As the national tertiary academic center for dermatological diseases in Singapore, the National Skin Centre (NSC) is committed to high quality, clinically relevant research to advance dermatological knowledge, impact clinical services and distinguish NSC as a reputable, leading opinion leader for skin diseases. We have ongoing collaborations with both local and overseas academic institutions, universities and industry partners. We are a key clinical trial centre for Asian skin and hair research studies.
Our Research Administrative team consists of a Research Executive, Clinical Trial Co-ordinator, Clinical Research Fellows and Administrative Assistants. The Research Laboratory team is headed by our Research Scientist and assisted by post-doctoral fellows and laboratory staff. We have a PCR laboratory, cell culture laboratory, skin physiology unit, non-invasive skin imaging facility and a clinical trials unit.
The core research areas in NSC are:
- Acne Vulgaris and its Variants
- Atopic Dermatitis
- Cutaneous Oncology
- Hair Biology and Regeneration
- Itch in Dermatology
- Pigmentary Disorders
- Psoriasis
- Sexually Transmitted Infections
- Wound Healing, Skin Ageing and Regeneration
| 1.1 | Acne Vulgaris and its Variants
Acne vulgaris is a very common skin condition that affects up to 80% of adolescents in Singapore and is a major disease condition seen at NSC. Our research in acne includes antibiotic resistance in P acnes, acne genetics and clinical trials. |
| 1.2 | Atopic Dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis is a high burden, high morbidity inflammatory skin condition that is a key research area in NSC. We have ongoing studies in the areas of genetics, immunopathogenetic mechanisms and both investigator-initiated and industry-partnered clinical trials. |
| 1.3 | Cutaneous Oncology
The Cutaneous Oncology Core aims to study the epidemiology and biology of Asian skin cancers. We have one of the largest cohorts of Asian cutaneous lymphoma patients. |
| 1.4 | Hair Biology and Regeneration
Hair Biology and regeneration is a new niche area of research for NSC given its high prevalence and clinical relevance. The core aims to establish a cohort of patients with various hair diseases for genetic, epidemiological and clinical research |
| 1.5 | Itch in Dermatology
Pruritus is a very common problem and is the main source of morbidity in dermatology. This core aims to study the pathophysiology of itch in different pruritic conditions, particularly in Asians and to explore the various therapeutic options in the management of chronic pruritic disorders. |
| 1.6 | Pigmentary Disorders
Pigmentary disorders are one of the most common clinical problems seen at NSC and research in pigment diseases in Asians is a key research area in NSC. We are particularly interested to characterize and study the various hyperpigmented disorders using non-invasive bio-imaging technology, elucidate new pathogenic mechanisms and develop new treatment options for hyperpigmented disorders. |
| 1.7 | Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a common skin condition and we have ongoing clinical trials and studies in the various aspects of this condition. |
| 1.8 | Sexually Transmitted Infections
The DSC clinic (Department of Sexually Transmitted Infections Control), is the only public specialist facility for sexually transmitted infections in Singapore. The DSC clinic conducts both quantitative & qualitative research: clinical, laboratory, epidemiological studies, as well as behavioural issues and social sciences related to STI and HIV. |
| 1.9 | Wound Healing, Skin Ageing and Regeneration
Our research aim in this area is enhance our understanding of chronic wounds and skin ageing in Asians. We have studies on the impact of UV-related damage on skin ageing and clinical trials for new therapeutic options in wound healing, skin ageing and regeneration. |