Private Dermatology in Bournemouth and Poole

Acne is a common skin condition that affects many people in the UK (approximately 1 in 10 adults experience acne), impacting individuals well into their 30s and beyond.

Acne is a chronic skin condition that occurs when hair follicles become clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and sometimes bacteria. This leads to the development of various types of pimples, cysts, blackheads, and whiteheads.

Acne typically affects the face, chest, back, and shoulders and can be very uncomfortable to live with, as well as significantly affecting self-esteem and mental well-being, leading to feelings of embarrassment and social withdrawal.

Acne treatments can vary, from topical creams to oral medications, depending on your skin’s needs and any other health issues you may have. When you see a Consultant Dermatologist, they’ll take the time to examine your skin and understand the causes of your acne. By doing this, they can recommend the most effective treatment plan for you, tailored to your specific situation.

Eczema is a common skin condition that causes dry, itchy skin. Its severity can vary greatly from person to person. For some, it may appear as small, localised patches, whilst others may have larger areas of eczema which can have a significant impact on daily life.

The symptoms of eczema can sometimes be confused with other skin conditions, such as psoriasis. However, as treatments can differ, obtaining an accurate diagnosis is essential. A dermatologist will take a comprehensive medical history, including enquiring about any family history of eczema (as it can run in families). They will also visually assess your skin to understand whether eczema is the underlying cause of your symptoms.

Although there is no cure for eczema, there are several effective ways of managing symptoms, including an accurate understanding of triggers (which may include allergy testing), creams, moisturisers, specialist bathing products as well as topical and oral medications.

Psoriasis is caused by an immune system that isn’t functioning properly. Certain immune cells, known as T cells, become triggered and overactive, leading to the skin replacing itself too quickly. This results in a build-up of immature skin cells, forming raised patches of flaky skin, often covered with silvery scales known as plaques.

Psoriasis can be very itchy, and excessive scratching can lead to skin infections. Beyond the physical symptoms, it can also have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life, affecting everything from relationships to work.

There are effective treatments available for psoriasis, including topical treatments, oral medications, and therapies such as light treatment. Obtaining an accurate diagnosis and expert advice is crucial in finding the most suitable solution for you or a loved one’s symptoms.

Cryotherapy is a treatment that involves the removal of skin lesions, such as warts, by freezing them with a substance such as liquid nitrogen.   An appointment with a Consultant Dermatologist will ensure that any skin lesions are carefully checked for signs of cancer, before removal by cryotherapy.

Cryotherapy be used for:

• • Non-cancerous lesions
  • Warts, verrucas, and skin tags
  • Seborrhoeic keratoses (a harmless build-up of skin cells)
  • Sun damage

The liquid nitrogen is carefully applied to the affected area, which may cause mild discomfort. After treatment, the skin may appear red, blistered, or look burnt. A scab will form, which should be allowed to fall off naturally, revealing pink, healthy skin beneath. Some individuals may require more than one session to achieve the desired results.

Moles are very common (the average adult has between 10-40 moles) and are usually harmless. However, in some cases, they can develop into a type of skin cancer known as malignant melanoma. The good news is that skin cancer is highly treatable when caught early, which is why regular skin and mole checks are so important.

It is important that any mole that is new or rapidly growing, changing in colour, is itchy or bleeding is checked as soon as possible. Our Consultant Dermatologist and GP team are able to review any moles or skin lesions that you are concerned about.

An annual mole check is recommended for anyone who has had a lot of sun exposure, those who have a family history of cancer, those who are fair skinned (though all skin types can develop skin cancer) or those who have lots of moles.

Moles can often be easily removed in clinic and sent for histology if needed.

There are several types of procedures offered at Haven Medical that dermatologists can use to remove cysts, moles and other skin lesions. All procedures are performed by a Consultant Dermatologist, ensuring the highest standards of clinical care and cosmetic results. Any lesions that appear suspicious are promptly sent for histological analysis, providing peace of mind through accurate diagnosis and early detection where necessary.

Shave Excision
Shave excision is used to remove certain types of skin lesions that are raised above the skin surface, but do not extend deeply into the skin. It involves “shaving off” the lesion using a scalpel under local anaesthetic, often leaving minimal scarring. A dressing will be applied to the area and after a week or two the scab will naturally fall off, leaving new skin underneath. There is often very little scarring, depending on the size of the lesion removed.

Shave excision can be used for:

• Benign moles – especially if they are cosmetically bothersome or frequently irritated
• Seborrhoeic keratoses – waxy or “stuck-on” growths common in older adults
• Skin tags – soft, hanging growths often found on the neck, underarms, or groin
• Warts
• Dermatofibromas – small, firm nodules often found on the legs or arms

Full excision

Full excision is a another type of procedure, used where the full depth of a skin lesion needs to be removed. A small margin of healthy surrounding tissue may also be taken in some circumstances. A local anaesthetic is used to numb the area, after which the lesion will be removed with a scalpel. Stitches may be needed (often these can be dissovable and don’t need removal). Scarring can be minimal, depending on the location and size of the lesion. Where needed, the sample will be sent for testing.

Full excision can be used for:

• Moles that are suspicious or potentially cancerous
• Cysts or lipomas that lie deep within the skin
• Where a definitive diagnosis of a lesion is required through histology
• Where cosmetic outcomes are important, for instance areas on the face

Appointments with a Consultant Dermatologist are often available within a few weeks and procedures take place at the Haven Medical Clinic in Canford Cliffs.