Aaria Rheumatology

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Aaria Rheumatology She is recognised for her compassionate

ABOUT AARIA RHEUMATOLOGY
Trusted Rheumatology Specialist in Singapore
Dr. Anindita Santosa is a distinguished rheumatologist with years of experience in caring for adults with rheumatologic and allergic conditions.

Hair loss + positive ANA = autoimmune disease?Not so fast.ANA is a clue, not a conclusion. Up to 15% of completely healt...
21/09/2026

Hair loss + positive ANA = autoimmune disease?

Not so fast.

ANA is a clue, not a conclusion. Up to 15% of completely healthy people may have a positive ANA, and the result can also occur with age, infections, medications and non-rheumatic conditions. The American College of Rheumatology notes that only around 11–13% of people with a positive ANA have lupus or another autoimmune connective-tissue disease.

The sensible sequence is:

Characterise the alopecia: scarring or non-scarring, patchy or diffuse, inflammatory or non-inflammatory.
Consider common causes: pattern hair loss, telogen effluvium, iron or thyroid abnormalities, nutritional factors, illness, medication, stress, traction and infection.
Look for genuine connective-tissue disease clues: photosensitive rash, inflammatory arthritis, oral ulcers, Raynaud’s phenomenon, sicca symptoms, cytopenias or urinary abnormalities.
Use targeted testing, trichoscopy and—when indicated—scalp biopsy to establish the diagnosis.

Even in someone who already has lupus, the hair loss is not automatically caused by lupus. Telogen effluvium, alopecia areata, pattern hair loss and medication-related shedding remain perfectly capable of joining the party.

The scalp phenotype and the wider clinical picture must lead. The antibody does not get to seize the steering wheel.

Diagnose the patient—not the ANA.

10/08/2026

🩺 **WHAT’S THE DIAGNOSIS? 👀**

Sometimes, the diagnosis isn’t obvious at first glance — and that’s exactly what makes clinical medicine so interesting.

Watch the video, look for the clues, and tell us:

🔍 **What would be on your differential diagnosis?**
🧩 **Which clue stood out to you most?**
💭 **What would you investigate next?**

Drop your thoughts in the comments 👇

There may be more than one reasonable answer — so keep the discussion curious, constructive and respectful. Different perspectives are part of how we learn.

✨ **Diagnosis reveal coming up!**

Save this post, share it with someone who loves a good clinical puzzle, and follow for more ** ** cases.



**Disclaimer:** This content is intended for educational purposes only and does not constitute individual medical advice. Clinical diagnosis requires consideration of the complete medical history, examination and appropriate investigations.

🤖 **AI Transparency:** AI-assisted tools were used in the creative production of this content. The video was generated using **Freebeat.ai**, and the music was generated using **Suno**. AI was used as a creative production tool and does not replace clinical expertise, judgement or responsibility.

A New Frontier in Rheumatoid Arthritis CareIn 2025, a significant breakthrough emerged with the FDA's approval of the fi...
21/05/2026

A New Frontier in Rheumatoid Arthritis Care

In 2025, a significant breakthrough emerged with the FDA's approval of the first neuroimmune modulation device for rheumatoid arthritis. This innovative device uses gentle electrical stimulation on the vagus nerve to help control inflammation, marking a pivotal shift in treatment approaches.

For the first time in decades, RA management has expanded beyond traditional immunosuppressant drugs to include targeted nerve stimulation. This represents a major advancement in how we approach autoimmune conditions, aligning with Singapore's embrace of medical technology and offering new hope for managing symptoms.

Staying informed about advancements in RA care is an important part of your journey. For personalised guidance on navigating your condition, the team at Aaria Rheumatology is here to support you.

A New Advance in Still’s Disease CareStill’s disease is a rare inflammatory condition that can occasionally lead to a se...
17/05/2026

A New Advance in Still’s Disease Care

Still’s disease is a rare inflammatory condition that can occasionally lead to a serious complication known as Macrophage Activation Syndrome (MAS). During MAS, the immune system can enter a state of uncontrolled, widespread inflammation—often described as an "immune storm."

