Noticed a recent change in your skin, or need help managing an existing skin condition? You may need to see a skin specialist. Most of the time changes in your skin are nothing to worry about, simply natural changes that are manageable with no or light intervention on your behalf. But other times problems with your skin can be quite serious, leading to more problems both on the surface and inside your body. Looking after your skin is just as important as the rest of your body, so it should be treated with respect and care.


Read on to find out more about what a skin specialist can do for you, and whether you should go see one.



Skin Specialists

Skin specialists, also known as dermatologists, are doctors who diagnose, treat and manage children and adults with skin conditions and diseases. They also deal with issues with nails and hair, but for this article, we’ll be focusing more on how they use their skills and qualifications to treat skin complaints. Skin issues are very common, with around 24% of the UK population visiting their GP with a skin disease each year. Most dermatologists are also skin surgeons, able to offer treatment with issues such as skin cancer.


Issues That Need a Dermatologist Referral to a Skin Specialist

There are over 2000 dermatological diagnoses that are to do with the skin, so here is a selection of common issues that you may be facing.


Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is one of the most common cancers in the world and refers to a group of cancers that develop in the upper layers of the skin. It can come in two forms, non-melanoma skin cancer and melanoma. Non-melanoma skin cancer is much more common than melanoma, which is usually a more serious issue. Here’s a bit more information about both types:


Non-melanoma cancer

Non-melanoma cancer often develops on areas of skin that are regularly exposed to the sun, such as the face, hands, shoulders, chest and ears. It usually develops in the outermost layer of skin, the epidermis. The first sign of this type of cancer is usually a lump or discoloured patch of skin. It usually is made up of cancerous lumps and patches, which manifest as being red and firm or flat and scaly respectively.


Causes of non-melanoma skin cancer include overexposure to UV light, a previous history of cancer, pale skin, a large number of moles or freckles and taking immunosuppressive medicine. You can help prevent chances of developing it by using sunscreen, avoiding sunbeds and limiting the amount of time you spend in the sun. Skin cancer usually does not spread to other parts of your body, but can cause considerable skin damage.


You should see a skin specialist if you have any skin abnormality that has not healed within 4 weeks of you first observing it. They will examine your skin and may do a biopsy. Surgery is the main treatment for non-melanoma skin cancer but it can also be treated with cryotherapy, radiotherapy and anti-cancer creams.


Melanoma

Melanoma is the other type of skin cancer, which is more likely to spread to other organs in your body. You should be on the lookout for the appearance of a new mole or a shift in an existing one such as a change in size, shape or colour. There are a few types of melanoma, but they are commonly irregular in shape and have more than one colour. They can quickly grow downwards, which will then let them spread to other areas of your body.


Melanoma is caused by exposure to UV light, family history, pale skin, red or blonde hair and lots of freckles or moles. It can be prevented by avoiding getting sunburnt, wearing sunscreen, avoiding sunbeds and regularly checking your skin. You should see a skin specialist if you notice any change to your moles, so they can take a biopsy. Melanoma is mostly treated through surgery if caught early, and medicines such as BRAF inhibitors to reduce symptoms if not.


Eczema

Eczema is a skin condition that causes it to become itchy, dry and cracked. It can affect any part of your body but is most common on the hands, knees, elbows, face and scalp. You should seek a skin specialist's help when you have visibly irritated red skin, a history of skin problems in the same areas, dry skin or a history of asthma or hay fever.


Common causes are suffering from asthma, hay fever, food allergies or other allergens such as soaps, stress and the weather. It can be treated by self-care techniques, moisturising treatments or topical corticosteroids that reduce swelling and itching.


Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a skin disease that causes red and itchy patches on the knees, elbows and scalp. It’s a long-term chronic disease with no cure that flares up every once in a while before going into remission again. Symptoms include red patches of skin covered in scales, dry skin that may bleed or itch, thickened nails and swollen joints.


You should see a doctor if you suspect you have any of the above symptoms and they cause you discomfort, pain, become widespread or lead to joint problems. Psoriasis is triggered by environmental factors such as stress, weather, injuries, infections, smoking, drinking or taking certain medications. It can also occur if you have a family history of the condition.


