Dermatology is the branch of medicine dealing with the skin and it is a speciality with both medical and surgical aspects. A dermatologist is a specialist doctor who manages diseases related to skin, hair, nails, and cosmetic skin issues.

There are many conditions that can affect the skin, some causing mild symptoms while others can be serious and interfere with everyday life. Skin redness, itching, pain, rashes and pus are all signs you need to see a Dermatologist. Dermatology is a recognised medical specialisation and a Dermatologist is the best person to treat skin, hair and nail problems. Dermatological treatments can range greatly from improving the look of your skin, treating acute or chronic skin diseases like acne and eczema, to the screening and surgical removal of skin cancer that can save lives.

You should make an appointment to see a dermatologist if you notice changes in a mole’s color or appearance. In addition, you also should have moles checked if they bleed, ooze, itch, appear scaly, or become tender or painful. It would be ideal if you know your body and existing moles well, and perform regular self-exams to be aware of changes

At Nathan’s Skin, Hair & Laser Centre (NSHLC), our dermatologists are specialists who have received extensive training in the use of various modalities to treat this skin and these include injectables and lasers for cosmetic enhancement.

In addition, it is good to note that most of the recent innovative cosmetic skin treatments and procedures were developed and introduced by Dermatologists. These include treatments for acne scarring, sun damage, wrinkles, fine lines and brown spots, dermabrasion, hair transplantation, chemical peels, laser surgery, tumescent liposuction (a safer form of liposuction), sclerotherapy for leg veins, fat transfer, Botox, laser resurfacing and many other procedures.

Some patients may decide to see a provider with a different medical specialty; However, when it comes to your skin, hands-on experience, continual training, and specialised knowledge of the skin is optimal as a poor treatment outcome could take months and additional treatments to fix.

At Nathan Skin, Hair & Laser Centre (NSHLC) we specialize in a whole range of services and procedures from skin treatment, hair treatment and transplant as well as the use of laser to treat various skin conditions and instantly improve your complexion.

Psoriasis often appears as thick scaly areas located on the scalp, elbows, knees, and buttocks. It is a chronic skin condition that can range from mild to severe and can also be linked to joint inflammation and arthritis.

The exact causes of psoriasis is not known but there is a definite genetic component to this skin condition.

Psoriasis is a chronic condition that tends to change in severity over time. It can be treated effectively with medications and the symptoms can be improved dramatically. There remains to be a definitive cure for psoriasis at this time.

The causes of hair loss can be very varied. It is most commonly genetic and age related. Both men and women tend to lose hair thickness and amount with age, while inherited or pattern baldness affects significantly more men than women. Other causes of hair loss are stress, illness, trauma, medication-related, and autoimmune diseases. Alopecia areata is just one common auto-immune disorder that’s been identified that causes hair loss in patches.

Seeing a dermatologist may help to define the cause of the hair loss, following which, the dermatologist can work with you to develop a treatment plan to counter the condition. Sometimes a small (and relatively painless) biopsy or laboratory evaluation may be necessary to understand the reason for hair loss and its corresponding treatment.

A combination of sebum and bacteria on the skin is what causes acne.

Sebaceous glands are found in hair shafts in a unit called a sebaceous follicle. The cells of the skin that line these follicles shed in the normal course of the skin renewal cycle and when these shed cells mix with sebum being produced, they can clog the opening of the follicle. A natural skin bacteria called P. acnes multiplies rapidly in the clogged hair follicle causing inflammation. Sometimes the wall of the follicle can burst, spreading inflammation to the surrounding skin. This is how acne lesions like blackheads, pimples and nodules are formed.

Unfortunately washing alone will not clear up or prevent acne. Acne is actually caused by a variety of biologic factors that are beyond the control of washing. For that reason, you should consult a dermatologist for the appropriate acne treatments for your skin condition.

Washing your face will help to remove some excess surface oils and dead skin cells. However, do note that some washing may be counterproductive. Be careful of using harsh products like alcohol-based cleansers or scrubbing your skin vigorously as these can irritate the skin further and worsen acne. Do wash your skin twice a day gently with water and a mild soap, rinse clean and pat dry gently.