Dermatology

Phoenix Hospital Group is proud to host a Dermatological Centre of Excellence. With many options for medical skin care available, our specialist dermatologist team leads the way in advanced management and treatment.

Essex
London

Specialist Dermatology Care

Phoenix Hospital Group’s Dermatology service, is led by a team of experienced consultants who cover the whole breadth of this complex specialty. Whether for medical, surgical, or cosmetic care, our consultants provide expert guidance on the best treatments for your specific needs.

Virtual appointments

GMC registered

Same day appointments

Dermatology conditions we treat

We know that skin conditions can impact your life in so many different ways, and at the Phoenix Hospital Group, our expert dermatologists can help you to understand, treat and manage a range of different skin conditions. We can prescribe treatment, recommend lifestyle changes, and explain how you can avoid further flare-ups. 

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Acne

Acne covers a wide range of different symptoms, from small pimples to larger, more painful breakouts known as cystic acne. 

If you have recurring spots that are deep and painful, and if you have found that creams, washes, and over-the-counter treatments don’t help, then you may want to talk to a dermatologist. At the Phoenix Hospital Group, we use a procedure called acne extraction, which removes whiteheads and blackheads.

Eczema

Eczema, or atopic dermatitis, is characterised by irritated, red, dry and inflamed skin. The area may also be itchy and swollen.

If your eczema is causing you serious discomfort and preventing you from going about your day or sleeping properly, get in touch. We can offer expert treatment to help diagnose the cause of the condition and find a way to help treat and manage the condition, which may include medication and medicated products applied to your skin.

Diagnosing skin rashes

Skin rashes have several different causes. You may be having an allergic reaction or irritation if you have been exposed to pesticides, strong soaps, or detergents. A rash may also be due to psoriasis, eczema, an insect bite, an infection, or heat. Common symptoms typically include red and inflamed skin, itching, cracked or dry skin, or pain. 

Our dermatologist can talk to you about skin prick tests to diagnose allergies, and blood tests and patch tests are also available. Once we know the cause, we can create a structured treatment plan for you.

Skin infections such as fungus or viral warts

Skin infections can be categorised into four different types: bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic. 

Common symptoms of a mild skin infection may include itching, swelling, redness and pain. Blisters, pus, a bad smell, and discoloured skin are some examples of symptoms of a severe skin infection. It is very important that you do not scratch or pop any of your blisters or skin issues — this can make them worse. 

If you have the symptoms of a skin infection, contact a dermatologist as soon as possible. Depending on the specific condition, your dermatologist may prescribe oral or topical antibiotics, antihistamines or other over-the-counter treatments. Viral wart treatment, for example, may involve cryotherapy, which is when the wart is frozen before it is removed. Laser treatment is also an option in some hard-to-treat cases.

Nail disorders

There are many different types of nail disorder, and they can be a sign of a wide range of different health issues varying in seriousness. 

If you have noticed swelling or redness around your nail, it may be a sign of an infection. However, if you notice changes in the colour of your nails, it could be related to something more serious, such as liver disease, diabetes, kidney disease, a lung infection, heart disease, anaemia or even poisoning. 

Changes in the shape and texture of your nails can happen for a number of different reasons. Washboard nails could be due to picking your nails. Ram’s horn nails are hereditary. If you have noticed deep grooves in your nails, this is a sign that they have stopped or slowed growing due to stress, a fever or an infection. Pitted nails could be due to a number of different skin conditions, including dermatitis or psoriasis. 

If you are concerned about the changes in your nails or if you have noticed any of the symptoms described above, you should consult with a dermatologist as soon as possible.

Hair loss and disorders

Hair loss can occur gradually, typically thinning around the top of the head, or it can appear as patches of hair falling out in clumps. 

There are a number of different reasons why you may be experiencing hair loss, with male or female pattern hair loss being the most common, but it may be due to a thyroid condition, hormone imbalance, or skin condition. Alopecia areata (a condition that develops when the body attacks its own hair follicles) is another cause of hair loss. 

Our team will be able to diagnose your hair loss condition and help you with a treatment plan.

Abnormal skin pigmentation

This term describes darker patches or brown spots on the chest, hands, arms, and face. There are several different factors that can trigger or worsen skin pigmentation, and it is the kind of issue that can have a real impact on mental health. 

If you are finding that skin pigmentation is spreading or that it is having an impact on your mental state, get in touch with us. We will find the best treatment for your specific condition, whether that is a chemical peel, a laser procedure, or something less intense such as a topical cream.

