Dermatology

Atopic Eczema is a common skin condition and may start at any age, but the onset is often in childhood. It is often associated with hay-fever and asthma. It presents with red, dry, itchy skin which can sometimes crack, weep, blister and thicken.

Psoriasis is a common, long term skin condition that occurs due to over activity of the immune system. Psoriasis predominantly affects the skin but may affect the nails. Psoriasis present as a red itchy patches with silver scale and most commonly seen on the knees, elbows, trunk and scalp.

Seborrheic dermatitis is a common skin condition that causes red, flaky, and itchy patches, often with dandruff. It usually affects oily areas like the scalp, face, and chest. It’s not contagious and may come and go. The exact cause isn’t known, but it’s linked to skin oils and a type of yeast that lives on the skin.

Bowen’s disease, also known as squamous cell carcinoma in situ (SCC in situ), is a very early form of skin cancer. It’s characterised by the abnormal growth of squamous cells, which are the flat cells that make up the outer layer of the skin (the epidermis).

Alopecia is a general term for hair loss. Alopecia areata is a common condition of non-scarring (does not cause scarring to the scalp) hair loss that can occur at any age. Non-scarring hair loss means that the roots of the hairs have not been permanently damaged; therefore, hair regrowth is possible. It usually presents with small, round patches of baldness on the scalp, although hair on other parts of the body, such as the beard, eyebrows and eyelashes, can be affected.

Acne is a very common skin condition. It is identified by the presence of blackheads and whiteheads and pus-filled spots. Acne ranges from a few spots on the face, neck, back and chest, to a more severe problem with solid painful lumps under the skin. It may cause scarring. Acne usually starts during puberty. Most people will experience some form of acne during their lifetime.

Rosacea is a long-term skin condition that mainly affects the face, causing redness, visible blood vessels, and small red bumps. It often appears on the cheeks, nose, forehead, or chin and can flare up in cycles. Triggers like heat, stress, or certain foods may make it worse.

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common type of skin cancer. It usually appears as a small, shiny bump or a sore that doesn’t heal, often on areas exposed to the sun like the face, neck, or hands. BCCs grow slowly and rarely spreads to other parts of the body, but it can cause damage to the skin if not treated. It is linked to long-term sun exposure and is more common in fair-skinned people.

Urticaria, also known as hives, is a skin reaction that causes itchy, raised welts or bumps to appear suddenly. These can vary in size, move around, and often change shape and disappear within hours. It may be triggered by things like allergies, stress, or heat, but sometimes the cause is unknown.

Actinic keratoses are rough, scaly patches of sun-damaged skin that develop after many years of sun exposure. They commonly appear on areas that get a lot of sun, such as the face, ears, forearms, hands, and bald areas of the scalp. These patches are often pink and may look or feel like dry, flaky skin. While not skin cancer, they can sometimes develop into it if left untreated.

Resources to help you understand more about a range of skin conditions