Dermatology

Skin Cysts, Lumps and Bumps

December 10, 2019 by Julia Morgan Leave a Comment

There are a variety of skin conditions that cause lumps and bumps to appear on the skin. In this blog post, we will be covering some of the most common skin conditions, or skin growths, and the treatments available.

Skin Cysts

Cysts are a common skin condition which consists of the appearance of small bumps on the skin typically filled with fluid or pus. Cysts are a result of an infection due to clogged sebaceous glands or the insertion of foreign objects (earrings).

What are the symptoms of skin Cysts?

The most common symptoms of skin cysts are:

They can vary in size
They are painless
They are rounded and appear rolled under the skin

How can Skin Cysts be treated?

Cysts in most cases are harmless; however, they do sometimes require medical treatment. The cysts that do need treatment would require draining or piercing to relieve the symptoms.

In some other instances, our dermatologist or plastic surgeons would recommend cortisone medication, an injection to treat them or a small incision to remove them.

Cherry Angioma

A cherry angioma it’s a red mole that can vary from the size of a pinhead to a quarter-inch in diameter. Cherry angiomas are quite common on people over 30 years old and can be found anywhere in the body.

What are the Symptoms of Cherry Angiomas?

Cherry angiomas present no symptoms.

How can I treat Cherry Angioma?

Cherry angiomas, in general, do not require treatment unless they bleed, or patients want to remove them for aesthetic reasons. There are different treatments to remove cherry angiomas including electrocautery, surgical excision, cryotherapy or curettage.

Epidermoid Cysts or Sebaceous Cysts

Epidermoid cysts, also known as sebaceous cysts or skin cysts, are very common and are formed as a result of the block or damage of the sebaceous gland. These types of cysts can go on their own, however, sometimes they need to be removed surgically.

What are the Symptoms of Sebaceous Cysts?

Epidermoid or sebaceous cysts are visible on the skin and when they are infected, they appear red and may be tender to the touch. Since they are sebaceous glands, when the cysts are squeezed or removed sebum will come out as a white or yellow secretion.

How are Sebaceous Cysts treated?

Sebaceous cysts can be treated several ways; with topical treatments such as Epionce treatment creams or Obagi treatment programs.

If the cysts are infected or swollen, antibiotics or steroid creams may be prescribed to treat them by our dermatologist.

For severe cysts that cannot be removed with topical treatments or antibiotics, surgical excision is an option that can be performed by our dermatologist or plastic surgeons.

Keratosis Pilaris

Keratosis pilaris are small pumps white or red bumps that tend to appear on the upper arms and thighs.

What are the Symptoms of Keratosis Pilaris?

This skin condition doesn’t present any symptoms. It is usually as a result of dry skin due to weather condition as it tends to worsen over winter or low humidity seasons.

How can Keratosis Pilaris be treated?

Treatment of keratosis pilaris is not medically necessary however, patients tend to treat it for aesthetic reasons. The treatment for Keratosis pilaris is intense hydration via rich moisturizers, exfoliation. Another option would be electrocautery, a treatment that uses electricity to cauterise the skin on the treatment area.

Lipomas

Lipomas caused by an overgrowth of fat cells. They are soft fatty lumps that sit underneath the skin and do not present any other symptoms and are often benign.

How can Lipomas be treated?

Lipomas do not need to be removed unless is for cosmetic concern.

Since Lipomas do not affect surrounding tissue they can be easily removed by excision by our expert plastic surgeons leaving minimal scarring.

Why choose The Private Clinic near me

We offer free lumps and bumps skin consultations with our patient advisors across the UK and skin consultations with our industry-leading plastic surgeons and dermatologists in several locations.

Dr Rishika Sinha available in Harley Street London
Mr Mark Lloyd available in Harley Street London and Birmingham.
Mr Adrian Richards available Bucks, London Harley Street and Northampton.
Mr Mobinulla Syed available in Harley Street London
Mr Philip Lim available in Leeds clinic.
Mr Michael Mouzakis available in Birmingham, Leeds clinic, Manchester, Bristol and Northampton.
Mr Prashant Govilkar available in Bucks.

