Dermatology is the medical specialty concerned with the diagnosis, management and treatment of skin, hair and nail disorders.
The dermatology department at Circle Reading Hospital provides an expert centre for diagnosing, monitoring and treating a comprehensive range of conditions affecting the skin. Our department draws on the expertise of leading UK specialists in this field.
Our state-of-the-art, modern Circle Health hospitals provide the relaxing space needed for medical consultations, diagnostic tests and treatment. Furthermore, our expert dermatologist is able to offer the full breadth of non-surgical and surgical interventions as appropriate. Our range of treatments include modern, non-invasive measures which use the very latest in technology such as laser/light treatments.
We strive to give our patients a unique understanding of their dermatology condition and all of the available management options. We then give our patients full control over their management plan, with follow-up appointments scheduled to monitor relevant disease markers and to make modifications to treatment plans where required.
Dermatology is the medical speciality concerned with the diagnosis, management and treatment of skin, hair and nail disorders. The speciality encompasses non-invasive management and treatment as well as surgical solutions for dermatological conditions.
There are a huge range of dermatological conditions with various causes. Some of the common causes include:
These are caused by a problem with the bodies immune system and manifest in many ways. Sometimes the faulty immune system can attack and damage the skin, nails or hair. Some common examples include psoriasis and lupus erythematosus, as well as certain types of alopecia (hair loss).
Allergies are a common complaint and often manifest in the skin. They can range from very mild symptoms to life limiting. Allergies can also be short-term (acute) or persistent (chronic) in nature. Common examples of types of allergic reactions to the skin include eczema, hives and contact dermatitis.
These are are also common to the skin and the tissues directly beneath the skin. Causes can include trauma, exposure to toxins, genetic factors and infections. However, there may be no cause identified.
Skin infections have various causes, including:
As a guide, an initial consultation with a dermatologist starts from around £200.
The cost of dermatology diagnosis and treatment will depend on your individual circumstances. At the time of your appointment your consultant will discuss all options with you and ensure all your questions are answered.
Our fixed-price packages include the cost of your relevant treatment and all appropriate aftercare appointments. However, any pre-surgery diagnostic tests and your consultant's outpatient appointment consultation fee are charged separately.
Our flexible payment options help you spread the cost of your payment across a period that suits you.
Our dermatology expert consultants will firstly establish details about your exact symptoms, to help them to formulate a list of possible diagnoses before requesting any tests.
Particular aspects of the history and symptoms which our consultants may examine in greater detail include:
Whether you have self-referred to our dermatology unit or you have been referred by another doctor or healthcare professional, our dermatologists will always conduct an in-depth physical examination at your initial consultation. Once completed, our consultant dermatologists will request a range of diagnostic tests.
Unlike the majority of specialist medical areas, standard imaging techniques such as X-ray, MRI and CT scans are not routinely requested. In some circumstances, dermatologists will conduct a more thorough visual examination of areas of skin using microscopy or specialist lighting. This can enable more accurate, visual analysis of symptoms associated with pigmented lesions or other occult changes beneath the superficial skin layer.
Allergy tests can be conducted under certain circumstances, and may be achieved in two ways:
Skin biopsies are performed as non-invasive procedures where the superficial layers of the skin may be shaved, or as small invasive procedures where the deeper layers of skin are removed by punching underneath the skin or by excising tissue manually.
Some dermatology conditions are related to wider immune system disorders or other general health problems. Depending on the exact medical problems needed to be screened our dermatologists may run blood tests including:
Depending on the nature of the condition our consultant dermatologists may recommend the following treatments:
At Circle Reading Hospital, we always ensure that our consultations are efficient for our patients while allowing them the space to discuss their concerns.
Typically, initial consultations typically last 20 to 30 minutes. If you are returning for a follow-up appointment, these are usually 15 to 20 minutes.
The exact length of your appointment will depend on your specific needs and the complexity of your condition. We always aim to give you the time to address all your concerns.
Our dermatology unit draws on the experience of many leading doctors in this field. Each of our consultants bring their own unique expertise and as a team we are able to provide the full spectrum of diagnostics and treatments. Our services cover the rashes or skin lumps and masses, acne and rosacea and many other conditions.
All of our screening, diagnostic procedures and treatments may be booked immediately following a consultation, and all utilise the very latest in pathology and interventional technology.
We appreciate that undergoing necessary diagnostic interventions and treatment for dermatology conditions can be a stressful experience. Circle Health plans and carries out thousands of appointments and medical interventions each week.
Based on our experience, we have developed an excellence in both clinical and non-clinical care in order to relieve your worries and allow streamlined patient journeys from appointments to diagnostics, treatments and any onward referrals to other specialties.
To support our expert dermatology consultants, our team also includes specialist nurses and our service is supported by expert pathology labs who are able to analyse any skin biopsies taken.
Circle Health is able to provide further specialist services related to dermatology within our hospitals when needed. This includes a UK leading rheumatology department when investigating possible autoimmune disease as well as leading oncology and radiotherapy services. The ability to gather opinions and further expert knowledge in-house leads to organised and stress-free transitions of care.
Not only is our dermatology clinical care second to none, your treatment will be conducted in a modern, clean facility which you are able to feel comfortable in throughout your treatment.
If you’re self-funding your private care, you can book directly with one of our private dermatologists. No waiting lists, no delays.
We also accept referrals from your local GP or health insurance providers. If you’re going through your private health insurance, it is important to double check your policy as some stipulate that you may require a referral from your GP first.
For more information about your payment options, check out our detailed guide on financing private care with Circle Health Group.
To book your initial consultation with one of our dermatologists near you, use our online booking system, or give us a call and one of our dedicated advisors will help you find an appointment time that suits you.
Reception: 0118 922 6888
Mon-Sun: 8am-10pm
Free car parking for patients and visitors
Consultations 16yrs+ Procedures 18yrs+