Wounds

If you have a wound that doesn’t seem to be healing after weeks or months, you should go see a skin specialist. A non-healing wound can allow diseases to enter your body more easily and could also be a sign of tissue death or cancer.


Mouth Ulcers

Sores or ulcers in your mouth that come back repeatedly could be a sign of an issue with your digestive tract. If your mouth ulcers keep coming back, grow bigger or start bleeding it is time to visit a skin specialist or a dentist for treatment.


Itchy Eyes

If you have red or itchy eyes, this could be a sign you have conjunctivitis. This is an inflammation of the membrane that lines your eyelid and covers the white part of the eyeball. Symptoms include redness, itchiness, gritty feeling or discharge from your eye that forms a crust. While many probably assume pink eye is an eye-related issue, it is actually a dermatological issue as it affects the delicate tissues around the eyes.


It is commonly caused by an allergic reaction or a viral or bacterial infection. You should see a doctor if you have eye pain, blurred vision or light sensitivity.


Acne

You may need a skin specialist if your acne is quite severe. A dermatologist can help you treat the condition by helping you devise a skin care plan and offer treatments such as medication, lasers, chemical peels or the removal of large cysts. There are six main types of spots caused by acne: blackheads, whiteheads, papules, pustules, nodules and cysts. Visiting a skin specialist can help you to diagnose exactly what types of spots you have.


Self-help tips

To help deal with or prevent acne you should wash the affected area with a bar of mild soap and lukewarm water, do not try to squeeze spots as this can lead to permanent scarring and try to eat better. You should also not wash the affected area too much as this can irritate the skin and avoid wearing too many oily products on your face.


Suspicious Moles

As mentioned in the skin cancer section, you should be on the lookout for suspicious moles that have either appeared suddenly or changed shape. They can be an early sign of melanoma, skin cancer or other problems. Skin specialists can help diagnose moles or offer cosmetic treatment to remove non-cancerous moles.


Anything That Doesn’t Fade

Overall any skin issue that doesn’t fade over time should be looked at, as it will probably be an issue that could lead to more serious consequences. Even if nothing is wrong, seeking treatment as a preventative measure is always a good idea.


Find A Dermatologist Near Me With NHS GP

If you need help or treatment in the North West London area, get in touch today with NHS GP. Our dermatology specialist Dr Shazie Saddiqi offers daily consultations and sessions at our four clinics in Alperton, Queen’s Park, Wembley and Willesden.


Concerned about coming into a clinic due to COVID-19, or simply don’t have the time to make it in? Don’t worry about it, as we offer online help and treatment without you needing to come into the clinic, assessing your skin condition and matching you with a professional dermatologist to assist you. We also have a great system where you can upload a photo of your symptoms, and Dr Siddiqi will get back to you as soon as possible to talk through what she suspects your problem is.


If you want to find out more about what NHS GP can offer you, check out our website now for information about all the services we offer, and find the phone numbers and contact details of all 4 GP surgeries 

How to Tell if You Have Diabetes

by Jahan Mahmoodi • 28 September 2022
Diabetes isn’t an uncommon illness, but it can be serious and result in your having to change your lifestyle. There are two different kinds of diabetes, and the main difference between them is that type 1 is genetic, whereas type 2 diabetes can be down to your lifestyle and will develop over time, rather than showing up in an earlier stage of your life. It is important to know what the symptoms of diabetes are so that you can address the problem sooner rather than later, so below are some of the key things to look out for and when you should see a doctor. What are the Symptoms? If you want to know how to tell if you have diabetes, these are common indicators that you might have developed this problem. The need to urinate frequently, or feeling thirsty and/or hungry a lot. You might also notice that you experience extreme fatigue, weight loss, tingling sensation, or pain in your hands and feet. Cuts and bruises might also take longer to heal than they have done in the past. Some people might also experience blurred vision or find that they are getting thrush in the genital area repeatedly. You may want to refer to a self help service to check symptoms if you are concerned. What Should You Do? If you are concerned that you have diabetes, the first thing to do is make an appointment with your doctor. They can arrange a blood test to check your blood sugar levels, as this can be a great indicator of whether or not you have diabetes and can be one of the first warning signs. High blood sugar can be treated with lifestyle changes, and you may need to take insulin at times too. Your doctor can talk you through how to manage your diabetes more effectively, or look at NHS GP for more information. They may even refer you to specialist centers for disease control for further support and guidance. Who is at a Higher Risk? If you do have a history of type 1 diabetes in your family, then you are more likely to develop this condition, too. However, for type 2 diabetes, those at a higher risk include people who have a diet that is high in fats and sugars and are overweight. Your risk also increases the older you get, with a lot of people developing this when they are over 40. This is why it is important to monitor high levels of blood sugar and get this tested if you are concerned. Lifestyle Changes for Diabetics If you do have type 2 diabetes, there are some things you can do at home to help this. The first step is to look at moving to a healthier lifestyle and eating a more balanced diet with reduced sugar. Remember to be careful with carbs, too, as these can turn into sugar in your body. You might also want to think about getting more exercise to help you lose weight which can be beneficial.  If you are worried about whether or not you have developed diabetes, contact your doctor as soon as possible to take the necessary tests.