If you would like to arrange a skin consultation with our dermatologist or plastic surgeons call 0333 920 2471 or click here to arrange skin consultation.

Dermatology Near Me, London Harley Street

March 4, 2019 by Julia Morgan Leave a Comment

Often patients visit a dermatologist thinking that they have a certain skin condition when they actually have a completely different issue. It is quite easy to self-diagnose, however, you can be running the risks of treating the wrong condition. This is why visiting a dermatologist to help identify the issue is very important.

Dermatologists are doctors who specialise in skin, hair and nails. Dermatologists can help identify and treat several skin conditions such as acne, rosacea or eczema. They also carry out skin analysis, treat facial veins, treat moles and perform antiaging treatments such as Botox or fillers to help delay the ageing process.

If you are considering going to a cosmetic dermatologist or are looking into skin treatments, this blog is for you. We will be covering all the dermatological treatments available at The Private Clinic.

At The Private Clinic, we offer treatments to treat an extensive array of skin conditions including:

Acne: Is a skin condition that affects many, both men and women. It is a skin condition that is frequently linked to teenagers; however, adults in their mid-twenties or women during the menopause can also develop acne.

The best treatments to target the bacteria that cause the development of cysts or skin inflammation are:

N-Lite: A laser treatment that is able to kill the bacteria and reduce inflammation and can be used in several areas of the body.
Chemical Peel or Enzyme Treatments for Acne: Your skin practitioner or dermatologist can suggest chemical peels and enzyme treatment such as DermaFrost, Blue Peel Radiance, Oxygen Rx treatment or a MandeliClear Peel depending on your skin suitability.
LED Phototherapy: Is a gentle and heat free treatment that consists of blue light therapy, commonly used to treat acne due to its powerful anti-bacterial properties. This treatment helps decongest, purify and help to normalize the oil production of the skin.

Acne scars Before and after LED phototherapy — Before and after LED phototherapy.

Acne Scars: Acne scarring is a residual problem associated with acne. Even though your acne can be treated, as a consequence the skin can get damaged, left uneven and can have discolouration. There are several treatments available to even out the skin tone and smooth the skin helping reduce or remove acne scars.

Pixel Laser: is a minimally-invasive laser treatment which uses fractional technology to minimise acne scarring as well as any dark pigmentation.
Dermaroller: also known as micro-needling and consists of using a medical roller with hundreds of micro-needles that help the skin regenerate and repair itself, resulting in a reduction of acne scars and a smoother and brighter looking skin.
Chemical Peel: Is a skin treatment that consists of exfoliating the skin using several chemical solutions to remove all the dead cells on the surface of the skin and reveal visibly clearer and smoother skin.
Microdermabrasion: is ideal to improve mild acne scarring and consists of using a flow of medical grade crystals to help remove the top layer of dry dead skin cells.

acne scars before and after dermaroller treatment — Before and after Dermaroller.

The best option is to come in and speak to our dermatologist who can advise on the best action for you.

Skin Tags, Warts and Verrucas.

Skin tags are skin growths attached to different areas of the skin by a stalk. Skin tags, tend to be flesh-coloured and are small (1 or 2mm) smooth and usually develop around the armpit, neck, chest or groin region.

Cryotherapy: is a very effective method to remove skin tags and consists of freezing the skin tag to prevent any blood flow to the area to completely remove it. This procedure can also be used to treat some verrucas too.

Warts are similar to skin tags, but have an irregular texture and lie flat on the skin. Warts are contagious can spread across the body quite easily if they are not treated on time. The treatment for warts can be cryotherapy; however, excision or curettage will be the best option for larger warts that cannot be treated with cryotherapy.

Verrucas (or verrucae) are a form of warts that appear on the sole of the foot and are often transferred from places where people walk barefoot. Even though they are harmless they are very contagious so they should be treated and avoid walking barefoot is a must to stop others from catching them. The treatment for verrucas can be any of the aforementioned treatments depending on the condition of your verruca your dermatologist would recommend the best treatment.

