Dermatology in Northampton

If you've been suffering from any skin problem: rashes, spots, bleeding, itchiness, discolourations of some kind, hair issues, or finger or toenail ailments, your first port of call will be the dermatology department, and if you have private medical insurance or have means to self-fund your care, and you live within easy distance of Northampton, you may well find yourself being referred to the specialist dermatology clinic at Three Shires Hospital for further investigation and help.

Skin is our first line of defence against all outside threats to all our other organs. However, despite that, perhaps the largest uncontrollable threat comes from within. We're talking about hereditary diseases. Most are uncomfortable at worst, but there are many life-threatening ones too (such as basal cell nevus syndrome or Muir-Torre syndrome), thankfully though, most life-threatening inherited diseases of the skin are rare.

Our expert team at Three Shires Hospital in Northampton see patients from Guilsborough, Wooton, Duston, Brackley, Towcester and Wellingborough. People also visit us from Brixworth, Grange Park, Long Buckby and Moulton. If you’re looking for a private hospital near you, our team is ready and waiting. We welcome people who live or work locally as well as those who want to travel from further afield to benefit from our talented consultants and compassionate care teams.

What is dermatology?

Dermatology is the study and treatment of the skin, hair and nails. A dermatologist is a doctor for skin concerns, specialising in this area of medicine. Many skin conditions will need the help of an experienced dermatologist to properly diagnose and resolve.

If you are concerned about any issues with your skin, a dermatologist is the best person to seek for help. They will be able to physically assess and diagnose the problem, then tailor treatment to your specific needs.

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.

The sun is a good source of Vitamin D, and we know the skin needs a certain amount of vitamin D to be healthy, however too much exposure to the sun can be detrimental and can result in the development of life-threatening conditions such as cancer.

If you have noticed any issues with your skin, or you are worried about marks on your skin such as moles changing shape or colour, or lumps forming anywhere on your body, visit your GP as soon as possible.

After an initial examination, your GP will refer you to a skin specialist or dermatologist if they suspect anything needs investigating further.

And if that referral is to the dermatology clinic here at Three Shires, you will be seen by our specialist dermatology team, where, after further examination and, if necessary, tests, we will be able to advise you of the next steps to help you on the road to recovery.

You can also contact us direct on 01604 801068 if you'd like to arrange a consultation or get a second opinion. Note that if you've been referred to us by your doctor or insurance company, we will be in contact with you to arrange an appointment. 

There are three main groups of skin cancers, but many many more within those groups. The outer layer of the skin is called the epidermis (which itself consists of 4 or 5 layers), and it's at the base of this layer that the most common skin cancer occurs called basal cell carcinoma (BCC).

According to MacMillan Cancer Support, eighty in every hundred cases of skin cancer in the UK are BCCs1. BCC cancers tend to be static in that they rarely spread to other parts of the body, and thankfully most are cured.

However, a few can grow deeper into the skin and in the worst cases, can spread to bones, making them far harder to treat. 

The second most common skin cancers are of the type: squamous cell carcinoma. This cancer starts in the basal cells of the outer skin layer and then spreads upwards into the flattened, or squamous, outer layer of the epidermis.

These can spread further and if left untreated over time can become dangerous. Some can also spread more quickly, so if you have any signs of changing marks or skin colours, it's very important you seek attention.

The third and most dangerous skin cancer type is called malignant melanoma (the other two types are sometimes referred to as non-melanomas).

These can change and spread quickly, sometimes in just weeks or months and are often associated with mole growth (they can start as new moles seen on the skin, begin within existing moles, or begin as a discolouration of the skin).

In fact, moles are sometimes called benign melanomas because they are a skin tumour, and although they are not dangerous, they are still considered to be abnormal growths.

Malignant melanomas are also closely associated with ultraviolet light from both the sun as well as technology such as sun beds. 

There are many types of rash, some are itchy, some are not. Some are painful to the touch, others are not. They can occur on every part of the body, and the vast majority are not life threatening, with many clearing up without any intervention.

However, some, if left untreated, can become a problem, and of those that do, some can go on to cause quite serious complications for people.

A few rashes are also contagious, such as impetigo which, although is more common in children, can affect adults too. 

Perhaps the most common rash is eczema, which affects 1 in 5 children in the UK and as many as 1 in 12 adults according to the National Institute for Health and Care (NICE)2.

Eczema is closely associated with allergens and is also hereditary, but it's not contagious. For most people, treatment by a specialist dermatologist will help immensely as they can advise on how to reduce the immediate effects of eczema, and how to keep it reduced.

Eczema can come and go and is not curable but getting the right advice from an expert will certainly improve your quality of life should you have this condition. Our dermatology clinic at Three Shires can help. 

Another less common skin condition we see is psoriasis. The NHS estimate that this affects around 2% of the UK population, both men and women equally, and usually under 35 years of age.

Psoriasis is not contagious and can appear on any part of the body although it's more common on knees, back, elbow, and the scalp. It's a scabby, often itchy and sore rash that in its worst state can seriously affect the sufferers quality of life.

The cause is abnormal skin cell growth up to 4 times faster than normal growth. This may be due to a problem with the immune system or it may be hereditary, but it can also happen due to an earlier trauma of some sort. 

A consultant dermatologist will help diagnose the problem and advise on the best course of treatment if you suspect you have this condition. 

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. 

An initial consultation at our dermatology clinic will usually last between 15 and 30 minutes, during which time your condition will be diagnosed or referred on to further specialists if it turns out to be due to a non-skin related condition.

Our team uses specialist equipment to ensure a proper diagnosis is made and the best follow up treatments will be recommended along with any risks so you can make an informed choice of what to do next. 

Should a stay in the hospital be required, all Three Shires rooms are private and include full en-suite facilities with medical staff available 24 hours a day. If you'd like to discuss any condition you have or would like to book an appointment at our skin clinic, please do call us on 01604 620311

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.