Allergy testing, including skin prick tests

Classic symptoms include hives, which is when your skin is red, itchy, painful, cracked or swollen. If you have darker skin, it may become grey, purple, or dark brown. 

If you think that you may have a skin allergy, a dermatologist can help. A skin prick test can diagnose the issue and identify what you are reacting to. A small amount of the suspected allergen is placed into a small scratch on your skin. If your skin reacts, then the dermatologist will know that you are having an allergic reaction. From there, we can talk to you about how to manage this condition and how to avoid triggers.

Facial Cancers

Facial cancers occur when abnormal cells on the outer layer of your skin start growing rapidly, which causes mutations that can lead to tumours. Most cases of skin cancer are the result of overexposure to UV rays from the sun or tanning beds, but there are common risk factors such as a family history of skin cancer and skin type. 

Warning signs of facial cancers can include a rash, nodule, or strange patch of skin that does not go away, or rough, firm lumps on the surface of your skin. Flesh-coloured or red moles that grow quickly and are raised are further common signs of skin cancer. You should also watch out for patches of pale, flesh-coloured or pearly patches or lesions on your head, neck, or chest. 

If you catch skin cancer early, it is usually treatable. This is why it is so important to talk to a dermatologist about any skin cancer symptoms that you have noticed. They will be able to diagnose your symptoms and — if necessary — direct you towards a treatment plan.

Mohs Skin Cancer surgery

Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) is a specialist surgical procedure to remove skin cancer. It aims to remove all of the cancerous tissue while keeping as much healthy skin intact as possible. This helps to minimise scarring, and is useful in areas of the skin such as near the eyes, where minimal skin removal is required.

Mohs surgery has been refined into the most precise and advanced treatment for skin cancer, It has the lowest recurrence rates, highest cure rates and best cosmetic results of any skin cancer treatment (Skin Cancer UK)

Mohs surgery is so effective because it evaluates the tissue surrounding the cancer more thoroughly than traditional skin cancer surgery techniques.

If you have been referred for Mohs surgery, get in touch to book an appointment with one of our specialist skin cancer surgeons.

Services

We understand the distressing nature of skin conditions and work to simultaneously minimise symptoms and improve your quality of life. Our Dermatologists have the expertise to deliver treatment for everything

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Mole mapping (with or without photography)

If any of the following questions apply to you, we would suggest booking an appointment to see one of our expert Dermatologists for a peace of mind:

  • Do you have multiple moles (more than 50)?
  • Is there a history of skin cancer in your family?
  • Have you already been diagnosed with a melanoma?
  • Do you have large moles (more than 2 inches in diameter)?
  • Have you noticed any changes in your moles?
  • Have you noticed any new moles on your body?
  • Did you have severe, blistering sunburns during childhood or adolescence?
  • Do you have very light skin?

Cryotherapy

This procedure uses low temperatures to remove skin lesions by freezing them.

Dermoscopy

Dermoscopy requires a high quality magnifying lens and a powerful lighting system to allow the examination of skin structures and patterns.

Blood tests for allergies or systemic conditions

Our experienced dermatologists can often diagnose a skin condition without the need for investigations. However, at times, skin swabs, scrapings and nail clippings, biopsies, and blood samples are sent to the laboratory, and allergy testing or imaging is arranged.

Mycological examination

Mycological examination is the diagnostic procedure necessary to confirm a fungal disease.

Biopsy, Excision

Reasons to remove a skin lesion include:

  • To make a diagnosis
  • To improve the cosmetic appearance
  • To relieve symptoms (if a lesion is tender or prone to being knocked)
  • To remove an inflamed or frequently infected cyst.

Cosmetic treatments

Cosmetic dermatology is aimed at those who are looking to maintain their youthful appearance by reversing the signs of ageing or wanting to make aesthetic changes or improvements to their skin. Cosmetic dermatology may include treatments such as: Botox. Dermal fillers.

Dermatology services for children and teenagers

Our skilled dermatologists can also see children for common skin conditions like acne, eczema, rashes and warts.

Paediatric dermatologists are specially trained to make dermatological care for children as comfortable and non-frightening as possible.

Dermatology services for children and teenagers

Why choose us?

A Consultant led service, from experts in their field, providing the highest level of care.

A dedicated and experienced team, able to cater for individual needs.

Same day diagnostic imaging and screening service.

State of the art facilities at the forefront of modern healthcare.

What Our Patients Say

Phoenix Hospital Group is committed to providing exceptional clinical care to all patients. We are extremely proud of the service we provide.
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