With the continuing increase of skin cancer, general dermatology patients should be offered the opportunity of having their moles checked and skin screened for skin cancer.
General Dermatology including Acne
Acne is a common problem that is usually self limiting. Simple treatments are often effective and, when relevant, local treatments together with skin peels are advised.
For more severe diseases the need to investigate for underlying hormonal imbalance needs to be considered.
Treatment options range from dietary intervention and advice on facial products through to Isotretinoin/Roaccutane.
Paediatric Dermatology especially Eczema
Although most children would be expected to grow out of eczema, when active the distress caused by eczema is considerable with sleepless nights leaving both child and parents exhausted.
As well as creams and ointments, dermatologists work with allergists and paediatric dietitians to identify and address the factors that trigger the condition.
Allergy Testing for Eczema
Patients whose eczema has not responded to treatment are offered allergy patch testing to ensure there is nothing coming into contact with their skin that is causing or aggravating their eczema.
Patch testing is a useful tool in identifying allergens that cause eczema.
Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is on the rise. Patients are encouraged to have their skin checked for abnormal moles, signs of sun damage or skin cancer.
It is now recognized that sun exposure over a life time, especially sun burn in early childhood, is an important risk factor in the development of skin cancer.
Most skin cancers are no more than a nuisance however melanomas and cancerous moles have the potential to spread and cause wide spread disease.
A new or changing mole should prompt an urgent referral to a dermatologist.
Patients with multiple or irregular moles are more at risk of developing melanomas and are encouraged to have their moles accurately photographed, to assist monitoring change over time.
Skin Surgery
Minor procedures are often undertaken by your dermatologist. Patients requiring more complex surgery will be asked to attend a hospital.
Examples of benign skin lesions treated usually include:
- Skin tags
- Seborrhoeic warts
- Milia
- Campbell de Morgan spots
- Sun/Liver spots
- Cysts
- Lipomas, fatty lumps
Vulvar Dermatology
Many women are troubled by vulval itch, pain and discomfort, symptoms that are often mistakenly attributed to thrush/Candida.
By taking a thorough history, examining the patient and if necessary performing a biopsy the cause of symptoms can usually be established and appropriate treatment instigated.
Aesthetic Dermatology
Many dermatologists are trained to manage dermatological problems as well as advise on how best to care for the skin through the use of vitamin enriched skin care products.
They are able to diagnose and thus appropriately treat facial blemishes/pigmentation from age spots through to hormonal pigmentation/melasma. Troublesome skin lesions such as skin tags, milia and seborrhoea can easily be removed.
Further skin clarity and rejuvenation can be achieved through the use of skin peels and skin needling together with lasers.
Botulinum toxin (Botox®) treatments and the judicious use of fillers complement her approach, designed to achieve a healthy natural looking appearance.