Keloid Scars: The development of these types of scars is always known, however, they are not dangerous. The main symptoms associated with these types of scars are itchiness, tenderness or they can be painful to touch.

The treatment for keloid scars varies depending on the size, for smaller scars, steroid injections can be performed and larger scars can be removed surgically.

Mole Removal: Malignant melanoma one of the most frequent types of cancer in the UK with figures rising over the past 30 years. This is why is important to keep an eye on your moles for any changes in colour or shape and if you have any concerns, book in a consultation with a dermatologist to find out as soon as possible just in case there is malignant melanoma.

Mole Mapping: It is important to assess whether your moles are dangerous or not and one of the best preventative methods available is mole mapping. A dermatologist examines your skin using the latest technologies and will assess whether you are at any risk and if so advise on the best treatment.

Mole Removal:
Excision of Cancer: Is your mole is cancerous a surgical excision will be the best treatment to remove it.
Curettage and Cautery: If you are on the initial stages of malignant melanoma, your dermatologist will recommend this treatment instead of excision. It consists of scrapping the skin cancer to then burn the skin in order to better heal and seal the wound.
Cryotherapy: This treatment is mostly used for benign lesions or moles and consists of freezing the lesion causing it to blister and then fall off.

Eczema: also known as dermatitis is a type of skin condition which affects children and adults. Some of the most common symptoms of eczema are patches of dry, swollen, red or itchy skin that often appear on arms, neck, face, skin folds, hands or legs. Your dermatologist will recommend the best treatments depending on your condition but often include emollients and topical steroids.

Psoriasis: is a skin condition appearing in any part of the body but most prominently around the elbows, scalp, knees or lower back. Plaque psoriasis can be reduced with LED phototherapy to help control inflammation.

Melasma: is a skin condition that mostly affects women between the ages of 20 and 40. Melasma tends to appear around the upper lip, bridge of the nose, forehead and cheeks. The treatments for Melasma include the Obagi Nu-Derm System, which is a skin care system ideal for troubled ageing skin and Chemical Peels.

Rosacea: is a common skin condition among many people in the UK. Some of the main symptoms are redness, burning sensation and flushing. Rosacea is a skin condition that can worsen and lead to more serious issues such as Rhinophyma an enlargement of the nose, usually developed by older men. Even though there is no cure for this skin condition, at The Private Clinic we offer some treatments to reduce the signs and symptoms of Rosacea.

IPL (Intense Pulsed Light): is a non-invasive laser treatment ideal to reduce the redness around the face and neck.
LED treatment: This treatment uses the natural healing power of light. There are different levels of light options available but to treat Rosacea, red LED will be used.

Excessive Sweating: Hyperhidrosis or excessive sweating is when your body produces an increased and non-physiological amount of sweat. Many people suffer from excessive underarm sweating. Here at The Private Clinic, we have a variety of treatments that target this issue. We offer an injection treatment for hyperhidrosis which is performed by our specialist doctors, nurses and surgeons who are fully trained and qualified for this procedure.

The treatment consists of blocking the transmission of the nerve impulses to the sweat glands in order to decrease the amount of sweat or perspiration.

Wrinkle injections: are FDA approved injections of a substance called Botulinum toxin that helps relax the muscles responsible for causing any fine lines and wrinkles.

Dermal Fillers: are injections of Hyaluronic acid that help minimise the appearance of lines and wrinkles and are able to restore and add volume to different areas of the face.

tear trough filler before and after photo — Before and after tear trough filler.

At The Private Clinic, patients do not require a referral from the doctor; you can book in an appointment with any of our dermatologist doctors. We work with the best dermatologists in the UK who are highly experienced and have great depth of clinical knowledge.

The Private Clinic of Harley Street, London for Dermatology Skin treatments

At The Private Clinic, we work with world class nurses, doctors and highly trained skin practitioners. We provide outstanding results and tailor the treatments to each of our patient’s needs.

