Eczema Eczema is a form of dermatitis, or inflammation of the upper layers of the skin. The term eczema is broadly applied to a range of persistent or recurring skin rashes characterized by redness, itching and dryness, with possible scaling in more advanced stages. Eczema can be acute, sub-acute or chronic and a variety of treatments exist which can help effectively manage the condition. Types of Eczema There are a number of types of eczema. Atopic dermatits is most common in children but can affect adults of all ages. Whilst many children grow out of eczema they may have a tendency to dry, sensitive skin in adulthood. Other types of eczema include allergic contact dermatitis and irritant contact dermatitis. Recognizing the correct type of eczema is crucial to an effective treatment plan. At the London Dermatology Centre we are able to offer Patch Testing on site as well as other allergy testing. Treatment of Eczema Treatment of eczema can be complex and comprises of a maintenance skin care programme to reduce the incidence of flares as well as treatment for the acute episodes. Topical steroids have been the mainstay of treatment for eczema but have recently been subject to some bad publicity causing public concern about their safety. These preparations have been in existence for over 40 years and so the safety profile and side effects are well known. The Dermatologists at the London Dermatology Centre are ideally qualified to discuss with you how to use topical steroid treatment in a totally safe manner which will not harm the skin as well as discuss the steroid alternative treatments and put this all in perspective for you. Hair Loss and Hair Disorders At the London Dermatology Centre we are fortunate enough to have one of the few Dermatologists in the United Kingdom who specializes in all forms of hair loss, hair disorders and scalp conditions. The causes of hair loss are varied and a correct diagnosis is essential to enable successful treatment. Androgenetic alopecia (the common balding process, male or female pattern hair loss) is the most common form of hair loss in men and women for which there are scientifically proven treatments which can slow down, stop or reverse the process. Generally the earlier treatment is instigated the better the results. Alopecia areata affects 1% of the population at some time in their lives and usually presents as patchy hair loss. Whilst the course of this condition can be unpredictable there are effective treatments to encourage regrowth. Monitoring response to treatment is vital and so at the London Dermatology Centre we have a medical digital photography system which allows accurate, reproducible photographs to be taken at specified time intervals for comparison. Skin Cancer The term skin cancer usually refers to non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) as compared to melanoma which is also a malignant growth originating in the skin. The two most common forms are basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Both these tumours are related to cumulative sun exposure and most commonly present in an older population with a life-time’s history of sun exposure. With more of us spending an increasing amount of time outdoors and taking holidays abroad we are now seeing these tumours in patients in their 20’s and 30’s. Outdoor workers and people with fair complexions are particularly at risk. NMSC presents as either a skin coloured lump, a scaling lesion, an erosion that will not heal or an ulcerated lesion. Any such lesion requires immediate assessment by a medical practitioner. Dermatologists are specifically trained to diagnose such lesions by looking at them and if there is any doubt by performing a biopsy. A Dermatologist has a number of treatment options available to them which includes the use of special creams to kill the cancer cells, scraping the lesion away to the appropriate depth, cutting the lesion out, freezing the lesion with liquid nitrogen, using photodynamic therapy or occasionally radiotherapy. The choice of treatment will depend on the tumour type and the personal preference of the patient. At the London Dermatology Centre we can offer same day treatment in most cases. Birthmark Removal There are a variety of birthmarks, some of which are amenable to treatment with either laser or intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy. The 2 main types of birthmarks are vascular and pigmented in origin. The depth of the lesion and it’s characteristics are the main determinants with respect to the response to treatment. An initial consultation with a Dermatologist is required to determine the type of birthmark at which time treatment options can be discussed. keywords: "London Dermatology Clinic, General Dermatology, Cosmetic Dermatology, Dermatology Centre London, Dermatology Clinic UK, Skin Cancer, Acne Treatment, Trichology, Mole Checks, Botox, Laser Hair Reduction, Dermal Fillers, Dermatologist London, Private Dermatologist London, Dermatologist London, Private Skin Doctor, Cosmetic Surgery, Plastic surgery, Eczema, Psoriasis, Allergy Treatment, Breast Surgery, Liposuction, Laser Hair Removal, Hair Loss Treatment, Abdominoplasty, Vitiligo, Melanoma" Trichology At the London Dermatology Centre we have a Specialist Hair Clinic which is run by a Dermatologist Specialising in all forms of Hair Loss and Hair Disorders. This means the person you see is a doctor, Consultant Dermatologist (skin specialist) and a hair specialist. This allows a medical approach to the diagnosis and treatment of all hair disorders and hair loss including investigation of potentially underlying medical causes. Treatment, which may be topical (in the form of lotions) and/or systemic (in the form of tablets) can then be prescribed and obtained from your local pharmacy at market or prescription prices. How do we differ from a trichologist or trichology centre? A trichologist does not need to be a doctor and in fact many trichology centres do not have doctors available at their centres. Dr Martin Wade is our Consultant Dermatologist who conducts the Specialist Hair Clinic. In addition to his qualifications as a Doctor and a Dermatologist, he has undertaken 2 years of research with global experts in the field of hair loss and hair disorders and has lectured in the United States of America, Australia and the United Kingdom.