Dermatology in Nottingham

Our skin has many functions, providing us with our sense of touch, protecting our body from the elements and helping us to effectively and efficiently regulate our temperature.

As the largest organ in the human body, the health of our skin affects our overall health, wellbeing and quality of life. Unfortunately, skin can be damaged by a number of things, including:

• Irritants, allergens and Ultraviolet radiation
• Disease
• Injury
• Genetic factors
• Stress

Skin problems like rashes, acne, ‘lumps and bumps’ and skin cancer are all too common. When these problems are more visible, for example on the face, it can often lead to lower self-confidence and even sometimes embarrassment.

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

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

At The Park Hospital, our Consultant Dermatologists treat the whole range of skin conditions. Whether a mole has recently changed colour, shape, size or you simply don’t like its appearance, or you’re increasingly frustrated by an itchy, unsightly rash, why not book an appointment to get their expert opinion? They would be delighted to help you.

Some of the skin conditions frequently seen and treated by the dermatology team at The Park include:

• Acne - causes spots and oily skin, predominantly on the face, neck and back
• Contact dermatitis – when certain substances come into contact with the skin, they may cause it to crack, blister or become itchy
• Eczema - a group of conditions that cause dry and irritated skin. Tends to be a long-term condition
• Psoriasis – thought to be caused by a problem with the immune system. Causes patches of skin that are red, dry and scaly. Tends to cycle between flaring up and then calming down
• Rosacea – an inflammatory skin condition that causes flushing around the face and neck
• Hives (urticaria) - a raised, itchy rash on the skin
• Skin cancer - one of the most common cancers in the world

They can also investigate and treat:

• Inflammatory skin diseases
• Skin allergies
• ‘Lumps and bumps’ on the skin
• Mole abnormalities

Whatever skin problem you have, our dermatology team will provide you with expert assessment and diagnosis. Should treatment be necessary, they’ll be able to arrange that for you simply and quickly.

When you first meet with your consultant at The Park, they’ll talk with you about your symptoms. They’ll want to know things like:

• What symptoms you have
• When you first noticed them
• What treatments you’ve already tried
• Whether you have any particular concerns about your symptoms (for example, are you worried that you might have skin cancer?)

They will take a clinical history and carry out a physical examination of the affected area of skin. For some skin conditions, additional investigations may be needed like:

• Blood tests
• Allergy testing - certain things can trigger skin complaints. Allergy testing helps show the specific substances that cause an allergic reaction in your skin
• Mole Mapping - used when screening for suspected skin cancer. The number of moles on your body and their position is accurately assessed and recorded (mapped). Repeated over time, this can help show any changes in size and/or position
• Biopsy - a small sample of the affected area of skin is removed and sent for further analysis. This is helpful for confirming the presence and type of skin cancer

Your consultant will be able to arrange any tests that are needed. Once they have confirmed a diagnosis, they will be able to talk to you about treatment options. Treatment may involve watchful waiting, medication, application of a topical cream or ointment or surgery.

Types of skin surgery may include:

• Excision of skin lesion – sent away for further analysis
• Mole removal
• Mohs surgery - involves the microscopically controlled removal of skin cancer. Please note that this surgery will be arranged by your Park consultant but performed off-site.

Complex skin cancer surgery is also provided at The Park.

Follow-up appointments with your consultant as needed will help ensure your skin condition continues to be well managed. If your symptoms re-occur, or if you have any questions or concerns at any time, it is easy to arrange a time to see your consultant again for help and advice.

People living in and around Nottingham choose The Park for the assessment and treatment of their skin conditions for a number of reasons. Some have been referred by their GP or a consultant in another speciality. Others have chosen to self-refer because they want to get things looked at and treated as soon as possible.

Regardless of how you’ve been referred to us or the distance you’ll be travelling to visit with us, at The Park you will always benefit from:

• Access to a leading expert, FAST - A number of the Consultant Dermatologists working at The Park are recognised both nationally and internationally for their work, particularly in treating skin cancer. We can arrange a consultation for you with them easily and quickly.
• Flexible appointments - We know that life can be busy. We offer a range of appointments, so you’re sure to find a time convenient for you. Bookings can be easily made online or by phone and we treat both self-pay and privately insured patients
• Remote consultations available – Consultations are usually carried out in person at The Park, but we can offer remote consultations by telephone or online video call if needed and where clinically appropriate.
• Bespoke treatment – Skin conditions require a tailored approach to treatment and your consultant will ensure you receive the optimal treatment for your particular condition. In addition, you will always see the same consultant when you visit.
• Multidisciplinary team - Your consultant is supported by a number of other healthcare professionals including nurses, occupational therapists and radiologists. They work closely with experts in other specialities when needed, including Rheumatology and ENT, to ensure you receive the support and treatment that is best for you.
• On-site parking – We’re very easy to get to and have a car park with 178 spaces, so you won’t need to worry about where to park when you visit us.
• Patient Satisfaction – In an independent survey, 98.4% of the people we treated said they were likely or highly likely to recommend BMI The Park Hospital to their friends and family. We continue to work hard to provide the highest level of care for anyone who trusts us for their skin health.

Effective treatments are available for a wide range of skin problems and our experienced Consultant Dermatologists would be delighted to help you. They will fully investigate the cause(s) of your problem and then talk with you about suitable treatment options available.

If you’re concerned or frustrated by a skin condition, why not book your appointment online today.

We look forward to helping you.