Our Harley Street clinic is our flagship located in 98, Harley Street London W1G 7HZ. The Private Clinic London is in a central location close to Hyde Park, Belgravia, Kensington, Knightsbridge, South Kensington, Bayswater, Earls Court, Fulham, Green Park, Notting Hill. Chelsea, Soho, Battersea, West End, Clapham, Marylebone, Victoria, Regents Park, Holland Park, Primrose Hill, St Johns Wood, Mayfair, and Fitzrovia.

To book a dermatology consultation with any of our highly experienced Dermatologists please call us on 0333 920 2471 or visit our dermatology page on our website.

Rosacea – What is the right treatment for me?

September 21, 2016 by Rebecca Giffen

When you think of the term rosacea we tend to think of it as being a condition where you have areas of redness on your face – but actually rosacea can come in many forms;

Image	Type of Rosacea	Symptoms
© 1996-2016 National Rosacea Society	Facial Redness	The symptoms of facial redness include flushing, persistent redness, visible blood vessels, stinging, burning and swelling.
© 1996-2016 National Rosacea Society	Bumps & Pimples	Also known as Papulopustular rosacea, this is often confused with acne. The symptoms include bumps or pimples that tend to come and go, sometimes with red patches.
© 1996-2016 National Rosacea Society	Thickened Skin	This type of rosacea is medically known as Phymatous rosacea, the most common symptom of this is excess skin tissue causing an enlargement of the nose but it can also cause bump-like lesions on the face.
© 1996-2016 National Rosacea Society	Eye Irritation	Swollen eyelids, styes, tearing, burning, watery or bloodshot eyes are all symptoms of Ocular rosacea.

There are thousands of people in the UK affected by rosacea and a recent survey by the National Rosacea Society announced that 76% of people with the condition said that it had lowered their self-confidence and self-esteem; with 52% going on to say that it often causes them to avoid public contact or social engagements.

Here at The Private Clinic, we have a dedicated team of dermatologists who are renowned for their expertise and skill and are privileged to see the life-changing effects and results that our treatments have on patients.

What treatment is right for me?

We offer a fast, effective and safe treatment for rosacea called IPL (Intense Pulsed Light). The treatment involves a light being emitted onto the skin which is then absorbed by the affected skin. This action destroys the visible blood vessels which are then reabsorbed back into the body. The treatment is non-invasive meaning the downtime is basically non-existent with many patients resuming their normal activities and returning to work straight after treatment. The redness of your skin should appear reduced and the texture and colour of your skin should be improved. The blood vessels will also disappear in the days following treatment.

IPL should however, not be seen as a cure for rosacea. It is a great way to reduce the signs by having regular treatments, but it is just as important to have a proper skin management and lifestyle choices plan to help manage your rosacea, all of this can be discussed at a dermatologist consultation.

Rosacea treatment at The Private Clinic

We are the UK’s leading non-invasive cosmetic group and have some of the most experienced nurses and laser practitioners in the country working with us. We were the first clinic in the UK to introduce this pain-free solution for Rosacea and practitioners and nurses who carry out the procedure are highly qualified and experienced in this field.

Our Consultant Dermatologist; Dr Rishika Sinha, MA(Cantab), MB BChir, MRCP(Derm). GMC Number: 6092256 is able to consult on the condition at our London Harley Street clinic

To find out more or to book a consultation please call, 0333 920 2471 or use our online contact form.

When should I see a dermatologist?

June 26, 2015 by dina.elbarbary Leave a Comment

There’s more to your skin than you’d think. As the largest organ of our body, it’s an average of around two square metres when stretched out…that’s a lot of skin.

It’s not surprising then that so many of us have problems and oddities we want to sort out. We’ve all got little quirks and it’s virtually impossible to have completely ‘perfect’ skin, but when do you need to see a specialist? We explore.

Moles

The average person has between 15-40 moles on their body (and many people much more). The vast majority of these are completely safe and absolutely no cause for concern, but the only way you know this for sure is by checking thoroughly and regularly.

While seeing a professional to do this is extremely wise and strongly recommended, it’s impossible to go every single week. Therefore, we advise checking your own skin regularly in the first instance to spot any signs of trouble. The ABCD rule was devised to help spot any signs of danger and can be followed at home as frequently as you’d like – it outlines the key indicators for troublesome moles including size, texture, colour and more. We explain it here.

