Dermatology – Skin Specialists

The skin is the body’s largest organ and reflects overall health. It serves as the first line of defence against infections, protects internal organs, regulates body temperature, and indicates wellness.

Dermatology is the medical specialty focused on skin, hair, and nails. Dermatologists are specialists trained to diagnose and treat various skin, hair, and nails conditions, both medical and cosmetic. Unlike beauticians, who focus on appearance through nonmedical techniques like exfoliation and makeup, dermatologists can diagnose conditions and prescribe treatments.

Dermatologists may specialise further in areas such as paediatric dermatology, skin allergies, hair and nail disorders, skin cancers, genital dermatology, and cosmetic dermatology.

Skin, hair, and nail health can be affected by factors like sun exposure, hormones, genetics, and underlying conditions like diabetes and heart disease. Recognising abnormal signs and consulting a dermatologist ensures early intervention and better outcomes.

What are the common skin conditions?

1. Acne

Acne is a common skin condition caused by clogged hair follicles due to sebum and dead skin cells, leading to pimples, primarily on the face, back, chest, and shoulders.

The types of acne lesions include whiteheads, blackheads, papules, pustules (pimples), nodules, and severe nodular (cystic) acne with deep, painful, pus-filled lesion.

Find out more about acne symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.

2. Alopecia Areata

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition where the immune system attacks hair follicles, causing hair loss, typically in small, round patches on the head and face. It affects about one in 50 people, regardless of gender or race, often appearing before age 30.

While the exact cause is unknown, genetic and environmental factors are believed to contribute. Most individuals with alopecia are otherwise healthy and show no additional symptoms.

Find out more about alopecia areata symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.

3. Contact Dermatitis

Contact dermatitis is skin inflammation caused by contact with an irritant or allergen. There are two types: irritant contact dermatitis and allergic contact dermatitis.

Irritant contact dermatitis results from direct skin damage by substances like detergents or acids, with symptoms appearing within minutes to hours. Allergic contact dermatitis occurs when the skin reacts to an allergen (e.g., nickel), with symptoms developing 24–48 hours after exposure.

About 80% of cases are caused by irritants.

Find out more about contact dermatitis symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.

4. Eczema

Eczema refers to a group of inflammatory skin conditions that lead to itchiness, dry skin, rashes, scaly patches, blisters, and skin infections.

In babies, it appears as red, itchy, scaly patches, often on the face, elbows, and knees. In older children and adults, it usually affects hands, feet, arms, and behind the knees.

Triggers vary by person and include irritants (soaps, detergents), environmental factors (cold weather, humidity), allergens (dust mites, pollen), food allergies, certain fabrics, hormonal changes, infections, and stress.

Find out more about eczema symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.

5. Fungal Skin Infections

A fungal skin infection, or mycosis, is a skin condition caused by fungi. Fungi are commonly found on surfaces and in food and water, usually remaining harmless unless they enter the body through cuts or injuries. Fungal infections can affect areas like the feet, groin, scalp, nails, and skin folds.

Common types include athlete’s foot (Tinea pedis), ringworm (Tinea corporis), scalp ringworm (Tinea capitis), jock itch (Tinea cruris), nail fungus (Onychomycosis), and yeast infection (Candida).

Find out more about fungal skin infection symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.

6. Hives

Hives, medically known as urticaria, are red, itchy bumps that suddenly appear on your skin. They present as raised or puffy areas of the skin with intense itching. Hives can vary in size and appear anywhere on the body. They are typically red, pink, or flesh-coloured

Most hives cases are acute and can persist over a few days to one or two weeks. Chronic hives may persist on a daily or near-daily basis, lasting longer than six weeks, and sometimes continuing for years. However, they are treatable in most individuals.

Find out more about hives symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.

7. Psoriasis

Psoriasis is categorised as an immune-mediated disease where the immune system becomes overactive, leading to the rapid multiplication of skin cells. This results in red, raised patches of skin covered with silvery-white scales. It usually appears on the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back. Skin lesions are typically well-defined with a scaly surface.

The exact cause of psoriasis is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic, immune system, and environmental factors.

Find out more about psoriasis symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.

8. Shingles

Shingles, or herpes zoster, is a condition characterised by a painful rash and is caused by the same virus responsible for chickenpox. After a person has had chickenpox, the virus remains in the body. Shingles occur when the chickenpox virus is reactivated.

Find out more about shingles symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.

Speak to your doctor if you or your loved ones have symptoms of skin conditions. The caring team of healthcare professionals are available for consultation and to provide the best care. Get in touch with us to book an appointment today. We assure you the best possible care tailored to your specific needs.

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