In a significant clinical development, international regulators recently approved a targeted interferon-gamma (IFNγ) inhibitor specifically designed to address this complex complication. This represents a more precise approach to managing the intense inflammatory spiral of MAS, focusing on the specific pathway responsible for the "storm" rather than affecting the entire immune system.

Progress in rheumatology continues to provide more refined strategies for managing even the most complex autoimmune conditions. For those navigating Still's disease, these advancements underscore the importance of specialized, evidence-based care.

Understanding complex conditions is a journey. For personalized guidance and comprehensive care strategies, the team at Aaria Rheumatology is here to support you.

The Surprising Truth About Gout FlaresGout attacks are known for their sudden and intense joint pain, often caused by sh...
14/05/2026

The Surprising Truth About Gout Flares

Gout attacks are known for their sudden and intense joint pain, often caused by sharp, needle-like uric acid crystals forming in the joints. In Singapore's warm climate, dehydration can easily increase the risk, alongside factors like alcohol consumption and significant dietary changes. Many people understandably believe that these painful flares only happen when uric acid levels are high.

However, the opposite can also be true. A sudden drop in uric acid levels can destabilize existing crystals, triggering a flare. This is why some individuals experience a temporary gout attack shortly after starting uric acid-lowering therapy. This reaction is not a sign of failure, but rather an indication that the treatment is beginning to work by altering the uric acid environment in the body.

Understanding this paradox is key to managing the condition effectively. It highlights the importance of adhering to a prescribed treatment plan and communicating any new symptoms with a healthcare professional.

Navigating the complexities of gout requires a clear path. For guidance on managing your joint health journey, the team at Aaria Rheumatology is here to provide support.

The Unseen Connection: Psoriatic Arthritis and Joint PainMany associate psoriatic arthritis with the visible skin plaque...
11/05/2026

The Unseen Connection: Psoriatic Arthritis and Joint Pain

Many associate psoriatic arthritis with the visible skin plaques of psoriasis. However, the condition does not always follow this pattern. For some individuals, joint inflammation, stiffness, and pain can be the first and only symptoms for months or even years before any skin changes appear.

In our busy Singapore lives, it is common to attribute such discomfort to overexertion or age. But if you experience persistent joint issues and have a family history of psoriasis, it’s an important connection to consider. Recognising these early, less obvious signs is key to managing the condition effectively and protecting your joint health for the long term.

Understanding the nuances of your joint health is the first step towards finding harmony. If you are navigating unexplained joint symptoms, specialised guidance can provide clarity. Aaria Rheumatology is here to support your journey to well-being.

Happy Mother’s Day from all of us at Aaria Rheumatology 🌷Today, we celebrate mothers, grandmothers, aunties, caregivers,...
10/05/2026

Happy Mother’s Day from all of us at Aaria Rheumatology 🌷

Today, we celebrate mothers, grandmothers, aunties, caregivers, and all the women who quietly hold families together — often while carrying their own aches, fatigue, health worries, and invisible battles.

For mothers living with arthritis, lupus, Sjögren’s, scleroderma, myositis, or other autoimmune conditions, we see you.

We see the strength behind every school run.
The love behind every meal prepared despite painful hands.
The courage behind every smile on days when your body feels heavy.
The resilience behind every “I’m okay” when you are anything but.

Motherhood is not measured by perfection.
It is measured by love, presence, and the courage to keep showing up — even on difficult days.

This Mother’s Day, may you also receive the care you so freely give.

With warmth,
Aaria Rheumatology

SjögrensSyndrome RheumatologyCare WomenHealth InvisibleIllness ChronicIllnessSupport SingaporeHealthcare

Happy Mother’s Day from Aaria Rheumatology 🌷Today, we honour all mothers and mother figures — the ones who nurture, prot...
10/05/2026

Happy Mother’s Day from Aaria Rheumatology 🌷

Today, we honour all mothers and mother figures — the ones who nurture, protect, guide, and give so much of themselves every day.

