Dermatology in Stirling

Dermatology at Kings Park Hospital

The Kings Park Hospital offers a comprehensive dermatology service. Our skin specialists (Dermatologists) diagnose and care for all skin conditions, including skin cancers, rashes, and hair, scalp and nail disorders.

Over 2,000 diseases of the skin, hair, and nails  give our experienced dermatologists 2,000 possible diagnoses.

What conditions can a dermatologist treat at Kings Park Hospital? 

The main treatments we offer are:

• Removal of moles (nevi) and skin growths (lesions)
• Photodynamic therapy (PDT) - a non-surgical treatment that uses light to destroy certain types of cancer
• Cryotherapy - which uses liquid nitrogen to freeze off sunshine-damaged areas of the skin
• Investigation patch testing (cutaneous allergy) to detect the cause of allergic contact dermatitis (eczema)
• Steroid lotions for itchy scalp conditions and diagnoses of unexpected hair-thinning or hair loss

Why might you be referred to a dermatologist?

Dermatologists diagnose, assess and treat all manner of conditions of the skin. Some of the most common reasons people are referred to us include:

• Acne
• Eczema
• Contact dermatitis
• Psoriasis
• Rosacea
• Hives
• Infections
• Changes in moles or other areas of skin

Whatever your skin concern, a dermatologist consultation is the first step to getting the treatment you need.

What to expect

We offer direct bookings with a Consultant Dermatologist and are happy to see patients with a GP referral or those wishing to self-refer.

You’ll be well cared for from the moment you enter the hospital, and once you have been introduced to your consultant, they will show you to a private consultation room.

Your Consultant Dermatologist will give you the time you need to explain your concerns and answer any questions you have about moles, skin growths, changes in the skin, or the nature of unexpected hair loss and nail disorders.

How much does a private dermatology appointment cost at Kings Park Hospital in Stirling?

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.

What happens during a dermatology appointment at Kings Park Hospital? 

Your dermatology consultation is designed to be thorough, informative, and reassuring from the very start. It will usually begin with a detailed conversation about your symptoms (when they started, how they’ve changed, and whether anything seems to trigger or improve them).

Your dermatologist will also ask about your general medical history, any medications you’re taking, your family history of skin conditions, and any treatments you may have already tried. This helps build a complete picture of your skin health and ensures nothing important is missed.

Next, your dermatologist will carry out a careful examination of your skin. This may focus on one specific area or involve a broader skin check, depending on your concerns. In many cases, they will use a handheld magnifying device to look more closely at the skin’s structure and patterns. This allows them to assess changes that aren’t visible to the naked eye and often helps them make a diagnosis there and then.

For many patients, a clear diagnosis can be made during this first appointment, and your dermatologist will talk you through what the condition is, why it may have developed, and what it means for your health. If there’s any uncertainty or a need for more detailed information, further tests may be recommended. These can include a simple skin biopsy (where a small sample is taken under local anaesthetic) or, less commonly, blood tests to check for underlying causes.

Once a diagnosis is confirmed or strongly suspected, your dermatologist will explain your treatment options in a clear and patient-friendly way. This might include topical creams, medications, lifestyle advice, or minor procedures, depending on your condition. You’ll also be given guidance on what to expect next, including how long treatment may take to work and whether any follow-up appointments are needed. 

Diagnosis

During the consultation, your dermatologist will lead you through aspects of your medical history. They will often examine the skin visually or with a handheld dermoscope (a test for moles and benign skin growths using a polarising light).

Sometimes a blood test is performed in the same setting. A plan for a biopsy or removal, or patch testing, may also be arranged to be done at a later date, giving you the chance to mull things over.

Treatment

If you’re having surgery to remove a mole or growth, you’ll be led to an outpatient treatment room. It’s a room dedicated to minor procedures that we carry out with local anaesthetic.

We also specialise in photodynamic therapy, an incredibly safe, non-surgical treatment that treats certain types of cancer. In part one of the treatment, your Consultant Dermatologist will put a light-sensitive cream on your skin. When you return to the clinic, they will shine an LED light on the area to be treated.

Dermatologists often use cryotherapy, - freezing damaged skin areas- to treat warty growths and certain pre-cancerous skin changes.

Private acne treatment at Kings Park Hospital

Acne, or acne vulgaris, is a common skin condition that affects around 85% of people at some point in their lives. It is most common in teenagers but can affect anyone at any age.

Acne causes spots on the skin, normally on the face, forehead, chest and back. The spots vary in type and severity. Acne can be inflammatory or non-inflammatory.

There are various treatments available for acne. The right treatment for you will depend on the type of acne you have, and what treatments you have tried previously. At Kings Park Hospital, our consultant dermatologists will take the time to understand your skin and your acne type, and they’ll work with you to develop a treatment plan that works for you.

Why choose Kings Park Hospital for Dermatology treatment?

The dermatology clinic at The Kings Park Hospital offers quick and comprehensive diagnoses and treatments for skin, hair and nail conditions, as well as advice on moles, growths and hair loss.

Benefits:

• Speed - you’ll be able to see a highly qualified and experienced Consultant Dermatologist within 7 days and sometimes even quicker
  
  
• Reassurance - we provide an opportunity to gain interpretation of something that’s worrying you, reassuring you that it is not cancer or diagnosing skin cancer early
  
  
• Listening - your consultant won’t be pushed for time, and you can ask as many questions as you like
  
  
• Quality - the service you receive at The Kings Park Hospital is first-class, whether it’s a friendly welcome from the team at reception, care and support from outpatient nurses or excellent clinical care from expert and experienced consultants

The Kings Park Hospital is one of a limited number of places in Scotland that offers photodynamic therapy, attracting many patients outside the central belt.

Dermatologists are effective gatekeepers to other disciplines as well and can refer you to other consultants if required. 

How to book a dermatologist in Stirling

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.

Can I self-refer to a dermatologist at Kings Park Hospital?

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.