A dermatologist is a medical doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating over 3,000 conditions affecting the skin, hair, and nails. This includes medical treatments for acne, eczema, and psoriasis, as well as skin cancer screenings and cosmetic procedures.
What makes a dermatologist different? - click for info
Your skin is unique, and so is every skin condition. What may look like a simple rash, stubborn acne or harmless mole can have many different causes. That's why an accurate diagnosis is one of the most important parts of treatment. Dermatologists spend years training to recognise the subtle differences between skin conditions that often appear very similar. Rather than treating symptoms alone, they investigate the underlying cause and create a personalised treatment plan based on the latest medical evidence. If you've been treating the same skin concern without seeing improvement, it may be time for a specialist opinion. Healthy skin begins with the right diagnosis.
When should you see a dermatologist? - click for info
Many people think they only need to see a dermatologist for severe acne or a suspicious mole, but dermatologists diagnose and treat hundreds of different skin, hair and nail conditions. It may be time to book an appointment if you have - a rash that won't go away, persistent itching or irritation, a skin lesion that doesn't heal, a mole or spot that's changing, pigmentation that concerns you, acne that isn't responding to treatment, hair loss or changes to your nails Sometimes a closer examination or simple in practice investigation is needed to understand what's happening beneath the surface and ensure you receive the right treatment. You don't have to wait until a skin concern becomes serious. Early diagnosis can make all the difference.
What do dermatologists do? - click for info
Many people think a dermatologist only treats acne or recommends skincare products, but dermatology is a specialised field of medicine focused on the health of your skin, hair and nails. A dermatologist diagnoses and treats a wide range of conditions, including - acne, eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, pigmentation disorders, hair loss, skin infections, nail conditions, skin cancer and mole assessments. Dermatologists also perform skin examinations, diagnose complex skin conditions and help prevent, detect and treat skin cancer. Whether you're dealing with a long standing skin concern or have noticed a new or changing spot, seeing a dermatologist means receiving an accurate diagnosis and evidence based treatment tailored to you. Healthy skin starts with expert care.
Why do some scars keep growing? - click for info
When skin is injured, the body produces collagen to repair the wound. Normally, collagen production gradually settles as healing progresses, but sometimes that process becomes overactive. A hypertrophic scar remains raised but stays within the boundaries of the original wound. A keloid, however, can continue to grow beyond the original injury, sometimes months after the skin has healed. Keloids can develop after surgery, piercings, acne, burns or even relatively minor injuries. They may also become itchy, tender or uncomfortable. Understanding what type of scar you have is important, because not all raised scars are treated in the same way.
Is all hair loss the same? - click for info
Hair loss is not a single diagnosis. It may present as gradual patterned thinning, excessive shedding, sudden patches of hair loss or hair loss associated with inflammation or scarring of the scalp. Conditions such as androgenetic alopecia, telogen effluvium, alopecia areata, traction alopecia and scarring alopecias all behave differently and may require different management. A dermatological assessment of the scalp, hair follicles and pattern of hair loss can help identify the underlying cause and guide appropriate treatment.
Does all skin cancer look the same? - click for info
Skin cancer doesn't always look like cancer. One of the biggest misconceptions is that skin cancer should be an obvious, dark or unusual looking mole. It can be much more subtle - A spot that doesn't heal, a rough patch that keeps returning, a new growth, a lesion that slowly changes. You don't need to work out what it is yourself. That's what a dermatologist is there for. If something on your skin is new, changing or not healing, don't ignore it simply because it doesn't look alarming. When something doesn't look right, get it checked.
Is acne only a surface problem? - click for info
Acne starts below the surface of the skin. Oil production, blocked follicles, inflammation, bacteria and hormones can all play a role. Squeezing or scrubbing acne may worsen inflammation and increase the risk of pigmentation and scarring. Treatment often takes time because many therapies work by preventing new breakouts from forming. If acne is painful, persistent or causing scarring, consult a dermatologist.
Are all skin itches eczema? - click for info
Itchy skin is one of the most common reasons people visit a dermatologist, but it's not always caused by dry skin or eczema. Persistent itching can be linked to a variety of conditions, including: Eczema, Psoriasis, Allergic reactions, Fungal infections, Contact dermatitis, Certain underlying medical conditions. If your skin has been itchy for several weeks, keeps returning or isn't responding to over the counter treatments, it's worth having it assessed. Treating the correct cause is the first step towards lasting relief.
Is SPF only for summer? - click for info
Many people pack away their sunscreen when winter arrives, but UV rays don't disappear with the warmer weather. Up to 80% of UV rays can still penetrate clouds, meaning your skin is exposed even on cool or overcast days. UVA rays, which contribute to premature ageing and skin cancer, remain relatively constant throughout the year. Daily sunscreen helps protect your skin from premature ageing, pigmentation, sunburn, skin cancer Make SPF part of your routine every day, regardless of the season. Your future skin will thank you.