Dermatology Archives

Psoriasis is a common skin condition that affects around 2–3% of the UK population, yet it remains widely misunderstood.

Here, we set the record straight with key facts and important health advice for anyone living with psoriasis or supporting someone who is.

Myth 1: “Psoriasis is just a skin condition”

Fact: Psoriasis is more than skin deep.

It’s a lifelong, immune-mediated condition that speeds up skin cell turnover. In people without psoriasis, skin cells are replaced roughly every 28 days. In psoriasis, this can happen in as little as 3–7 days.

This accelerated skin production overwhelms the body’s ability to keep up with nutrient delivery and moisture balance, which leads to thick, dry, scaly patches on the skin, especially on the elbows, knees, scalp and lower back.

Myth 2: “It’s not inherited”

Fact: Psoriasis has a strong genetic component.

If a close relative has psoriasis, your risk of developing it increases significantly. In fact, approximately 40 – 50% of people with psoriasis have a family history of the condition.

Myth 3: “Psoriasis only affects the skin”

Fact: Psoriasis can also affect the joints.

Up to 30% of people with psoriasis develop a related condition called psoriatic arthritis. It can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling, often in the larger joints like knees, ankles, or fingers. If left untreated, it can lead to permanent joint damage and deformity.

Early diagnosis and treatment are essential. If you have psoriasis and start to notice joint pain or swelling, speak to your healthcare provider as soon as possible.

Myth 4: “Psoriasis is just a cosmetic issue”

Fact: Psoriasis is linked to serious health risks, particularly cardiovascular disease.

People with psoriasis are more likely to develop conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and heart disease.

This means lifestyle choices really matter:

– Don’t smoke
– Maintain a healthy BM
– Stay physically active
– Eat a balanced diet
– stress levels low, as stress can also trigger flare-ups

Taking care of your overall health not only supports your heart and joints, it can also improve your skin and reduce flare-ups.

Myth 5: “It can be cured with the right cream”

Fact: Psoriasis is a lifelong condition, but the good news is there are many effective treatments, from topical therapies to phototherapy, tablets, and biologic injections.

While there’s no cure, many people achieve excellent control and long periods of remission with the right treatment plan.

In Summary

Psoriasis is a complex condition that affects more than just the skin. It’s genetic, systemic, and potentially linked to joint and heart disease. But with the right support, lifestyle choices, and treatment, people with psoriasis can live full, healthy lives.

If you have psoriasis and any concerns, particularly about joint pain or general health, speak to your GP or dermatologist. Early action makes a big difference.

Community healthcare provider aims to increase patient choice and reduce waiting times

Dermatology services are now available closer to home for people in Lewisham, as CHEC, one of the UK’s leading providers of community-based healthcare, has been appointed by Lewisham Health and Care Partnership to provide community dermatology care in the region.

CHEC will provide a range of dermatology services – from treatment for common skin conditions such as acne and eczema, through to more specialist conditions and diagnostic services – from its hospitals in New Cross and Wandsworth, and its community-based clinic at the Rushey Green Group Practice.

Equipped with state-of-the-art technology and staffed by experienced clinicians, patients of all ages can expect the highest quality care and seamless support from diagnosis through to aftercare. CHEC already offers end-to-end ophthalmology services across London, and its addition of dermatology strengthens its position as a trusted provider of community healthcare.

Working in partnership with the NHS, CHEC’s hospitals and community hubs help to reduce waiting times and increase patient choice for people with various healthcare conditions.

Ashley O’Shaughnessy, Associate Director of Community Based Care and Primary Care for Lewisham, said: “We’re delighted to be working with CHEC to deliver the Community Dermatology Service in Lewisham. Following a successful tender process, CHEC were selected based on their ability to meet service quality, accessibility, and value for patients.”

Rachel Owusu, Hospital Manager, CHEC New Cross explained: “There’s a growing need for dermatology services to be delivered at a community level, to help tackle the NHS waiting lists for these vital services. We’re proud to be spearheading this pathway and are looking forward to helping both adults and children in Lewisham to receive the treatment they need to live a happier and more comfortable lifestyle.

