The skin is the largest organ in the human body. Providing protection against infection, helping to regulate body temperature, giving us our sense of touch and synthesising Vitamin D, it plays a significant role in our health.
The skin can be affected by a wide range of conditions. Common causes of skin complaints include:
- Irritants and allergens
- Infections
- Ultraviolet radiation (sunlight)
- Injury
- Genetic factors
- Stress
- Unknown causes
The skin is the most visible organ of the body and so problems with the skin can have a major impact on self-confidence or self-esteem because of the appearance of the problem, particularly if it is occurring on more exposed areas such as the hands or face. Skin conditions can also have an impact on well-being because of symptoms such as itching or pain.
Although some skin conditions will resolve naturally, others will require expert treatment to properly resolve.
A Consultant Dermatologist is a medically qualified doctor who has specialist qualifications and expertise in diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the skin, hair and nails. If you are concerned about a problem in any of these areas, a Dermatologist will be able to provide you with expert advice without delay.
At The Harbour Hospital, our Consultant Dermatologists see, diagnose and treat a wide range of skin conditions. Whether you’re concerned with a mole or skin growth, or frustrated by an itchy rash, booking a consultation with a Dermatologist is a sensible course of action.
Why not book your visit to The Harbour Hospital today? Our Dermatologists would be delighted to help you.
The Dermatology team at The Harbour can help with a variety of conditions, including:
- Acne – a common skin problem characterised by spots and blocked pores on the face, neck and back. It can last for years and may cause scarring.
- Contact dermatitis – certain substances can cause an itchy rash on the skin when they come in contact with it. Contact reactions on the skin can occur as a result of allergy to a product used on the skin or irritation from harsh chemicals such as soaps and detergents.
- Eczema – can affect all ages and leads to dry, sore and itchy skin
- Psoriasis – a long-term condition that may be linked to other health problems, such as arthritis. Causes patches of red, scaly skin.
- Rosacea – a facial rash leading to redness and often inflamed spots.
- Hives (urticaria) - a raised, itchy rash on the skin.
- Infections – such as athlete’s foot and ringworm
They can also investigate and treat:
- Moles
- Skin lumps
- Abnormal growths caused by sun damage
- Suspected skin cancers
A Dermatologist can also help with hair loss, skin pigmentation issues and scalp problems.
Whatever issue you are concerned about, our Dermatology team can provide you with expert assessment and diagnosis. Any treatment needed can be easily arranged for you here at The Harbour.
When you first meet with your consultant at The Harbour, they will talk with you about your symptoms. They will want to know things like:
- What symptoms you have (for example, a mole that has changed colour)
- When you first noticed these symptoms
- Whether you have already tried any treatments, such as prescribed medication
- Whether you have specific concerns about your symptoms (for example, are you worried that you might have skin cancer?)
They will examine the area in question and may wish to carry out a full skin examination, which involves getting undressed. A special handheld magnifying device (dermatoscope) may be used to help identify skin lesions or moles.
Some skin conditions may require additional investigations. These include:
- Blood tests
- Bacterial skin swabs
- Allergy testing (patch testing) - allergens can trigger skin complaints. Allergy testing may help to show which substances have triggered a skin reaction
- Biopsy - a small sample of the affected area of skin is removed and sent for further analysis
Your Dermatologist will be able to arrange any tests that are needed. Once the results are back and they have confirmed a diagnosis, they will talk through suitable treatment options with you so that you are fully informed.
Treatment for skin conditions may involve:
- Advice about skin care
- Topical medication (ointments and creams)
- Tablets
- Freezing treatment (cryotherapy)
- Skin surgery
Types of skin surgery may include:
- Excision (removal) of skin lesion – skin lesions are sent away for further analysis (histology).
- Mole removal
- Complex skin cancer surgery – this may be required for removal of large facial lesions
Follow-up appointments with your Dermatologist as needed will help ensure your skin condition continues to be well managed. If your symptoms come back, or new ones appear, it is simple to arrange a time to be seen once again for advice.
As the main private hospital in Poole, many people trust us for their skin treatments. Some are referred from their GP or a consultant in another speciality, while others self-refer to avoid delay. Others are recommended by friends and family members who have been treated by us previously.
While many of our patients are from Poole itself, some travel from other areas of Dorset to benefit from our expertise.
When you visit The Harbour Hospital, you will benefit from:
- Fast access to an expert in skin health – When you’re concerned about a skin complaint, you will want to be seen at the earliest opportunity. We can book you an appointment with a Consultant Dermatologist at the earliest opportunity, so that you are able to see the benefits of any treatment sooner.
- Easy booking process - We offer bookings throughout the week, so you are sure to find a time that is convenient for you. We treat both self-pay and privately insured patients
- Remote consultations available – Dermatology consultations are usually carried out in person at The Harbour, but we can offer remote consultations by telephone or online video call if required (and where clinically appropriate).
- Bespoke treatment – Skin conditions require a tailored approach to treatment. Your Dermatologist will help you choose a suitable treatment for your particular condition.
- Multidisciplinary team - Your Dermatologist is helped by a number of other healthcare professionals including nurses, pathologists, laboratory staff and radiologists. They work closely with experts in other specialities when needed to ensure you receive the support and treatment that is right for you.
- On-site parking – Our on-site car park means you won’t have to worry about where to park when you visit us.
- Patient Satisfaction – In an independent survey, 98.6% of the people we treated said they were likely or highly likely to recommend The Harbour Hospital to their friends and family.
Treatments are available for a wide range of skin problems and we are here to help you. Our experienced Consultant Dermatologists will fully investigate the cause(s) of your problem, discuss suitable treatment options with you and then arrange your treatment as soon as possible.
For peace of mind and known expert care, why not book your private Dermatology appointment today?
