Acne
Jerawat
Acne (jerawat) is a common, long-term inflammatory condition of the hair follicles and oil glands that causes blackheads, whiteheads, red spots and sometimes deep, painful lumps on the face, chest and back.
Consultant Dermatologist in Malaysia: Dr Kartini Farah Rahim, Shah Alam
Dr Kartini Farah Rahim is a consultant dermatologist (pakar kulit) in Shah Alam, Selangor, registered on Malaysia’s National Specialist Register. She diagnoses and treats skin, hair and nail conditions in adults and children, including eczema, psoriasis, acne, skin infections, allergic reactions and blistering disorders, at Avisena Specialist Hospital and Avisena Women’s & Children’s Specialist Hospital.
At a glance
| Dermatologist | Dr Kartini Farah Rahim, Consultant Dermatologist |
|---|---|
| Specialist register | National Specialist Register No. 128619 |
| Location | Seksyen 14, Shah Alam, Selangor |
| Hospitals | Avisena Specialist Hospital; Avisena Women’s & Children’s Specialist Hospital |
| Patients | Adults, teenagers, children and babies |
| Languages | English and Bahasa Malaysia |
| Appointments | +603-5515 1966; WhatsApp +60 11-2616 6480 |
What does a dermatologist do?
A dermatologist is a doctor who specialises in the skin, the body’s largest organ, together with the hair, nails and the lining of the mouth and genitals. Dermatologists diagnose and manage thousands of different conditions, from common problems such as acne and eczema to complex autoimmune, genetic and infectious diseases.
Seeing a dermatologist means you get:
- An accurate diagnosis, because many rashes look alike but need very different treatment.
- Prescription treatment when over-the-counter products are not enough, including topical, oral, light-based and biologic therapies where appropriate.
- Investigations such as skin scrapings, swabs, blood tests or a skin biopsy.
- Long-term care plans for chronic conditions, with follow-up that adjusts as your skin changes.
When should you see a dermatologist in Malaysia?
Consider booking a consultation if you have:
- A rash, itch or skin problem lasting more than a few weeks despite simple care
- Acne that is painful, leaves scars or dark marks, or affects your confidence
- Eczema or psoriasis that disturbs sleep, school or work
- Repeated skin infections, boils or fungal rashes
- A reaction to a cream, cosmetic, medicine or food affecting your skin
- Blisters, sores in the mouth, or skin that is peeling
- A mole or spot that is new, changing, bleeding or different from the rest
- Hair loss or nail changes without an obvious cause
In Malaysia’s hot, humid climate, sweat, heat and haze can make many skin conditions flare, and unregulated creams sold online can cause harm. If you are unsure, read when to see a dermatologist instead of trying another skincare product.
How do you choose a dermatologist in Malaysia?
Check that the doctor is registered with the Malaysian Medical Council and listed on the National Specialist Register for dermatology, ask about their experience with your condition, and choose someone who explains your diagnosis and options clearly. Our guide on how to choose a dermatologist in Malaysia explains what to look for.
Dr Kartini’s registration details are published on her qualifications page so that you can verify them.
What happens at a consultation with Dr Kartini?
- History. Dr Kartini asks about your symptoms, triggers, family history, and the treatments and products you have tried.
- Examination. She examines the affected skin, and often the scalp, nails and other areas that give diagnostic clues.
- Diagnosis and tests. Most conditions are diagnosed clinically; some need a swab, scraping, blood test or biopsy.
- A plan you understand. You leave with a clear explanation, a treatment plan and advice on skin care at home.
- Follow-up. Chronic conditions are reviewed over time so that treatment can be stepped up or down safely.
About Dr Kartini
Dr Kartini has worked in dermatology since 2004, trained in the United Kingdom and at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, served at Hospital Kuala Lumpur and Hospital Serdang, and taught medicine and dermatology at Universiti Putra Malaysia for more than ten years. She is a medical advisor to Malaysian patient support groups for eczema, hidradenitis suppurativa and ichthyosis, and explains skin health regularly on television and in print. Consultations are available in English and Bahasa Malaysia.
