Dermatology in Aberdeen

Dermatology is the branch of medicine dedicated to diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the skin, hair and nails. At Albyn Hospital in Aberdeen, experienced consultant dermatologists provide expert assessment and treatment for a wide range of skin concerns, helping patients improve both their physical comfort and confidence.

Many skin conditions, while not usually life-threatening, can have a significant impact on everyday life. Common conditions such as acne and eczema can cause symptoms including inflamed, red skin, persistent itching, dryness, irritation and discomfort. These symptoms can affect self-esteem, emotional wellbeing and quality of life, leading many people to seek specialist support.

he dermatology clinic at Albyn Hospital offers diagnosis, treatment and ongoing management for a variety of skin conditions, including:

• Eczema
• Psoriasis
• Acne
• Skin rashes
• Rosacea
• Mole assessments
• Skin cancer concerns
• Other chronic and acute skin conditions

Patients are assessed by highly experienced dermatologists who create personalised treatment plans designed to manage symptoms effectively and improve skin health.

Eczema is a common skin condition that often begins in childhood, although it can continue or return in adulthood. Flare-ups can be triggered by dry skin, stress, infections, irritants, allergens, weather changes, or sometimes for no obvious reason.

There are several types of eczema, each with different causes and symptoms. Common forms include:

• Atopic eczema (atopic dermatitis) – The most common type, often starting in childhood and linked to allergies, asthma, or hay fever.
• Contact dermatitis – Triggered by direct contact with irritants or allergens, such as soaps, cosmetics, jewellery, or cleaning products.
• Seborrhoeic dermatitis – Affects oily areas of the skin, such as the scalp, face, and chest, causing flaky, scaly patches.
• Discoid eczema – Characterised by round or oval patches of inflamed skin that can be itchy and uncomfortable.
• Pompholyx (dyshidrotic eczema) – Causes small, itchy blisters on the hands and feet.
• Varicose (venous) eczema – Commonly affects the lower legs and is associated with poor circulation and varicose veins.
• Asteatotic eczema – Often seen in older adults and linked to very dry skin, particularly during colder months.

To help identify possible causes of recurrent eczema flare-ups, Albyn Hospital offers skin patch testing. This specialist allergy test can determine whether your skin is reacting to specific substances that come into contact with it, such as:

• Perfumes and fragrances
• Jewellery and metals
• Cosmetics and skincare products
• Clothing materials and dyes

Skin patch testing only detects substances that affect the skin through direct contact. It does not identify food allergies or airborne allergens. Where appropriate, additional investigations, including blood tests, may also be recommended to support diagnosis and treatment planning.

Unfortunately there is currently no cure for eczema. Good quality moisturisers aim to repair damage to the skin barrier, limit loss of water, replace proteins and lipids, and relieve symptoms. Topical eczema treatment with topical steroid or steroid-free creams reduces inflammation, when used in an appropriate way.

 

Albyn Hospital provides assessment and treatment for many types of acne, from mild breakouts to severe or persistent acne. Acne can affect people of all ages and may cause physical discomfort, scarring, and reduced confidence if left untreated.

During a consultation, our consultant dermatologist will carry out a thorough assessment of the skin to determine the type and severity of acne, identify any underlying factors, and develop a personalised treatment plan. This ensures each patient receives the most appropriate care for their individual needs.

A range of evidence-based acne treatments is available, including:

• Topical acne treatments, such as prescription creams and gels
• Oral antibiotics to help reduce inflammation and control acne-causing bacteria
• Isotretinoin (Roaccutane®) for patients with severe, scarring, or treatment-resistant acne -  (please note that Dr Doug Smith, GP with specialist interest in dermatology is unable to prescribe Roaccutane®)

Most moles are harmless, but it is important to have any new, changing, or unusual mole assessed by a specialist. Early detection can help identify potential signs of skin cancer, including melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer.

A professional mole check can provide reassurance if a mole is benign or help ensure that any concerning changes are investigated quickly. It is advisable to seek a mole assessment if a mole:

• Changes in size, shape, or colour
• Has uneven or irregular borders
• Becomes itchy, painful, or inflamed
• Bleeds, crusts, or does not heal
• Looks different from other moles on the body
• Is a new mole that appears in adulthood

If a mole or lesion requires removal, surgery is often a quick and straightforward procedure. Most treatments can be carried out on an outpatient basis allowing patients to return home the same day.

