Skin problems are common, visible and often slow to be seen. Our dermatology service covers everything from acne, eczema and psoriasis to suspicious moles and skin lesions. When a lesion needs to come off, our clinicians can carry out the minor surgery on site and send the sample for histology.
What we see
- Rashes and long-term conditions: eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, urticaria (hives), seborrhoeic dermatitis
- Acne, in teenagers and in adults, including acne that scars
- Moles and marks: a mole that is new or changing, a spot that does not heal, a rough or scaly patch on sun-exposed skin
- Lumps and growths: cysts, lipomas, skin tags, warts, verrucas, seborrhoeic keratoses
- Infections: fungal infections of the skin and nails, impetigo, recurrent boils
- Hair and nails: hair loss, scalp conditions, nail changes
- Itching, sweating and pigment changes that have no obvious cause
Checking a mole
Most moles are harmless. The ones to have looked at are those that change. The ABCDE guide is a useful reminder: Asymmetry, an irregular Border, more than one Colour, a Diameter over 6 mm, and Evolution, meaning any change in size, shape or colour. Add to that a mole that itches, bleeds or crusts, or one that looks unlike your others. If you have any of these, book soon. Do not wait to see whether it settles.
What happens at the appointment
The clinician asks how long the problem has been there, what makes it better or worse and what you have already tried, then examines the skin. Lesions are looked at with a dermatoscope, a lit magnifier that shows the structures beneath the surface. You are told what the condition is, or what the possibilities are, and what can be done: a cream or tablets on prescription, a change in what you put on your skin, a procedure, or a watch-and-review with photographs.
Skin surgery
Where a lesion should be removed or sampled, this is done under local anaesthetic, usually in under half an hour: see minor injuries and surgery. What is removed is sent to a laboratory, and you are given the result and what it means. If the result, or the appearance of a lesion, points to a skin cancer, you are referred without delay to the appropriate hospital team: see referrals.
Before you come
Bring the names of the creams and medicines you have used, and photographs if the problem comes and goes. For a mole check, come without make-up or nail varnish on the areas to be examined, and mention any lesion you cannot see yourself, on the back or the scalp.
Common questions
Can a mole be removed because I do not like it? Yes, once it has been examined. You are told what scar to expect first.
Will one visit sort out my eczema or acne? These are long-term conditions. The first visit sets the treatment; a review checks that it is working.
Should I stop my creams before the appointment? No. Carry on as usual unless you have been told otherwise, and bring them with you.