The ABCDs of checking your skin. And don’t forget E – evolution. Check for any changes!

If you notice anything at all unusual with your moles or if you’re generally concerned about your risk, seeing a specialist as soon as possible is the best way to prevent any danger. Dermatologists are trained in looking out for potentially risky moles and can take a look at anything that concerns you, as well as removing it and sending it for a biopsy. While beauty salons can sometimes provide services for removing purely aesthetic moles, we strongly advise to only allow a trained dermatologist or skin doctor do so. While you might not think there is anything wrong with it, a specialist knows what signs to look out for and will ensure it is removed correctly.

Find out more about mole checking and removal with our dermatologist.

Scars

While the initial complaint might have disappeared, scars can be a nasty reminder of acne, previous wounds or other skin issues. They are generally an aesthetic issue above anything else so very rarely need to be treated unless you want them to be. However, it is always vital to work with someone extremely well practised, so you don’t end up disappointed or – worse- with more scar tissue than before. The type of treatment you require will often come down to the type of scar you have and before recommending any specialist, we’d normally have a chat with you to make sure we choose the right one. Dermatologists are an extremely wise choice for scarring, but specialist doctors can also provide treatments. Similarly, for very small acne scarring, chemical peel or microneedling treatments may be recommended.

Find out more about scar revision treatment.

Acne

Acne affects 80% of teenagers and 10% of adults. Yet, despite being a regular occurrence, it’s one of the biggest confidence killers for a lot of us. There are, however, a multitude of treatments available to target the issue, with very few requiring you to see a dermatologist in the first instance.

At The Private Clinic, we normally recommend meeting one of our fully-qualified skin therapists. They have extensive experience with acne so can help you understand why you’re experiencing it and what treatments will work for you. Popular methods include in-house laser N-Lite treatment and chemical peels, often paired with a specially designed home care package. If you have particularly severe acne or the team don’t think usual methods will work for you, they will then refer you to a dermatologist who can take a deeper look at your skin and see what, exactly, the best way forward is.

Find out more about acne treatment.

Eczema and Psoriasis

Eczema is a fairly common skin complaint, affecting around 1 in 5 children and 1 in 12 adults. Psoriasis, meanwhile, is less common with around 2% of the population suffering. Because the conditions affect people in different ways, we usually recommend a dermatologist consultation for both, but it’s important to remember that neither condition can ever be fully ‘cured’ as such. Treatment, instead, will help improve symptoms and stop any flare ups. It can often include things like emollients or topical steroids, but the method will always be individual to you. This is why it’s so vital to see the right skin expert from the start.

Find out more about ezcema or psoriasis treatment.

Other skin complaints

Dermatologists are able to see you for virtually anything relating to your skin, however, they aren’t always your first port of call. For some treatments, we’d always advise meeting with a one straight away (for example wart/skin tag removal or un-diagnosed skin complaints), whereas for things like anti-ageing or rejuvenation options you’ll normally be directed to a therapist, nurse or cosmetic doctor. Our team of skin care experts will always be able to help if you’re not sure who to talk to by walking you through your options so you know where to turn.

View our full list of dermatology treatments.

Dermatology at The Private Clinic

Skin is an amazingly complex and detailed piece of art. No matter how many people suffer with the same complaint as you, we know it’s always your personal experience that counts. Our expert London Dermatologists are able to deal with any skin issues that cause you concern, diagnosed or not, but they aren’t always your only option. For conditions like acne or signs of ageing, our skin specialists are also here to offer treatment and product advice. Likewise there are small things you can do at home like checking your own skin and monitoring any changes. Whoever you go with, remember there are always experts on hand to help and guide you towards the best way to make you feel like…well, you again.

At The Private Clinic, we have hand-pick our Dermatologists and Skin experts to make sure they are the best in their field, with extensive experience and knowledge on what’s causing your skin complaint. Whatever you’re looking to achieve, our number one priority at our Harley street dermatology clinic is helping you to achieve the best results safely and sensitively to your needs. We’re proud to have some of the UK’s Best Cosmetic Dermatologists in London working with us as well as some of the most renowned skin experts, meaning we’ll only ever give you a treatment that works for you.If you are looking for the best dermatology clinic in Harley street you have come to the right place.

