Our skin provides us with our sense of touch, protects our body from the elements and helps us to effectively regulate our temperature.
As the largest organ in the human body, the health of our skin plays an important role in our overall wellbeing. Unfortunately, the skin can be affected by a large number of factors, including:
- Irritants
- Allergens
- Ultraviolet radiation
- Immune system disorders
- Infections
- Injury
- Genetic factors
- Stress
Acne, skin rashes and benign lumps and bumps are the common skin complaints, but the incidence of skin cancers are also on the rise. When these problems affect the skin in areas that are more visible, such as the face, it also affects your self-confidence.
Skin conditions can take a heavy toll on your physical, mental and emotional health.
Assessment and treatment from an experienced doctor will be needed for many skin conditions in order to properly resolve your symptoms. Dermatology is the study and treatment of the skin, hair and nails. A doctor specialising in this area is known as a dermatologist.
If you have any type of concern about a skin condition and would appreciate expert advice, a dermatologist will always be the best person to see. They will be able to assess and diagnose the cause of your symptoms, then tailor a treatment plan for you.
At The Meriden Hospital, our Consultant Dermatologists see, manage, monitor and treat all skin conditions. Whether you have an unsightly mole you don’t like or that has changed colour or shape, or you’re being irritated by an itchy rash that just isn’t going away, why not book an appointment with one of our Consultants for help?
There are a wide range of conditions that can affect the skin. Some of the ones we see more frequently here at The Meriden Hospital include:
- Acne – spots and oily skin, usually on the face, neck or back
- Contact dermatitis – certain substances cause the skin to crack, blister or become itchy when they come into contact with it
- Eczema – tends to be a long-term condition, causes the skin to become dry and irritated.
- Psoriasis – a problem with the immune system causes patches of skin that are red, dry and scaly.
- Rosacea – an inflammatory skin condition causing flushing around the neck and face
- Hives (urticaria) - a raised, itchy skin rash
- Skin cancers
They also diagnose, investigate and treat:
- Inflammatory skin diseases
- Skin allergies
- ‘Lumps and bumps’ on the skin
- Abnormal or changing moles
Regardless of your symptoms, help is available. Should any type of treatment be required, it can be easily arranged for you here at The Meriden Hospital.
When you first meet with your Consultant Dermatologist at The Meriden Hospital, they will ask you about your symptoms. They will ask you questions like:
- What symptoms do you have?
- When did you first notice them?
- Have you tried any treatments (creams/ointments etc.) already? If so, did they help at all?
- Do you have any particular concerns about these symptoms? (For example, are you worried that you might have some type of skin cancer?)
They will take your clinical history and carry out a physical examination of the affected area(s) of skin.
Additional tests are sometimes required to help with the diagnosis. Common investigations for skin conditions include:
- Blood tests
- Allergy testing - certain things may trigger skin complaints. Allergy testing helps show exactly what things cause an allergic reaction in your skin
- Biopsy - a sample of an area of skin is removed and sent for further analysis.
Your Consultant will be able to arrange any tests required to get a diagnosis. Once a diagnosis is confirmed, they will be able to talk to you about suitable treatment options. Treatments for skin conditions include watchful waiting, medication, application of a topical cream or ointment or surgery.
There are a number of medicines, creams and ointments available for skin conditions and your Consultant Dermatologist will be able to talk with you about the best ones for your specific complaint.
Skin surgery includes:
- Removal (excision) of skin lesion – this will be sent away to be analysed
- Mole removal
- Skin cancer surgery
Some skin conditions may flare up and then calm down again. For this reason, your Consultant will see you for reviews at certain intervals to monitor your symptoms and to check they have fully resolved or are still being suitably managed. If your symptoms reoccur, or if you have any questions or concerns, it is very easy to book to see your consultant for advice.
People living in and around Coventry choose The Meriden Hospital for the assessment and treatment of their skin conditions.
Some have been referred by their GP or private medical insurance company, while others have been recommended by friends or family members who have previously been helped by us. While a medical referral can be helpful, you can self-refer to avoid delay.
We treat people with private medical insurance and those who chose to use our self-pay option.
At The Meriden Hospital you will benefit from:
- Rapid access to an expert in skin health – When a skin condition is bothering you or causing you concern, you’ll want to get it looked at and treated as quickly as possible. With a team of experienced Consultant Dermatologists working on-site, you’ll be able to arrange a consultation quickly and easily.
- Flexible appointments: We offer appointments throughout the week, so you are sure to find a time that is convenient for you.
- A tailored approach – A bespoke approach to treatment ensures you receive the best treatment for your particular condition. If any adjustments are needed to your treatment, these will be made by your Consultant when they review your symptoms.
- Teamwork - Your Consultant Dermatologist is supported by a number of other specialists, including ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat) surgeons, radiologists and rheumatologists. Easy access to any member of this wider healthcare ensures you will always see the most appropriate person for your specific needs.
- On-site parking – It is east to travel to us and our car park has 80 spaces. Be sure to register your car details at Reception when you arrive with us to get FREE parking.
- Patient Satisfaction – In an independent survey, 96.5% of the people we treated said they were likely or highly likely to recommend The Meriden Hospital to their friends and family.
Effective treatments are available for a range of skin problems, and our experienced Consultant Dermatologists would be delighted to help you. They will investigate the cause(s) of your problem and talk about treatment options with you.
For peace of mind and known expert care, why not book your private skin appointment in Coventry today?