“Patient choice, exceptional care and equity of access are central to CHEC’s operations and ethos, which is why we’re proud to collaborate with NHS partners nationwide, helping to keep waiting times to a minimum while delivering the very best quality of care.”

Following the appointed, GPs can now use the referral pathway to give patients access to CHEC’s state-of-the-art dermatology facilities. Referrals will be clinically triaged by CHEC’s community service, ensuring that each patient is directed to the most appropriate setting for their needs.

To learn more about the community-based dermatology services CHEC provides in partnership with the NHS, please visit www.chec.uk

As we approach the summer months, longer days, warmer weather, and hopefully the glorious sunshine beckoning us outdoors. But while we’re busy making memories, our skin faces some unique challenges. From scorching rays to sticky humidity, the summer months can take a toll if we’re not careful. Fear not! This guide is packed with tips and hints to help you keep your skin happy, healthy, and glowing all season long.

The Golden Rule: Sun Protection is Non-Negotiable

Let’s get straight to the most crucial point: sunscreen is your best friend this summer. The sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays are stronger during these months and can cause sunburn, premature ageing, and increase your risk of skin cancer. Make these habits your daily ritual:

Broad Spectrum is Key: Choose a sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. Think of UVA as the ageing rays and UVB as the burning rays – you need defence against both!
SPF 30 or Higher: Aim for a Sun Protection Factor (SPF) of at least 30. This filters out about 97% of UVB rays. Higher SPFs offer slightly more protection, but no sunscreen blocks 100% of UVB.
Apply Generously: Don’t skimp! Most people don’t use enough sunscreen. A good rule of thumb is about a shot glass full for your entire body.
Reapply Regularly: Sunscreen wears off! Reapply every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating. Keep a travel-sized bottle handy for on-the-go touch-ups.
Don’t Forget Hidden Spots: Pay attention to often-neglected areas like the tops of your ears, the back of your neck, the tops of your feet, and even your lips (use a lip balm with SPF!).

Hint: Make applying sunscreen part of your morning routine, just like brushing your teeth. Keep it visible so you don’t forget!

Hydration Hero: Inside and Out

Summer heat can lead to dehydration, which can leave your skin feeling dry, tight, and lacklustre. Combat this by:

Drinking Plenty of Water: Staying hydrated from the inside out is essential for healthy skin. Carry a water bottle with you and sip throughout the day.
Lightweight Moisturisers: Swap your heavy winter creams for lighter lotions or gel-based moisturisers. These will hydrate your skin without feeling greasy in the heat.
Hydrating Serums: Consider incorporating a hyaluronic acid serum into your routine. Hyaluronic acid attracts and holds moisture, keeping your skin plump and hydrated.

Hint: Keep a refreshing facial mist in your bag for a quick burst of hydration throughout the day.

Gentle Cleansing: Sweaty Situations Require Extra Care

Sweat, oil, and sunscreen can build up on your skin during the summer, potentially leading to clogged pores and breakouts.

Cleanse Regularly: Wash your face twice a day with a gentle cleanser to remove impurities.
Post-Workout Wash: Shower as soon as possible after exercising to wash away sweat and bacteria.
Avoid Harsh Scrubs: Over-exfoliating can irritate your skin, especially when it’s already exposed to the sun. Stick to gentle exfoliation a couple of times a week.

Hint: Look for cleansers that contain salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide if you’re prone to summer breakouts, but use them sparingly to avoid dryness.

Beat the Heat: Soothing Sunburn and Irritation

Despite our best efforts, sunburn can sometimes happen. Here’s how to soothe and care for sunburnt skin:

Cool It Down: Take cool showers or baths to help reduce inflammation.
Moisturise Gently: Apply a fragrance-free, soothing moisturiser like aloe vera gel to help hydrate and heal the skin.
Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to aid in the healing process.
Avoid Picking or Peeling: Let your skin heal naturally. Picking can lead to infection and scarring.
Seek Shade: Avoid further sun exposure while your skin is healing.

