Reasons why you should see a private dermatologist in London

Here’s a look at some common skin conditions that may require the attention of a private dermatologist in London or elsewhere to clear them up.

You may know that the skin is the largest organ in the human body, but did you know adults have around 21 square feet of it and that all that skin wrapped around your body comprises about 15% of your total weight?

It may look like it’s just sitting there, doing little other than protecting you from invaders like bacteria and viruses. Still, your skin is constantly changing and renewing itself, shedding cells and forming new ones at different rates depending on your age — every couple of weeks in babies, just under a month with teenagers and slightly longer in adults.

This incredibly complex, multilayered organ is subjected to all kinds of environments every day, some of which may not be so kind to its delicate structures. We all know that too much sun — solar radiation — kills skin cells, and so it’s not so good for us. And while you might not think that’s a problem you need to worry about in cloudy and wet Britain, you’d be wrong.

Skin cancer is among the most common cancers in the UK, with around 100 thousand people diagnosed every year, 2,500 of whom sadly die from the disease. Many other issues can arise with the skin, which is why your doctor might refer you to Dermatology Consultants at a hospital. Here are some other skin conditions that might be reasons to see a dermatologist.

Conditions Dermatology Consultants typically treat

Acne: This is one of the most common skin problems and one that’s frequently — and uncomfortably — experienced by image-conscious teenagers, as blackheads, whiteheads and pimples erupt all over their faces. It’s estimated that around 80% of the population will have an eruption of acne at some time in their lives, leading many people to attend a private dermatology clinic for treatment. The condition arises when dead skin cells and oil clog hair follicles, and in severe cases, it can lead to pain and a loss of confidence. So it’s important not to suffer and to seek a remedy at a dermatology department.

Moles: Many of us have moles on various parts of our skin, and they’re nothing to be concerned about. They’re formed of pigmented cells and can change in colour and shape, as well as disappear entirely. The medical term for moles is nevi, and it’s common for adults to have around a dozen or more of them scattered around their body. Sometimes they can become cancerous, however, and a melanoma can develop. Attend a dermatology department if a mole changes in size or shape, especially if it turns black and becomes itchy or starts to bleed.

Warts: These are another common skin condition, and you may be surprised to learn that they’re caused by a virus — human papillomavirus — that stimulates additional cell growth, resulting in a mound of cells that we call a wart. They’re most commonly found on the hands and feet, although they can appear anywhere on the body. If you don’t like how they look, you can go to a private dermatologist in London and have them removed, as it might not be possible on the NHS.

Psoriasis: You will definitely need to see a dermatology consultant if you’ve developed this condition anywhere on your body. It typically appears in patches and is the result of an overproduction of skin cells. Psoriasis is classed as a chronic disease, and it’s one that’s not fully understood; genetic factors may play a role, as it often runs in families. There isn’t yet a cure for psoriasis, but Dermatology Consultants will recommend different creams to soothe the skin or therapy using ultraviolet light.

Liver Spots: Commonly called age spots, these blemishes are due to continued exposure to the sun’s rays, and many elderly people have them. They’re harmless and don’t pose any risks, as they won’t turn cancerous. But if you don’t like them, you can go to a private dermatology clinic and have them chemically peeled off — a safe and painless procedure.

Skin Tags: Many people have skin tags, which are small growths that are harmless and noncancerous. Their occurrence is also something of a mystery, although they tend to be more prevalent in people who are obese and have type 2 diabetes. Depending on where skin tags appear, such as under the breasts or in the groin area, they can cause irritation and may have to be removed. That’s usually done with surgical scissors or a chemical burn.

Lipoma: Another problem that can develop in the skin is the growth of fatty tissue just above the muscle. It almost always doesn’t present any health challenges, but a Dermatology Consultant may want to examine the lump or lumps, either with an ultrasound or biopsy, to make sure it isn’t cancerous. You can live with lipomas, but if you find they make your skin look too bumpy, they can be surgically removed.

Rosacea: This skin condition causes parts of the face to turn red, blood vessels may become visible, bumps may appear, and they will be filled with pus. Again, not much is understood about rosacea, other than middle-aged women are the most affected. And there’s no cure, so your private dermatology clinic will have to treat it with creams to reduce the inflammation.

What are the benefits of a private dermatology clinic?

When you attend a private dermatology clinic, you can expect a different level of service and care than you might get elsewhere, like in an NHS hospital, where they do incredible work but are often snowed under, short-staffed, and the waiting lists can be incredibly long. There will be no waiting at your private dermatologist’s office in London or elsewhere because you will be seen soon after making your appointment.

Your dermatologist will be among the best in their field, as private clinics and hospitals typically can afford to pay higher salaries and therefore attract the best medical professionals. You’ll be warmly welcomed by caring nurses and doctors and feel comfortable in luxurious surroundings that will immediately put you at ease.

You’ll have all the time you need to ask questions and talk about your skin condition, and your Dermatology Consultant will give you an extensive examination and determine a diagnosis and treatment plan. There will be no rushing to get to the next patient because you also have the luxury of taking as long as you want at a private dermatology clinic.

There are many more skin issues than the common ones we’ve mentioned here, and even if there’s nothing wrong with your skin, it’s a good idea to have a check-up anyway, just to be sure. Your skin does a great job of weathering all the elements and protecting you from harm, so it’s good to reward it with some care.

If you have a skin condition that won’t go away, you can make an appointment at our Dermatology Unit and soon be seen by some of the best Dermatology Consultants in the UK. Make your appointment now.