Foreign expats now have an option to treat skin problems using the latest in laser technology or traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), or a combination of both. An alternative to Beijing's over-crowded big hospitals, the first third level (highest level) specialized dermatology hospital in Beijing formally opened on May 17 after half a year's trial.

Located just north of Jianxiang Motorway Interchange on the Fourth Ring Road, Beijing Jingcheng Skin Disease Hospital occupies a four-floor building, with 100 inward beds. More than 10 ushers immediately walk over to help as you enter the brightly lit, spacious and clean hospital.

Besides internal and external departments, there are departments designated to treat skin allergy, vitiligo, psoriasis, and fungal skin diseases.

The external skin disease treatment departments are equipped with such advanced machineries as those used for laser and photo-therapies, imported from the United States and Germany.

For those who want to try TCM, the hospital has a TCM department, as well as a department applying a combination of Western medicine and TCM. Traditional Chinese herbal recipes and treatment methods are applied at the department. Some examples are acupuncture, cupping, medical bath, acupressure and herbal face mask.

For privacy consideration, there are separate women's and men's consulting rooms. The hospital has advanced and VIP suites for inpatients, besides ordinary wards.

The hospital claims to be able to treat such difficult problems as acne, eczema, erythema and lupus.

The president of the hospital is Yin Zhiyu, former director of dermatology department at Beijing Anzhen Hospital. More than 20 other authoritative dermatology experts in China work regularly or part-time at the hospital.

"We are a patient-centered hospital that tries to make treatment simple and safe for patients," said Yin. "We apply medications that are safe, efficient and economical."

Like other high-level dermatology departments in the city, the hospital also treats sexually transmitted diseases (STD).

Tel: 010-6488-8999 (in Chinese).
Website:www.pf110.com.
Address:A4 Shuangquanpu, Deshengmenwai, Chaoyang District. 500 meters north of Shatanqiao, Badaling Expressway, on the east side of street, north to North Fourth Ring Road.