What Are the Symptoms of PTSD?

by Jahan Mahmoodi • 25 August 2022
What is PTSD? Learn about the symptoms of PTSD and what to do if you think you or a loved one has this psychiatric disorder. PTSD, which stands for post-traumatic stress disorder, is a psychiatric disorder that occurs after a traumatic event or prolonged trauma over time. Historically, it became known as “shell shock”, which many soldiers experienced after combat in the world wars. However, any kind of trauma can lead to this disorder, such as: Accidents Assault Abuse Illness or injury (either yourself or a loved one) The death of a loved one Going through these experiences does not being you will definitely experience PTSD. A traumatic event or prolonged trauma might trigger the disorder in one person and not another, and it has not been determined exactly why. One suggestion is that those suffering from PTSD have high-stress hormone levels, though this isn’t always the case. If you think you or a loved one might have PTSD, it’s crucial to understand the symptoms and seek medical help to process the memories and reduce symptoms over time. Below are the most common symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder PTSD. Flashbacks of Trauma After experiencing a traumatic event, many people feel sad, scared, and anxious, and these symptoms tend to improve naturally over a few weeks. In people with PTSD, these symptoms last far longer and can produce one of the most common symptoms associated with post traumatic stress disorder: flashbacks. Flashbacks make a person with PTSD experience the traumatic event over and over again in their mind. Often, the flashback is very vivid and causes high levels of panic and anxiety, and can even become debilitating in severe cases. Frequent Nightmares People with PTSD usually experience frequent nightmares, often of the traumatic event or events that they have been through. These nightmares cause elevated stress levels and can lead to further issues, like sleeping difficulties and insomnia. Extreme Anxiety Anxiety is a symptom of multiple mental health issues, including PTSD. After experiencing trauma, a person with PTSD will often feel extreme anxiety in their day-to-day life. They Avoidance It is common for people living with PTSD to avoid anything associated with the traumatic event they experienced, which often includes people, places or activities. It is common for sufferers to even withdraw from their friends and family. Over time, this can make their symptoms even worse as they continue to isolate themselves. Intrusive Thoughts Intrusive thoughts involve upsetting and confusing thoughts that those with PTSD wish would disappear. Typically, these thoughts lead to feelings of guilt and upset. Without treatment, these intrusive thoughts are difficult to manage and might worsen over time in some cases. Irritability or Anger Many people with PTSD become irritable or angry, which can lead to reckless behaviour. This behaviour might cause them to damage their relationships. Extreme anger may also be a sign of complex PTSD, which is caused by long-term trauma rather than a single event. PTSD in Children Children can get PTSD just like adults. The symptoms may look different, though. If you suspect your child has PTSD, here are the signs to look out for: Reliving the traumatic event Angry outbursts Nightmares Fear and/or sadness Seek Help for PTSD When experiencing symptoms like this, it’s important to see mental health specialists in order to determine the cause. Then, these mental health professionals can provide appropriate treatment to help the patient manage and improve their symptoms over time, whether through therapy or medication, or a combination of both. If you think you or your loved one is experiencing PTSD, book an appointment with your NHS GP as soon as possible. Help is available, and nobody has to carry on suffering with their symptoms.

How to Improve Student Mental Health

by Jahan Mahmoodi • 18 August 2022
Student life can be rough. If you feel as though your mental health is beginning to suffer as a result, here are some tips that may be able to help.