Dermatology

Unfortunately, at one time or another, nearly everyone has some type of skin disease – infants, children, teenagers, adults and the elderly. A surprising one in six (15%) of all visits to the family doctor (GP) involves a skin problem, showing that it is extremely common. Find out more about our private dermatologist service in London below, and how we can help to treat issues you are currently facing with your skin.

Dermatology clinicians

What Is Dermatology?

Dermatology involves, but is not limited to, the study, research and diagnosis of disorders, diseases, cancers, cosmetic and ageing conditions of the skin, fat, hair, nails, oral and genital membranes. A dermatologist is a medical expert that you should consult if you have any significant problems with your skin.

Dermatologists receive training to look at medical dermatology, cosmetic dermatology, surgical dermatology, and dermatopathology. Here at our specialist skin clinic in Canary Wharf, our dermatologists are fully qualified to diagnose and treat a full range of conditions that sit under these branches of dermatology.

Types Of Dermatology

  • Medical Dermatology: This branch of dermatology is where we’ll look at diagnosing, treating and preventing various diseases that affecting the skin, hair and nails such as acne, alopecia or fungal infections.
  • Cosmetic Dermatology: As the name would suggest, we use cosmetic dermatology to improve aesthetics involving the skin, hair and nails. An example of a treatment used is a chemical peel or a treatment plan focussed on improving the look of wrinkles. As this is purely cosmetic, conditions covered by cosmetic dermatology are not key to maintaining good health.
  • Surgical Dermatology: Under this branch of dermatology we look at diagnosing, treating and preventing various diseases that can affect the skin, hair and nails through surgical procedures. A common condition we treat at our skin clinic in Canary Wharf is melanoma (skin cancer).
  • Dermatopathology: Much of the work we carry out under this area of dermatology is done in the lab, where we’ll study samples to diagnose specific conditions.

Private Dermatologist Treatments

As part of our private dermatologist service offered in London we regularly diagnose, manage and treat some of the following conditions at our skin clinic:

Acne

Acne is an extremely common skin condition that affects many people across the UK every single year. It is particularly common in adolescence due to the changes in hormone levels during puberty, however, it can start at any age. This inflammatory skin condition causes spots that most commonly develop on the face, back or chest. As well as causing spots and pimples, acne can also result in oily skin, a rise in the skin’s temperature and can also make the skin very sensitive and painful to touch.

The 6 main types of spots that are caused by acne are:

  • Blackheads
  • Whiteheads
  • Papules
  • Pustules
  • Nodules
  • Cysts

Whilst there are various ways you can help to control your acne at home, such as avoiding using heavy makeup and cosmetics or trying not to wash the affected area more than twice a day, severe acne can sometimes require a dermatologist’s advice. If you have moderate to severe acne and have tried various treatments with little results, it might be time to speak to an expert. We know that when you’re not fully comfortable within your own skin, it can affect your self-esteem. Here at LycaHealth, you can arrange a consultation with a private dermatologist here in London, where we can talk you through the options available and advise a treatment that is best suited to your skin and acne.

Eczema

Another condition we commonly treat at our skin clinic in Canary Wharf is eczema, more commonly, atopic eczema. This is the most common form of eczema and presents itself as itchy, red, dry and cracked skin. Whilst eczema is more common in children, it can also develop in adults.

Not every case of eczema is the same, some people may suffer from widespread red, inflamed skin and for others, it could be smaller patches of dry skin. When you come in to see us about your eczema, we’ll ask questions about where and when your symptoms occur, whether it comes and goes over time, if any other family members suffer from eczema as well as about your diet and lifestyle to see whether these could be acting as contributing factors.

Whilst the cause of eczema is currently unknown, we do know that it is down to a variety of things. It is more common in those who have allergies, or for those people where asthma or hayfever runs in the family.

Skin Cancer

There are around 15,400 new melanoma skin cancer cases in the UK every year, and it’s now the 5th most common cancer in the UK. Because of this, it’s become more important than ever to check your moles. Luckily, there is an easy framework to apply to check them; the ABCDE method.

  • A – Asymmetry: If you were to cut your mole in half, does it look the same on both halves?
  • B – Border: Does your mole have blurred or ragged edges?
  • C – Colour: Does your mole have a different mix of shades or colours?
  • D – Diameter: Is your mole bigger than 1/4 inch from one side to the side?
  • E – Evolution/Enlargement: Has your mole changed in appearance any way?

That’s not to disregard non-melanoma skin cancer, the two most common types we see here at our skin clinic are basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC).

If you have noticed any changes to your moles, whether that’s new or growing moles it’s best to book a consultation with our London based dermatologist to get everything checked over.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis causes red, flaky and dry & crusty patches of skin that are covered with silvery scales. It is a complex condition that generally appears in small patches on an individual’s knees, scalp, elbows or lower back. Unfortunately, psoriasis can show itself in larger patches and in turn, this can have a significant impact on an individual’s life. In this case, it’s time to be seen by a dermatologist. Whilst we can’t cure psoriasis, there are a full range of treatments we can use to improve both the symptoms you’re experiencing and the appearance of the affected patches of skin. If you would like to discuss the options available to you, give one of our skin clinics in London a call or book in for a consultation so we can assess your situation.

Rashes

Sometimes, you might need to see a dermatologist if a rash comes up all of a sudden. Many, many things can give you a rash from an allergy, to heat and sun exposure or bites and stings. Whilst most rashes will go away on their own, it’s important to get checked out if your rash doesn’t go away as it may require treatment. If you’ve come up in a rash, which hasn’t gone down or re-occurs, then you might need to be checked over by a dermatologist.

These are some of the more common conditions we treat on a regular basis at our skin clinic in Canary Wharf, however, we do treat such a wide range of skin conditions. If you have a very specific condition or are unsure of the next best steps to take why not give us a call, or book in for an appointment where can advise the best course of action for you.

Available at the following clinics

Canary Wharf

0207 132 1440

Open Mon – Fri 8am to 8pm

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Orpington

01689 490 111

Open Mon – Fri: 8AM to 8PM

Sat: 9AM to 2PM

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The skin is the largest and most visible organ of the entire body. It is a reflection of our health and acts as a barrier against injury and bacteria. If you are looking to get advice on your skin in Canary Wharf with a specialist skin doctor, please get in touch today.

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