Hint: Keep aloe vera gel in the fridge for an extra cooling and soothing sensation.

Summer is a time for fun and enjoying the outdoors. By incorporating these simple skincare tips into your routine, you can ensure your skin stays healthy, radiant, and protected all season long. So go ahead, soak up the sun – safely!

CHEC has expanded their service offering and will now deliver dermatology diagnostics and treatment across the UK.

CHEC will provide a range of dermatology services – including treatment for common skin conditions such as acne and eczema, through to more specialist conditions and diagnostic services – from its hospitals and community-based clinics.

Equipped with state-of-the-art technology and staffed by experienced clinicians, patients of all ages can expect the highest quality care and seamless support from diagnosis through to aftercare. CHEC already offers end-to-end ophthalmology and gastroenterology services across its portfolio of more than 30 hospitals nationwide, and its addition of dermatology strengthens its position as a trusted provider of community healthcare.

Overseeing delivery of dermatology services is Shamina Tayub, Associate Medical Director for the Academy of Community Health Experts (ACHE) which was acquired by CHEC in August 2024. Since then, Shamima has overseen the growth of CHEC’s specialist dermatology services, ensuring that robust governance frameworks are in place to maintain high-quality patient care. She strongly believes in clinically led leadership, and by continuing to work on the frontline as a GP, she remains well respected and able to make informed decisions that benefit both patients and clinicians.

Working in partnership with the NHS, CHEC’s hospitals and community hubs help to reduce waiting times and increase patient choice for people with various healthcare conditions.

Shamina explained: “There’s a growing need for dermatology services to be delivered at a community level, to help tackle the NHS waiting lists for these vital services. We’re proud to be spearheading this pathway and are looking forward to helping both adults and children to receive the treatment they need to live a happier and more comfortable lifestyle.

“Patient choice, exceptional care and equity of access are central to CHEC’s operations and ethos, which is why we’re proud to collaborate with NHS partners nationwide, helping to keep waiting times to a minimum while delivering the very best quality of care.”

GPs can now use the referral pathway to give patients access to CHEC’s state-of-the-art dermatology facilities at selected hospitals, with more set to offer the service in coming months. Referrals will be clinically triaged by CHEC’s community service, ensuring that each patient is directed to the most appropriate setting for their needs.

To learn more about the community-based dermatology services CHEC provides in partnership with the NHS, please visit www.chec.uk

It’s your body’s largest organ and works hard every day to protect you. Taking care of your skin doesn’t have to be complicated. This simple guide from CHEC will give you the basics for keeping your skin happy and healthy.

The Basics to Skincare:

Think of your basic skincare routine as a simple daily ritual. It doesn’t need to involve a million products! Here are the key things to focus on:

Cleanse: Gently washing your face (and body) removes dirt, oil, and makeup that can clog pores and lead to breakouts. Use a mild cleanser that suits your skin type (oily, dry, combination, or sensitive). Wash your face twice a day – morning and night.

Moisturise: Even if you have oily skin, moisturising is important! It helps keep your skin hydrated and prevents it from overproducing oil to compensate for dryness. Choose a moisturiser appropriate for your skin type.

Protect: This is arguably the most important step! Protect your skin from the sun’s harmful UV rays by using a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 every day, even on cloudy days.

Things to Keep an Eye On

Your skin can tell you a lot about your overall health. It’s important to pay attention to any changes or new developments. Here are some things to look out for:

Changes in Moles: Regularly check your moles for any changes in size, shape, colour, or texture. Look for moles that are asymmetrical (not the same on both sides), have irregular borders, have multiple colours, are larger than a pencil eraser (6mm), or are evolving (changing). These could be signs of skin cancer and should be checked by a healthcare professional. Remember the ABCDEs of moles:

Asymmetry

When examining moles, asymmetry is a critical characteristic to observe. A benign, or non-cancerous, mole typically exhibits symmetry, meaning if you were to draw an imaginary line down the middle, both halves would appear relatively identical. Conversely, an asymmetrical mole, where one half doesn’t mirror the other, raises concern. This irregularity in shape can be an early warning sign of melanoma, a potentially dangerous form of skin cancer.Therefore, paying close attention to the symmetry of moles during self-exams and professional skin checks is essential for early detection and timely intervention.

