Itchy, inflamed, broken skin — with several distinct causes that need distinguishing.
What you may notice
One child in five and a significant number of adults
Eczema is a barrier problem as much as an inflammatory one. Atopic eczema, contact dermatitis and discoid eczema look similar and are managed differently — contact dermatitis in particular needs patch testing to identify what is causing it, because avoidance is the treatment. Emollients are not an optional extra; they are the foundation everything else is built on.
Treatments
What each treatment involves, how many sessions it takes, and what the downtime actually is.
A full skin assessment with a consultant dermatologist, and a written plan.
A systematic examination of the whole skin with dermoscopy and mapping.
Removal of lesions under local anaesthetic, with histology on everything taken.
Prescription treatment for acne, eczema, psoriasis, rosacea and hair loss, with review.
Identifying the substance causing a contact dermatitis, which is how it is treated.
Controlled narrowband UVB, given in a cabinet two or three times a week.
Treatment for facial redness, thread veins and the visible vessels of rosacea.
Fractional laser for texture, scarring and sun damage, with real downtime.
A controlled exfoliation for pigmentation, texture and congestion.
Muscle-relaxing and volumising injections, given by a doctor after assessment.
Appointments
Every treatment starts with an assessment by a dermatologist. Bring photographs of anything that comes and goes — it will not be there on the day.