About dermatologists

What does a dermatologist do?

A dermatologist studies, diagnoses and treats skin conditions and related disorders. They also focus on prevention and perform surgical procedures. Dermatologists often work alongside other medical specialties such as immunology and endocrinology.

Why are you referred to a dermatologist?

Patients are referred to a dermatologist when their skin requires specialist assessment, for changes such as moles, rashes, irritation or lesions that need an accurate diagnosis or ongoing monitoring.

When should you see a dermatologist?

It’s advisable to see a dermatologist when a new mole, rash or skin lesion appears, or when an existing mole changes in size or appearance. Skin diseases are very common: they affect more than 1.8 billion people worldwide, around one in four individuals, and are among the leading causes of non-fatal disability according to the WHO and Global Burden of Disease studies. Acne, dermatitis and fungal infections are common reasons for consultation. Seeing a dermatologist is common when a skin change, itching or lesion lasts several weeks, keeps coming back or affects day-to-day wellbeing.

Why choose a dermatologist?

Dermatologists are specialists in skin health and are specifically trained to assess, diagnose and manage both common skin conditions, as well as more complex disorders.

What types of patients see a Dermatology specialist?

People of all ages attend dermatology clinics, from those with common skin concerns to patients who need specialist monitoring or dermatological procedures.

Conditions treated by a Dermatology specialist

How should I prepare for my dermatology appointment?

It’s helpful to come along with information about when the problem started, how the skin change has evolved, and if you’ve had previous treatment. If possible, avoid trying new skincare products before the appointment. This can assist when it comes to getting an accurate assessment.

What are the tests or treatments a dermatologist may recommend?

Surgical dermatology
Cryotherapy
Electrocoagulation for warts
Biological therapy
Photodynamic therapy
Infiltration ultrasound-guided and fluoroscopy

How can I book an appointment with a dermatologist?

At Top Doctors, you can choose the dermatologist who best fits your needs and availability. Book a consultation with a leading specialist in just one click.

What are the best dermatology clinics in the UK?

At Top Doctors, we work with leading Dermatology clinics so you can access trusted specialist care.

Sources

World Health Organization. (2023). WHO’s first global meeting on skin NTDs calls for greater efforts to address their burden. https://www.who.int/news/item/31-03-2023-who-first-global-meeting-on-skin-ntds-calls-for-greater-efforts-to-address-their-burden
GBD 2019 Diseases and Injuries Collaborators. (2023). The burden of skin and subcutaneous diseases. Frontiers in Public Health. https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/public-health/articles/10.3389/fpubh.2023.1145513/full

Dr Eugene Ong