Dermatology in Rochdale

As the largest organ in the human body, our skin plays a vital role in our health and ability to function. It provides us with our sense of touch, helps protect our body from the elements and infection, regulates our temperature and synthesises Vitamin D.

Any type of damage to the skin has the potential to affect physical, mental and emotional health, sometimes quite significantly. Unfortunately, skin is quite easily damaged by:

• Irritants and allergens
• Ultraviolet (UV)radiation
• Underlying disease
• Injury
• Genetic factors
• Stress

Skin problems in more visible areas, such as the face or hands, can often make us feel self-conscious, and it can be easy to try to mask these areas of skin with make-up or clothing.

Some skin conditions will resolve themselves naturally over time, but many others will need some form of treatment to relieve symptoms.

A Consultant Dermatologist is a medically qualified doctor who specialises in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions that affect the skin, hair and nails. Seeing a Consultant Dermatologist for any damage to the skin, hair or nails is the quickest way of getting expert advice for your specific condition and symptoms.

At The Highfield Hospital, our team of experienced Consultant Dermatologists provide prompt diagnosis and treatment for a wide variety of skin conditions. Whether you’re concerned by a mole that has changed shape, frustrated by an angry rash on your arms or would like advice on the best way to treat your acne, it can be sensible to get help from an expert. Why not book your appointment online today with a Consultant Dermatologist in Lancashire at The Highfield Hospital? They would be delighted to help you.

The Dermatology team at The Highfield see a wide range of skin conditions, including:

• Acne – a common skin problem that can last for many years. Causes spots and blocked pores on the face, neck and back and can lead to scarring in more severe cases
• Contact dermatitis – allergens such as irritant chemicals or fragrances can cause an itchy rash if they come in contact with the skin
• Eczema – causes sore, itchy, dry skin.
• Psoriasis – causes patches of red, scaly skin
• Rosacea – a facial rash, common in people who are prone to flushing
• Hives (urticaria) - itchy, red swellings on the skin
• Infections – including athlete’s foot, ringworm and folliculitis (inflammation of hair follicles)
• Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) - a painful skin condition that can cause skin abscesses and scarring

The Dermatology team can also investigate and treat problems with skin ‘lumps and bumps’ including:

• Moles
• New skin lumps
• Growths caused by long-term sun damage
• Suspected skin cancers

Dermatologists also diagnose and treat problems with skin pigmentation, scalp disorders and hair loss.

Whatever symptoms you have, our Dermatology team can offer expert assessment. If any type of treatment is needed, this is easily and quickly arranged for you at the hospital.

When you first meet with your Consultant here, they will talk with you about your skin complaint in detail. They will want to know things like:

• The symptoms you have
• When you first noticed these symptoms
• Whether anything obvious causes your symptoms to flare up
• If you’ve tried any treatment already, such as medication prescribed by your GP
• Whether you have specific worries about any of your symptoms (for example, are you concerned that you may skin cancer or some type of allergy?)

They will examine the affected area of skin and may recommend a full skin examination, depending on your symptoms. They may use a special handheld magnifying device (dermatoscope) to help with diagnosing moles and skin lesions.

As well as this physical examination of your skin, you may be referred for further investigations like:

• Blood tests
• Bacterial skin swabs or mycology tests (fungal analysis)
• Allergy testing - certain substances (known as allergens) may trigger skin complaints. Allergy testing helps determine the allergens that cause your skin to react.
• Biopsy - a sample of skin is taken from the affected area of skin is removed and sent for further analysis. This is helpful for confirming the presence and type of skin cancer

Your Consultant will be able to arrange any tests that are needed. Once they have confirmed a diagnosis, they will be able to talk to you about treatment options. Some skin conditions, such as a harmless mole, may not need any type of treatment and can be left alone.

Treatment for skin conditions may involve:

• Guidance for daily skin care
• Prescribed topical medication (creams and ointments, applied to the skin)
• Tablets
• Cryotherapy (freezing treatment)
• Skin surgery

Types of skin surgery may include:

• Excision of skin lesion – this will then be sent away for analysis under a microscope
• Mole removal
• Skin cancer surgery

Whatever treatment is required, your Consultant will tailor it your specific condition and what is best for you. If adjustment is needed at any point (for example, changing the strength of the topical ointment you use), this is easily done. If you have questions or concerns at any time, it is easy to arrange a time to see your Consultant again for advice.

The Highfield Hospital is located in Rochdale, Lancashire and helps people with their skin conditions from the local area and further afield. Many people are referred to us from a GP, a consultant in another speciality or their private medical insurance provider. Others decide to self-refer in order to get things looked at and treated by an expert sooner than is possible elsewhere.

When you choose The Highfield Hospital for help with your skin concern, you will benefit from:

• Access to a leading expert, FAST – With experienced Consultant Dermatologists working at the hospital, we can quickly and easily book an appointment for you. Earlier assessment and diagnosis means you’ll benefit from any treatment required sooner.
• Patient Satisfaction – In an independent survey, an incredible 99.1% of the people we treated said they were likely or highly likely to recommend The Highfield Hospital to their friends and family. We continue to work hard to provide the highest level of care for anyone who trusts us for their skin health.
• Easy to book - Bookings can be made online or by phone, and we treat both self-pay and privately insured patients
• Remote consultations available – Many skin complaints will need to be physically seen and examined in order to accurately diagnose. For that reason, Dermatology consultations are usually carried out in person at The Highfield Hospital. However, we can occasionally offer remote consultations by telephone or online video call if needed and where clinically appropriate. These are normally best for follow-up consultations.
• Bespoke treatment – Skin conditions require a tailored approach to treatment and your consultant will ensure you receive the optimal treatment for your particular condition. In addition, you will always see the same consultant when you visit.
• Multidisciplinary team - Fast on-site access to experts in other specialities when needed, including Rheumatology and ENT, means you will always receive support and treatment from the most appropriate person at all times.

If you are at all concerned or frustrated by any type of skin complaint, why not book your Dermatology appointment online now? We look forward to welcoming you to The Highfield Hospital and helping you get back to better skin health as soon as possible.