We specialise in

Our Consultant Dermatologist; Dr Rishika Sinha, MA(Cantab), MB BChir, MRCP(Derm). GMC Number: 6092256 is able to consult on the condition at our London Harley Street clinic, while our skin specialists are available at our clinics located across the UK in: Birmingham, Bristol, Leeds, Manchester and Northampton

To find out more about dermatology treatments at our dermatology clinic in London Harley Street please call 0333 920 2471 or use our dermatology online contact form.

Skincare in your twenties

May 27, 2015 by dina.elbarbary Leave a Comment

It’s never too early to start looking after your skin. And, while you might not feel ready to start thinking about getting older, your twenties are actually the best point to start taking skincare seriously.

It can be a difficult time for some of us; caught halfway between skin that’s starting to show signs of soft wrinkles and dullness, and the ever-pertinent cysts and redness of acne. However, it is also the opportune period to take back control of your epidermis, with early investment bringing not only immediate effects but fantastic long-term results too.

Adult acne treatment

Just when you thought you were past the oily T-zone and random spots that adolescent kindly gifted you (where did they all come from?!), you’re suddenly faced with more spots; perhaps more aggressive and perhaps even more annoying.

Adult acne is a problem for roughly one in 10 of us over the age of 25 (many of whom never suffered as a teenager), and 80% of those burdened with it are female. This is because hormones are a huge trigger for the condition, which begins with tiny glands in our skin becoming blocked and contaminated. Surges in hormones can cause our skin to produce too much of its natural lubricator, sebum, which mixes with dead skin cells causing the blockage. Normally harmless bacteria that lives on our skin then turns these blocked pores into the spots and redness we associate with acne.

Fortunately treatment for the condition nowadays is relatively easy, pain-free and quick. You need to invest in a good skincare regime for a start – including (shock horror)a moisturiser! While it might seem odd to hydrate already oily skin, dryness is the biggest trigger in the production of excess sebum and starving it of moisture is normally counter-productive, forcing it to produce more.

If you’re suffering in spite of a thorough cleansing and moisturising regime, there are treatment methods to get rid of the condition for good. One of the most innovative and effective is a non-invasive laser method called N-Lite.

The treatment, which is usually performed in courses of three, works by destroying the spot-causing bacteria – meaning your skin is left clear with less chance of blemishes in the future. Each session normally lasts around 30 minutes and the full results normally last at least 10 months, after which you may require top-up treatments to keep your results.

Find out more about acne treatments.

Glycolic peels

During our twenties, and particularly from around 25 onward, skin can start to lose its glow and become duller. This is because new collagen production decreases at the same time that collagen reserves start to deplete.

Light glycolic peels are one of the best treatments for those who experience an early loss of glow, as well as those battling acne, blocked pores, and even early signs of ageing. They work like an intensive exfoliating process, removing dead skin cells and dirt from the surface of the skin to reveal new, healthy layers of skin underneath. Peels will normally take less than 30 minutes to perform, with no downtime needed afterwards. Depending on your skin and the type of peel you have, you may experience some (literal) skin peeling in the days that follow, though your therapist will always advise on the likelihood of this occurring and how to control it.

Find out more about chemical peels.

But how about preventing collagen production slowing down altogether? Well, that leads us neatly on to our next point…

SPF…every day!

It’s not quite summer…it’s the UK…it’s raining. While slapping on some high factor sunscreen might be the furthest thing from your mind as you wrap your coat around you and brace the high winds, it’s actually most dermatologists’ number one essential when it comes to looking after your skin – regardless of your age.

Not only does it protect against the nasty side of the sun (preventing everything from skin cancer to sun spots), it’s actually one of the most effective anti-ageing tools you can think of. The sun can form oxidants on the skin that damage and break down collagen fibers. A good sunscreen can help prevent this and actually slow down ageing on our skin. We recommend applying around 20 minutes before you go outside and topping up throughout the day.

