Medical Dermatology

What is Medical Dermatology?

Medical dermatology focuses on chronic and acute skin conditions and diseases, such as acne, psoriasis, dermatitis, eczema and skin cancer. According to the British Association of Dermatologists, as many as one in four people suffer from a skin condition that could be helped by a dermatologist.

In many cases, a medical dermatologist is consulted only when there is a persistent problem that has not responded to over the counter treatments or medication prescribed by their GP.

However, our role at Phoebe Louise Medical & Cosmetic Dermatology Clinic is not just to treat skin diseases. We also help prevent skin problems and promote good skin health through a range of services such as mole clinics and skin cancer screening, and we offer lifestyle advice on issues such as sun protection, sun bed use and skin care.

Medical Dermatology and Cosmetic Dermatology: What’s the difference?

Medical dermatology differs from cosmetic or aesthetic dermatology in that it intends to diagnose and treat disease, rather than improving physical appearance only.

For example, a dermatologist may remove a mole because it is cancerous or potentially cancerous, whereas sometimes patients request removal of a harmless mole because its appearance bothers them. At Phoebe Louise Medical & Cosmetic Dermatology Clinic we do both, medical and cosmetic dermatology, responding to different patients’ needs in different circumstances.

There is a large crossover between the two fields, particularly where skin conditions such as acne or rosacea cause scarring or disfigurement. In these cases, we consider the cosmetic results at every stage of medical treatment.
What does Medical Dermatology cover?

Medical dermatology is a specialised field that covers the 2000 plus different diseases and conditions that affect the skin. These range from simple acne that just affects the face to complex autoimmune diseases that impact on the skin all over the body.

Our key role as medical dermatologists is to identify the precise nature of the problem and to formulate the most appropriate treatment plan for individual patients.