a short-term technique for moderate to severe childhood eczema flares — particularly when itch is in…

7 min read Read →