At Aaria Rheumatology, we also want to recognise mothers who are living with chronic rheumatic and autoimmune conditions. For many, motherhood comes with an added layer of challenge: painful joints, fatigue, flares, medication decisions, fertility concerns, pregnancy planning, breastfeeding questions, and the emotional weight of trying to care for others while needing care yourself.

To every mother managing arthritis, lupus, Sjögren’s syndrome, scleroderma, myositis, vasculitis, or another autoimmune condition: your strength is not invisible to us.

But strength does not mean doing everything alone.

This Mother’s Day, we hope you are reminded that your health matters too. Rest is not selfish. Asking for help is not weakness. Prioritising your treatment, sleep, pain control, and emotional wellbeing is part of caring for the people who love you.

To the mothers, grandmothers, aunties, sisters, caregivers, and women who mother in countless ways — thank you for the love you give.

May today bring you gentleness, appreciation, and a little more care coming back your way.

With warm wishes,
Aaria Rheumatology

The Examination That Looks at Small Blood VesselsNailfold capillaroscopy is a non-invasive examination used in rheumatol...
08/05/2026

The Examination That Looks at Small Blood Vessels

Nailfold capillaroscopy is a non-invasive examination used in rheumatology to assess the small blood vessels at the base of the fingernails. The procedure involves a magnifying instrument that allows the doctor to observe the structure and pattern of these capillaries.

What It Can Show

In some autoimmune conditions, including scleroderma, changes in the capillaries at the nailfold may be observed. These changes can present as specific patterns that may be relevant when assessing certain rheumatological conditions. In some cases, capillary changes have been observed before other symptoms develop, which is why this examination is sometimes considered as part of broader clinical assessment.

How the Examination Works

Nailfold capillaroscopy is generally a quick and painless examination. The fingernails are examined under a special magnifying device, sometimes with a small drop of clear oil applied to improve image clarity. The procedure can typically be performed during an outpatient consultation.

Why It Is Used in Rheumatology

This examination is one of several tools that may be used by a rheumatologist when assessing autoimmune conditions, particularly those involving small blood vessel changes. The findings are interpreted alongside other clinical information, blood tests, and the patient's overall medical history.

A Note on Suitability

Not every patient requires nailfold capillaroscopy. Whether the examination is appropriate depends on factors such as symptoms, medical history, and the rheumatologist's clinical assessment. Outcomes and findings vary between individuals.

A consultation with a qualified rheumatologist is necessary to determine the suitable approach for any specific concern.

For information on rheumatology assessments and related considerations, you may consult the team at Aaria Rheumatology.

A New Look at How Rheumatoid Arthritis DevelopsOn a day that honours labour, it is fitting to consider the unseen work w...
01/05/2026

A New Look at How Rheumatoid Arthritis Develops

On a day that honours labour, it is fitting to consider the unseen work within our own bodies. Rheumatoid arthritis does not begin with the first twinge of joint pain. Groundbreaking research shows that years before any discomfort is felt, the immune system has already begun a widespread inflammatory response throughout the body.

This internal process is incredibly sophisticated. A landmark study revealed that even 'naive' T cells, immune cells that have never faced a threat, are epigenetically reprogrammed. Their genes are altered without any change to their DNA, essentially preparing them for an autoimmune attack long before it impacts the joints.

This highlights that the journey of an autoimmune condition is often a quiet, prolonged one. Understanding these early, silent stages is crucial for a proactive approach to managing your health.

Recognising the subtle language of your body is a vital step in managing long term joint and immune wellness. For personalised guidance on your health journey, the Aaria Rheumatology team offers comprehensive support.

Address

6A Napier Road, Gleneagles Medical Centre, #09/11
Central Region
258499

Opening Hours

Monday 09:00 - 13:00
14:30 - 17:00
Tuesday 09:00 - 13:00
14:30 - 17:00
Wednesday 09:00 - 13:00
14:30 - 17:00
Thursday 09:00 - 13:00
14:30 - 17:00
Friday 09:00 - 13:00
14:30 - 17:00
Saturday 09:00 - 12:30

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