Conditions We Treat
We treat a number of conditions in the Dermatology department. These include the following:
Eczema is a common skin condition that results in painful, cracked, and itchy skin patches. Atopic eczema sufferers frequently have extremely dry skin because their skin is unable to hold onto moisture. Due to its dryness, the skin may be more sensitive to certain things, which could lead to itching and soreness. Treatments can include a good emollient regime, topical steroids, topical immunosuppressant’s, wet bandaging, antihistamine, and ultraviolet light through Phototherapy.
Dermatology Clinical Nurse Specialist Helen Childs has a particular interest in paediatric eczema. She reports that with good education about the condition, and adopting a strict moisturising regime, the quality of the patient’s life can improve dramatically.
Psoriasis is a common inflammatory skin disease affecting 2% of the population. It may occur at any age and affect both males and females equally. In addition to the skin, psoriasis may affect a person’s joints and nails – it is not contagious. Psoriasis patients, especially those with moderate to severe cases, may be at higher risk to heart disease and stroke.
Despite being a long-term condition, psoriasis can be treated with a variety of treatments, including topical creams and ointments, phototherapy, medication, and innovative biologic therapies.
Teenagers may experience breakouts of acne, which often goes away by the time they are in their late teens or early twenties. On the other hand, adults in their late 20s and early 30s may also experience their first breakout.
Acne is a common skin condition that is defined by pus-filled spots, whiteheads, and clusters of blackheads. The face, back, chest, and neck are all common areas.
While there isn’t a cure for acne, there are several topical and holistic treatments that help reduce the likelihood of scarring and enhance the mental health of those who suffer from the condition.
For further details on any of the above conditions, including patient information leaflets, please visit British Association of Dermatologists website.
Your GP will refer you to Dermatology for a review if they think you could have a type of skin cancer. Usually, this is an urgent referral under a two-week rule. This means that you will get an appointment with one of our specialists within 2 weeks and they will review the area of concern.
As with any type of cancer, treatment is more effective when detected early. Lesions or moles on the skin that change in shape, size, and colour, often bleeds, or does not heal, should be seen by a Dermatology Specialist.
If one of our specialists thinks that further treatment is required, then a minor operation may be deemed necessary. Treatments, however, can also include topical preparations. Sometimes the features of a lesion are unclear, and the clinician may suggest a small biopsy for a confirmed diagnosis. This will usually be completed in our Dermatology clinic at a later appointment. If further treatment is required from the results of the biopsy, this will be discussed with you, and you will be kept informed of the next step.
For more information about this please visit the Macmillan Website.
Additional conditions that we routinely treat include, but are not restricted to:
- Allergic reactions
- Lichen Sclerosis
- Rosacea
- Blistering conditions
- Urticaria
- Hyperhidrosis’
- Vitiligo
- Hidradenitis
- Alopecia