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If you've been concerned about an issue that affects your skin, be it a rash, spot, dryness, a lump, or any of many other problems, and you've been everywhere to try and find out why it's happening, but no one seems to be certain, you may have been thinking about getting a second or expert opinion from a specialist skin consultant.
That specialism is called dermatology. The range of medical conditions that dermatology covers is large and includes conditions ranging from acne and eczema, through to psoriasis and rashes, and perhaps the most worrying of all, skin cancers.
According to the British Association of Dermatologists, 24% of the UK population visit their doctor every year with a dermatological condition of one sort or another, so it's not just the sheer number of patients who suffer with skin problems, it's the diversity of conditions and causes that can make finding the cause and the right solution that much harder.
All consultant dermatologists go through basic medical training in the UK. This can take anywhere from 6 to 8 years, after which, specialist training begins. That training takes a further 4 to 9 years depending on the branch of dermatology chosen.
Dermatology consultants are registered in the Specialist Register of the General Medical Council. The GMC are there to help protect patients and ensure all standards are met or exceeded.
Your GP may refer you to a registered consultant dermatologist if they believe your condition needs further investigation, or you can book directly with a registered private consultant if you'd prefer to pay privately or have medical insurance (please check with your insurance provider).
There are many reasons you might choose to see a dermatologist at Circle Health Group:
- Persistent acne or rosacea
- Suspicious moles or skin growths
- Chronic skin conditions like eczema or psoriasis
- Hair loss or excessive hair growth
- Nail problems or infections
- Skin allergies or sensitivities
- Cosmetic concerns like wrinkles or scars
Remember, your skin is your body's largest organ, and its health can reflect your overall wellbeing. If you have any concerns about your skin, hair, or nails, our dermatologists are here to help.
We recommend seeing a dermatologist if:
- You have a skin, hair, or nail problem that isn't improving with over-the-counter treatments
- You notice changes in the size, shape, or colour of moles
- You have persistent acne, rashes, or skin irritation
- You're experiencing unexplained hair loss
- You have concerns about skin ageing or sun damage
- You have a family history of skin cancer and want a screening
Book a consultation if you're worried about any aspect of your skin's health. Early intervention can often lead to better outcomes.
What happens on the day of your visit depends very much on your condition. For example, if you wanted to check your skin health in general, then a full body skin check would probably be the best option. On the other hand, if you have a rash in one specific area of your body, then that will be the most likely place your consultant will want to check.
During your dermatology appointment at Circle Health Group, you can expect:
- A discussion of your medical history and current concerns
- A thorough examination of your skin, and possibly your hair and nails
- Use of special tools like a dermatoscope for closer skin inspection
- Potential skin samples or biopsies if required
- Discussion of diagnosis and treatment options
- Opportunity to ask questions and express concerns
Our aim is to provide a comprehensive assessment and create a personalised treatment plan tailored to your needs.
Tests may be done on your initial visit, for example, to analyse your blood, or, if the tests need to be more extensive, you may be advised that a further visit is necessary to book you in for the appropriate treatment.
Once your consultant has examined you, and any test results have been returned, your consultant will let you know the results and talk with you about any possible treatments or changes you can make to help with your condition.
How long is a dermatology appointment?
We ensure our dermatology appointments are thorough yet efficient:
- Initial consultations typically last 20-30 minutes
- Follow-up appointments are usually 15-20 minutes
- More complex cases or procedures may require longer appointments
The exact duration can vary depending on your specific needs and the complexity of your condition. We always aim to provide ample time to address all your concerns and explain your treatment options.
What is Mohs dermatology?
We offer a range of skin cancer treatments at Circle Health Group, and Mohs surgery is one of our specialised techniques:
- It's a precise surgical technique used to treat skin cancer
- The procedure involves removing thin layers of cancer-containing skin and examining them until only cancer-free tissue remains
- It's particularly useful for cancers in areas where preserving healthy tissue is crucial, such as the face
If Mohs surgery is recommended for your case, our dermatologists will explain the procedure in detail and may refer you to one of our specialist Mohs surgeons if necessary.
Does dermatology include hair?
Yes, our dermatology services absolutely include hair-related issues. Dermatologists are experts in all aspects of skin, hair, and nail health. We can help with:
- Hair loss (alopecia)
- Excessive hair growth
- Scalp conditions
- Hair shaft disorders
- Hair colour changes
Whether you're concerned about thinning hair, patchy hair loss, or other hair-related issues, our dermatologists can provide expert diagnosis and treatment.
Does dermatology include nails?
Absolutely. At Circle Health Group, our dermatology services encompass nail health as well as skin and hair. Our dermatologists can address various nail concerns, including:
- Fungal nail infections
- Psoriasis affecting the nails
- Nail trauma and injuries
- Nail growth disorders
- Nail colour or texture changes
Nail health can often be an indicator of overall health, so don't hesitate to consult our dermatologists if you have any concerns about your nails.
Can you self-refer to dermatology?
We offer the option for self-referral to our dermatology services at Circle Health Group:
- You can book a consultation directly with one of our dermatologists without a GP referral
- This option is available for both self-pay patients and those with private medical insurance (please check your policy details)
- You can use our online booking system or call us directly to arrange an appointment
While self-referral is possible, if you have ongoing health concerns, we always recommend keeping your GP informed about any specialist consultations you undertake.
Does dermatology do allergy testing?
Yes, our dermatology department does offer allergy testing, particularly for skin-related allergies:
- We can perform patch testing for contact allergies
- Blood tests may be used to identify certain types of allergies
- Skin prick tests can be done for immediate-type allergies
However, it's important to note that for comprehensive allergy testing, you might be referred to an allergist or immunologist. Our dermatologists will advise the best course of action based on your specific symptoms and concerns.
We have a large roster of specialist dermatologists based right around the UK, so wherever you live, you should be able to find a consultant fairly close to you.
Please use our simple specialist finder to start the process, then refine your search by post code, town, or hospital. From there you can book a consultation online.
We hope to see you soon.
- Diseases, American Academy of Dermatology Association
- What is a dermatologist, Healthline
- Dermatologists - skin care doctors, Cleveland Clinic
- Mohs Surgery, Mayo Clinic
