Dermatology

Acne covers a wide range of different symptoms, from small pimples to larger, more painful breakouts known as cystic acne. 

If you have recurring spots that are deep and painful, and if you have found that creams, washes, and over-the-counter treatments don’t help, then you may want to talk to a dermatologist. At the Phoenix Hospital Group, we use a procedure called acne extraction, which removes whiteheads and blackheads.

Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is characterised by irritated, red, dry and inflamed skin. The area may also be itchy and swollen.

If your eczema is causing you serious discomfort and preventing you from going about your day or sleeping properly, get in touch. We can offer expert treatment to help diagnose the cause of the condition and find a way to help treat and manage the condition, which may include medication and medicated products applied to your skin.

Skin rashes have several different causes. You may be having an allergic reaction or irritation if you have been exposed to pesticides, strong soaps, or detergents. A rash may also be due to psoriasis, eczema, an insect bite, an infection, or heat. Common symptoms typically include red and inflamed skin, itching, cracked or dry skin, or pain. 

Our dermatologist can talk to you about skin prick tests to diagnose allergies, and blood tests and patch tests are also available. Once we know the cause, we can create a structured treatment plan for you.

Skin infections can be categorised into four different types: bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic. 

Common symptoms of a mild skin infection may include itching, swelling, redness and pain. Blisters, pus, a bad smell, and discoloured skin are some examples of symptoms of a severe skin infection. It is very important that you do not scratch or pop any of your blisters or skin issues — this can make them worse. 

If you have the symptoms of a skin infection, contact a dermatologist as soon as possible. Depending on the specific condition, your dermatologist may prescribe oral or topical antibiotics, antihistamines or other over-the-counter treatments. Viral wart treatment, for example, may involve cryotherapy, which is when the wart is frozen before it is removed. Laser treatment is also an option in some hard-to-treat cases.

There are many different types of nail disorder, and they can be a sign of a wide range of different health issues varying in seriousness. 

If you have noticed swelling or redness around your nail, it may be a sign of an infection. However, if you notice changes in the colour of your nails, it could be related to something more serious, such as liver disease, diabetes, kidney disease, a lung infection, heart disease, anaemia or even poisoning. 

Changes in the shape and texture of your nails can happen for a number of different reasons. Washboard nails could be due to picking your nails. Ram’s horn nails are hereditary. If you have noticed deep grooves in your nails, this is a sign that they have stopped or slowed growing due to stress, a fever or an infection. Pitted nails could be due to a number of different skin conditions, including dermatitis or psoriasis. 

If you are concerned about the changes in your nails or if you have noticed any of the symptoms described above, you should consult with a dermatologist as soon as possible.

Hair loss can occur gradually, typically thinning around the top of the head, or it can appear as patches of hair falling out in clumps. 

There are a number of different reasons why you may be experiencing hair loss, with male or female pattern hair loss being the most common, but it may be due to a thyroid condition, hormone imbalance, or skin condition. Alopecia areata (a condition that develops when the body attacks its own hair follicles) is another cause of hair loss. 

Our team will be able to diagnose your hair loss condition and help you with a treatment plan.

This term describes darker patches or brown spots on the chest, hands, arms, and face. There are several different factors that can trigger or worsen skin pigmentation, and it is the kind of issue that can have a real impact on mental health. 

If you are finding that skin pigmentation is spreading or that it is having an impact on your mental state, get in touch with us. We will find the best treatment for your specific condition, whether that is a chemical peel, a laser procedure, or something less intense such as a topical cream.

Classic symptoms include hives, which is when your skin is red, itchy, painful, cracked or swollen. If you have darker skin, it may become grey, purple, or dark brown. 

If you think that you may have a skin allergy, a dermatologist can help. A skin prick test can diagnose the issue and identify what you are reacting to. A small amount of the suspected allergen is placed into a small scratch on your skin. If your skin reacts, then the dermatologist will know that you are having an allergic reaction. From there, we can talk to you about how to manage this condition and how to avoid triggers.

Facial cancers occur when abnormal cells on the outer layer of your skin start growing rapidly, which causes mutations that can lead to tumours. Most cases of skin cancer are the result of overexposure to UV rays from the sun or tanning beds, but there are common risk factors such as a family history of skin cancer and skin type. 

Warning signs of facial cancers can include a rash, nodule, or strange patch of skin that does not go away, or rough, firm lumps on the surface of your skin. Flesh-coloured or red moles that grow quickly and are raised are further common signs of skin cancer. You should also watch out for patches of pale, flesh-coloured or pearly patches or lesions on your head, neck, or chest. 

If you catch skin cancer early, it is usually treatable. This is why it is so important to talk to a dermatologist about any skin cancer symptoms that you have noticed. They will be able to diagnose your symptoms and — if necessary — direct you towards a treatment plan.

Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) is a specialist surgical procedure to remove skin cancer. It aims to remove all of the cancerous tissue while keeping as much healthy skin intact as possible. This helps to minimise scarring, and is useful in areas of the skin such as near the eyes, where minimal skin removal is required.

Mohs surgery has been refined into the most precise and advanced treatment for skin cancer, It has the lowest recurrence rates, highest cure rates and best cosmetic results of any skin cancer treatment (Skin Cancer UK)

Mohs surgery is so effective because it evaluates the tissue surrounding the cancer more thoroughly than traditional skin cancer surgery techniques.

If you have been referred for Mohs surgery, get in touch to book an appointment with one of our specialist skin cancer surgeons.