Epidermoid cysts are common, non-cancerous skin lumps that develop beneath the surface of the skin. While many cysts are harmless, they can become uncomfortable, inflamed, infected, or cosmetically bothersome, leading patients to seek treatment.

At Albyn Hospital, our consultant dermatologists provide expert assessment and treatment for epidermoid cysts. During an initial consultation, the cyst will be examined to confirm the diagnosis and determine whether removal is recommended.

Epidermoid cyst removal is usually performed as a minor surgical procedure under local anaesthetic. Your dermatologist will carefully make a small elliptical incision over the cyst and remove the cyst along with its lining. Once the cyst has been removed, the wound is closed with stitches and dressed to support healing. Patients can typically return home the same day and resume most normal activities shortly afterwards.

Skin lesions removed at Albyn Hospital are sent to a histology laboratory for analysis. Examining the tissue helps confirm the diagnosis and identify any abnormal or cancerous cells, supporting the highest standard of patient care.

A lipoma is a common, non-cancerous growth made up of fatty tissue that develops beneath the skin. Lipomas are typically soft, slow-growing, and painless, although larger lipomas or those located near nerves, muscles, or joints can sometimes cause discomfort or restrict movement.

At Albyn Hospital, patients can benefit from expert assessment and treatment of lipomas by experienced consultant dermatologists. During an initial consultation, the lipoma will be examined to confirm the diagnosis and determine whether surgical removal is the most appropriate treatment option.

Lipoma removal surgery is usually performed as a minor procedure under local anaesthetic. Once the area has been numbed, the surgeon will make a careful incision directly over the lipoma. The fatty lump is then gently separated from the surrounding tissues and removed in its entirety. After removal, the incision is closed with stitches and covered with a dressing to support healing.

The procedure is typically carried out as a day case, meaning patients can return home the same day and resume most normal activities shortly afterwards.

Skin lesions removed at Albyn Hospital are sent to a histology laboratory for analysis. Examining the tissue helps confirm the diagnosis and identify any abnormal or cancerous cells, supporting the highest standard of patient care.

Skin tags are small, soft, harmless growths that commonly develop in areas where the skin rubs together, such as the neck, armpits, groin, eyelids, and beneath the breasts. Although skin tags are benign and do not usually require treatment, many patients choose to have them removed if they become irritated, catch on clothing or jewellery, bleed, or affect their confidence.

At Albyn Hospital, patients can benefit from specialist assessment and treatment by experienced consultant dermatologists. During an initial consultation, the skin tag will be examined to confirm the diagnosis and determine the most appropriate treatment option.

Skin tag removal is a quick and straightforward procedure that is typically performed under local anaesthetic. Once the area has been numbed, the dermatologist will carefully remove the skin tag using a minor surgical technique. The procedure is usually completed within a short appointment and requires minimal recovery time.

What happens during your dermatology consultation at Albyn Hospital?

Consultations begin with our consultant dermatologist taking your full medical history, before understanding more about the kind of symptoms you may be experiencing as a result of your skin issue.

A bespoke treatment plan may then be offered, which can include anything from minor procedures performed within a day, or more complex surgeries where you may be required to stay overnight.

If you’re looking for a dermatologist in Aberdeen, Albyn Hospital provides a wide range of consultant-led appointments. Here are some reasons why you might want to choose Albyn Hospital for your dermatology appointment.

• Expert assessment from an experienced consultant. You will see the same Consultant will be seen by the same consultant throughout the entirety of their treatment journey.
• Fixed-price dermatology packages for certain procedures. The package includes a one follow-up appointment and histology. 
• Treatment plans tailored to meet your individual health needs.

How to book an appointment with a Dermatologist at Albyn Hospital?

 

If you would like to make an appointment with our Consultant Dermatologist here at Albyn Hospital, simply call our friendly team on 01224 595993

You can also book an initial appointment by using our handy online booking system.