2025.06.25 16:09
[Physician's Column] By Dr. Hyungtak Lee, Freehug Korean Medicine Clinic Ulsan BranchSummer’s intense heat and high humidity often provoke skin conditions that lie dormant in cooler months. One such condition is dyshidrotic eczema, also known as pompholyx, a persistent disorder that can transform the season’s pleasures into sources of discomfort.This condition presents as clusters of small, fluid-filled vesicles on the palms, fingers, and soles. When these blisters rupture, they leave behind scaling, inflamed skin that itches relentlessly and may cause pain. In severe cases, patients experie2025.06.24 15:39
[Physician's Column] By Dr. Seungki Min, M.D., Goldman Urology ClinicKidney stones, or urolithiasis, are solid masses that form in the urinary tract, typically originating in the kidneys. These stones may migrate through the renal pelvis, ureter, bladder, or urethra, obstructing urine flow and causing severe flank pain, hematuria, nausea, vomiting, and fever.A state-of-the-art procedure, suction-based flexible ureteroscopy (using a Flexible and Navigable Access Sheath, FANS), is transforming kidney stone management. This minimally invasive technique involves inserting a slender endoscope throu2025.06.19 23:00
[Physician's Column] By Dr. Kyungwoo Park, Director of Kwanghye Spine Hospital.Lower back pain is a frequent complaint among middle-aged and older adults, often brushed off as an unavoidable part of aging. Many reach for over-the-counter pain relievers or heating patches, chalking up their discomfort to a weekend of overexertion or poor posture. Yet this dismissive approach can obscure serious conditions. Spinal stenosis, nearly as common as herniated discs in older populations, can severely diminish mobility and quality of life if not addressed early.The spine, the body’s central pillar, beg2025.06.19 21:10
[Physician's Column] By Dr. Sang A Yoon, Director of CELLTING Clinic, CheongdamAs aging populations worldwide fuel heightened interest in health and appearance, stem cell intravenous (IV) therapy has emerged as a sought-after anti-aging intervention. Patients are drawn to its potential to address declining skin elasticity, wrinkles, and fatigue, while also enhancing physical recovery and immune function.Stem cells, with their unique capacity to regenerate and repair damaged cells, are administered intravenously to deliver systemic anti-aging benefits across the body.This therapy channels stem2025.06.19 20:21
[Physician's Column] By JUWONHUI, M.D., Director of NESTCLINICImage Caption: A dermatologist at NESTCLINIC administers the Elavie Rituo skin booster treatment, designed to enhance skin resilience against summer UV damage.The skin, the body’s primary protective barrier, endures constant exposure to environmental stressors. In summer, intense ultraviolet (UV) radiation accelerates skin aging and compromises the skin barrier, the first line of defense against UV rays, particulate matter, and other external threats. Prolonged sun exposure weakens this barrier, leading to inflammation, erythema, d2025.06.19 18:23
[Physician's Column] By Dr. Son Seon Yong, Director of Yonsei Baro Chuk Hospital (Neurosurgery Specialist)Back pain is a widespread issue, often brushed off as muscle strain or poor posture. Yet persistent discomfort may signal a far graver condition: ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) in the thoracic spine, which can escalate from mild symptoms to paralysis if ignored.The posterior longitudinal ligament, a structure safeguarding the spinal cord along the spine’s posterior aspect, can thicken and calcify in OPLL, compressing neural tissue. Initially, this process may2025.06.19 18:09
Seongnam, South Korea — Vely B Clinic announced that its new Seongnam Moran branch will open on June 27, offering a range of promotional events to mark the occasion.The Seongnam Moran branch will provide an extensive array of aesthetic treatments, including laser skin procedures, lifting, minimally invasive cosmetic enhancements, hair removal, and body contouring. The clinic aims to deliver tailored solutions by meticulously analyzing each patient’s skin condition and specific needs, ensuring effective and natural-looking results.Prior to any procedure, the clinic conducts a thorough skin di2025.06.19 18:04
[Physician's Column] By Dr. Arin Lee, Freehug Korean Medicine Clinic Bucheon Branch.More than 40% of South Korean adults experience urticaria, commonly known as hives, at least once in their lifetime, according to a recent report from the Korean Society of Skin Immunology. The finding highlights a widespread condition often dismissed as minor, despite its potential for serious complications.Urticaria manifests as raised, itchy welts that appear suddenly on the skin, triggered by factors such as foods, medications, stress, or temperature changes. Most cases resolve within hours, but when sympt2025.06.16 15:46
SEOUL, South Korea — Dr. Jeong-Yeol Choi and Dr. Ja-Yoon Moon, directors of SNU Eye Clinic, have been recognized as part of South Korea’s “Top 100 Good Doctors” for their exceptional contributions to vision correction. The duo earned acclaim for their expertise in advanced procedures such as Smart LASIK, SMILE LASIK, DreamLens, and traditional LASIK/LASEK, underpinned by extensive clinical experience and a patient-centered approach.Dr. Choi has pioneered the adoption of fifth-generation Smart SMILE LASIK, addressing limitations of earlier techniques. His implementation of automated astigma2025.06.16 15:34
SEOUL, South Korea — A collaborative research team from Seoul St. Mary’s Hospital and Seoul National University Hospital has established a significant link between ultrafine particulate matter (PM2.5) exposure and increased cardiovascular risks in cancer survivors, with distinct differences before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Published in *Atmospheric Pollution Research*, this study is the first to compare the short-term effects of PM2.5 exposure on cardiovascular outcomes in this vulnerable population across these periods.Using data from South Korea’s National Health Insurance Service,2025.06.16 15:30
Seoul, South Korea — A research team at Yonsei University’s Severance Hospital has identified a critical subset of regulatory T cells that underpins the success of immunotherapy for atopic dermatitis, according to a study published on June 13 in *Science Translational Medicine*. These cells inhibit pathogenic immune responses, reducing chronic skin inflammation.Atopic dermatitis, a chronic inflammatory skin disorder, arises when allergens, such as house dust mites, penetrate a compromised skin barrier, activating pathogenic T cells. Subcutaneous allergen-specific immunotherapy (SIT), involvi2025.06.16 15:18
By YonseiSarang Hospital As summer heat intensifies, many individuals, particularly those with knee osteoarthritis, face heightened joint pain. For middle-aged and older adults, the rainy season’s humidity and high temperatures can worsen discomfort. Lower atmospheric pressure elevates relative pressure within joints, exacerbating pain. Knee osteoarthritis, a prevalent degenerative disease, arises when cartilage in the knee joint progressively wears away, leading to pain and reduced mobility. Primarily affecting older adults due to age-related cartilage deterioration, it is also influenced b2025.06.16 15:12
By Hojun Hwang, DVM, Prime Animal Medical CenterAs temperatures rise, pet owners are increasingly focused on safeguarding their companions’ health during the sweltering summer months. Dogs and cats, covered in fur, have body temperatures 1–2°C higher than humans and lack well-developed sweat glands, making them particularly vulnerable to hot and humid conditions. Here’s what pet owners need to know to ensure their furry friends thrive in the heat.Maintaining Optimal Indoor ConditionsMany households with dogs or cats rely on air conditioning to keep their pets comfortable. It’s common for