Border irregularity

When evaluating moles for potential signs of melanoma, border irregularity is a critical characteristic to observe. Healthy moles typically exhibit smooth, even borders, whereas suspicious moles may display ragged, notched, blurred, or indistinct edges. This irregularity signifies uncontrolled growth, a hallmark of melanoma, where the mole’s cells invade surrounding tissues in an uneven pattern. Therefore, any mole with an irregular border should be promptly assessed by a dermatologist to determine if further evaluation or a biopsy is necessary.

Colour changes

Changes in a mole’s colour are a significant indicator that it warrants closer inspection. While moles naturally vary in shade, from tan to dark brown, any noticeable shift, especially the appearance of multiple colours or a darkening of the mole, should raise concern. Specifically, the presence of black, blue, red, or white within a mole, or an uneven distribution of colour, can be a warning sign of melanoma. It’s crucial to observe if a mole’s colour becomes inconsistent, or if there’s a spreading of pigment into the surrounding skin. These colour changes, when coupled with other factors like irregular borders or increased diameter, necessitate prompt evaluation by a dermatologist.

Diameter (larger than 6mm)

A mole with a diameter larger than 6 millimetres (about the size of a pencil eraser) should raise concern and warrant professional medical evaluation. While not all large moles are cancerous, this size is a recognised “D” in the ABCDEs of melanoma detection (Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Colour variation, Diameter, and Evolving). Moles exceeding this diameter have a statistically higher risk of being or developing into melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer. Therefore, any mole exhibiting this characteristic should be promptly assessed by a dermatologist to determine its nature and ensure appropriate management.

Evolving (changing)

When monitoring moles, “evolving” is a critical term, signifying any noticeable change in a mole’s characteristics. This includes alterations in size, shape, colour, or the development of new symptoms like bleeding, itching, or crusting. While moles can naturally change slightly over time due to factors like hormonal shifts or sun exposure, rapid or significant evolution warrants immediate attention. Because changes can be an early indicator of melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer, it is important to be vigilant, and to seek professional medical advice should any mole present signs of evolving.

New or Unusual Spots or Bumps

Notice any new spots, bumps, or patches that are itchy, painful, bleeding, or don’t go away? These could be signs of various skin conditions and should be checked.

Persistent Rashes

Rashes that are red, itchy, or painful and don’t improve within a few days could indicate an allergic reaction, infection, or another skin condition.

Dry, Flaky, or Cracked Skin

While sometimes just a sign of dry weather, severe or persistent dryness, flakiness, or cracking could indicate an underlying issue.

Changes in Skin Colour

Any sudden or unusual changes in skin colour, such as yellowing (jaundice), could be a sign of a health problem and should be investigated.

When Should You See a Healthcare Professional?

Don’t hesitate to seek advice from a doctor, nurse, or other healthcare professional if you notice any of the following:

Any suspicious changes in moles or new skin growths. As mentioned above, this is crucial for early detection of skin cancer.
A rash that is spreading rapidly, is very painful, or is accompanied by fever. These could be signs of a more serious infection or allergic reaction.
Severe or persistent itching that is interfering with your daily life.
Skin infections that don’t improve with home care. Signs of infection can include redness, swelling, pus, and warmth.
Any skin condition that is causing you significant discomfort or distress.

Taking Care of Your Skin is an Investment in Your Health:

By following these simple tips and being aware of any changes in your skin, you can help keep it healthy and catch potential problems early. Remember, if you have any concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to a healthcare professional. They are there to help!

For more information and resources on skincare, please visit our dermatology page.