A number of our clinics stock high-level, dermatologist approved sunscreens. Find your nearest.

Non-invasive treatments

Non-invasive rejuvenation treatments like wrinkle injections and fillers are something a lot of us start to consider as we notice signs of wear on the face. At The Private Clinic, we can’t say when the best time for you to look at these methods is as it’s always an entirely individual consideration however, if you’re unsure, we’d advise meeting with one of our team to discuss and take a look at your options.

There’s a multitude of other non-invasive treatments also available for various skin complaints, designed to help with everything from dullness in the skin, to signs of damage and scarring.

IPL photorejuvenation is an extremely popular laser treatment for many of our patients in their twenties. It smooths out uneven tone and texture, and is commonly used to treat sun damage and irregularities, as well as conditions like Rosacea. Find out more about IPL.

Summary

Your biggest focus on skincare during your twenties should be prevention and preparation. Everyone’s skin is different so therefore your concerns won’t be exactly the same as somebody else; some of us still find our biggest battle to be the signs of acne, while others might be battling fine lines or damaged skin – then there’s the lucky few who are gifted with flawless skin. Whatever, your focus, always work with the right professionals and invest in a proper at-home skincare regime (including SPF) to help treat any complains now, and prevent problems later.

For a full list of skin rejuvenation treatments, visit our website.

Or to find out more about the skin treatments we have available, please call 03339209135 or use our online contact form to request a call back.

We have skin clinics located across the UK in London Harley Street, Birmingham, Bristol, Buckinghamshire, Leeds, Manchester and Northampton.

How Skin Safe are you?

May 15, 2015 by dina.elbarbary Leave a Comment

A study published in December 2011 estimated that around 86% of malignant melanomas in the UK were linked to exposure from the sun or sunbeds. And, while we might think we know how to look after our skin, how much do we really know?

Our obsession with sun-kissed skin is showing no signs of slowing down and, as a result, skin cancer rates are on the rise. Last year Public Health England reported a 30% increase in the number of hospital admissions for melanoma, and there was a reported 43% rise in the number of non-melanoma skin cancer cases between 2007 and 2011.

However, for many of us, stats are meaningless until they directly link to us. In an attempt to show the effects of her own complacency in the sun, 27-year-old American nurse Tawny Willoughby shared the below selfie after being treated for skin cancer on six separate occasions since the age of 21.

On her experience with the condition, she said:

“If anyone needs a little motivation to not lay in the tanning bed and sun here ya go! This is what skin cancer treatment can look like. Wear sunscreen and get a spray tan…Learn from other people’s mistakes. Don’t let tanning prevent you from seeing your children grow up. That’s my biggest fear now that I have a 2-year-old little boy of my own”

Check your skin regularly

Regardless of how much you think you know, or how cautious you are, we always recommend checking your skin regularly for any irregularities and any warning signs. Moles in particular are a key indicator of the condition, with many specialist organisations recommending the ‘A.B.C.D.E.’ method of home screening:

Asymmetry: One half is different than the other half.
Border irregularity: The edges of the mole are uneven or blurred.
Color: Having multiple colours in a mole can be a warning sign.
Diameter: Melanomas are often over 1/4 inch (6mm) and can sometimes grow.
Evolution: If your mole changes in colour, size or any characteristics, it’s wise to get it checked.

Looking after your skin is important. Specialists never say you need to avoid the sun completely, but just take care in how you act when it’s out and make sure you use common sense to protect yourself. As well as preventing against skin cancer, many dermatologists recommend using sun cream daily to protect against signs of ageing.

The Private Clinic

Your skin health can seem like a scary thing. We’re here to make sure it’s as simple and pain-free as possible.

For a thorough consultation about your mole health checks and mole removal book a consultation with our Harley street dermatologist or Plastic Surgeon clinics in London Harley Street, Bristol, Birmingham, Leeds, Manchester, Buckinghamshire and Northampton

We believe you deserve the very best care from the very best professionals; with over 35 years experience and some of the UK’s most respected skin experts behind us, we’re here to make sure you get precisely that.

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