Skin conditions Dr Kartini treats
Each guide covers causes, symptoms, treatment and when to seek care.
Eczema
Ekzema atopik
Eczema (ekzema), most often atopic eczema or atopic dermatitis, is a long-term, non-contagious condition that makes the skin dry, itchy and inflamed, with flares that come and go.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a long-term, non-contagious, immune-mediated condition that causes thickened, scaly patches of skin, most often on the scalp, elbows, knees and lower back, and it can also affect the nails and joints.
Skin Allergies
Alahan kulit (gatal-gatal, ruam, biduran)
Skin allergies are immune reactions that appear on the skin, most commonly as urticaria (hives), angioedema, allergic contact dermatitis and drug eruptions.
Skin Infections
Jangkitan kulit (kurap, panau, kayap, ketuat, kudis buta)
Skin infections are caused by bacteria, fungi, viruses or parasites, and include impetigo, cellulitis, tinea (kurap), pityriasis versicolor (panau), warts (ketuat), shingles (kayap) and scabies (kudis buta).
Blistering Disorders
Penyakit kulit melepuh
Autoimmune blistering disorders are uncommon conditions in which the immune system attacks the proteins that hold skin together, causing blisters and raw areas; the main types are bullous pemphigoid, which mostly affects older adults, and pemphigus vulgaris, which often begins with mouth sores.
Children's Skin Conditions
Masalah kulit kanak-kanak
Children's skin conditions include atopic eczema, nappy (napkin) rash, cradle cap, birthmarks, molluscum contagiosum and viral rashes, and they are common from birth through the teenage years.
Hidradenitis Suppurativa
Hidradenitis supurativa
Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a long-term inflammatory skin condition that causes painful, recurring lumps, abscesses and tunnels under the skin, usually in the armpits, groin, buttocks and under the breasts.
Ichthyosis
Iktiosis (kulit bersisik)
Ichthyosis is a group of more than 20 skin conditions, most of them inherited, that cause persistently dry, thickened and scaly skin.
Frequently asked questions
What is a consultant dermatologist?
A consultant dermatologist is a medical doctor who has completed specialist training in diagnosing and treating diseases of the skin, hair and nails, and who practises at consultant level. In Malaysia, specialists can be verified on the National Specialist Register.
Do I need a referral to see a dermatologist in Shah Alam?
Private specialist hospitals such as Avisena generally accept direct appointments, although a referral letter from your GP can be helpful because it summarises your history and treatments. Some insurance and corporate panels require a referral, so check with your provider before your visit.
What is the difference between a dermatologist and an aesthetic doctor?
A dermatologist is a medically trained skin specialist who diagnoses and treats skin disease, such as eczema, psoriasis, acne, infections and skin cancer concerns. Aesthetic practice focuses mainly on cosmetic appearance. If you have a rash, a persistent or painful skin problem, or a condition affecting a child, see a dermatologist.
What should I bring to my first dermatology appointment?
Bring a list of the medicines, creams and skincare products you have used, photos of your skin during flares, any previous test results or referral letters, and your questions. Arrive without make-up or nail polish if the affected area is your face or nails.
Can Dr Kartini see my child?
Yes. Dr Kartini sees babies, children and teenagers, and holds sessions at Avisena Women’s & Children’s Specialist Hospital in Shah Alam as well as Avisena Specialist Hospital.
How much does a dermatologist consultation cost?
Consultation fees at private hospitals in Malaysia follow the fee schedule regulated under the Private Healthcare Facilities and Services Act, and total costs depend on any tests, procedures or medicines needed. Please contact Avisena directly for current charges.
Medical information notice. This page offers general education written for patients in Malaysia. It is not a diagnosis or a substitute
for a consultation with a qualified doctor who can examine you. If you have severe symptoms, such as swelling of the lips, tongue or throat, difficulty
breathing, widespread blistering or a rapidly spreading painful rash with fever, go to the nearest emergency department or call 999.
Read our editorial and medical review policy.
Make an appointment
Dr Kartini sees adults and children at Avisena Specialist Hospital and Avisena Women’s & Children’s Specialist Hospital in Shah Alam. Please WhatsApp first to confirm her schedule.