Why Dermatology Matters

Skin Cancer Menu

Treating the increased incidence of skin cancer is a key aspect of modern dermatology, along with other harm caused by the sun.

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More than half the UK population will have a skin issue of some type this year, the reason we spend £500 million annually on over the counter treatments.

Halve those cases again to 25% of the population and you reach a number for those who would benefit from medical support. In line with over 13 million primary care visits for skin conditions, mainly to GPs.

Almost a million of those patients are referred to specialist dermatologists. Potential skin cancer heads the list, although other conditions are prevalent and often not easy for general practitioners to diagnose.

That is in no sense meant to reflect error, simply knowledge. 20% of GP consultations relate to skin disease but most GP training schemes offer limited input on dermatology, the most common need is not well matched.

Creating Good Outcomes

There are around 4,000 deaths each year in the UK due to skin disease of various types, with melanoma a significant factor. The better news is that many deaths are prevented and few need to happen.

Skin conditions have a disproportionate effect on the young, representing 34% of diseases in children. They again are almost all curable and rarely need to be conditions which impinge on later life.

Most fields of medicine have progressed in recent years, with dermatology amongst them. Lasers and digital technology have helped skin specialists, better sharing of information, an increased understanding of genetics.

The UK has led the way in development, a number of the world’s most significant providers in AI, or genetics began here. Those skills and the research involved have permeated to professional medical practices.

The knowledge to deal with skin issues and produce good outcomes is available, a critical requirement is to encourage people to seek this out.

Sound Diagnosis & Treatment

Speed and particularly accuracy of diagnosis are key elements for successful skin treatment, which come from dedicated equipment and experience.

Providing a perfect cure for every human skin condition may not be possible but medical care can come close. In most cases, acne does not need to be disfiguring, psoriasis and eczema can be controlled.

Skin cancer has increased rapidly in the UK, the number of basal cell carcinomas equals all other cancerous tumours combined. NICE recommend they are treated in specialist, secondary care, because this is so effective.

Similar thoughts apply to more serious skin cancers, or a skin condition preventing sleep, or work. The same ethos can provide first rate aesthetic care, which may be psychologically important to a patient.

A skin specialist matters because your skin is central to your wellbeing and needs to be understood. Our team are pleased to be part of a field providing the unique care every patient deserves.