If you are experiencing problems with your skin, hair, or nails, your GP (general practitioners) may refer you to a consultant dermatologist. A consultant dermatologist is a medical professional who is trained to diagnose and treat conditions related to the skin, hair, and nails.
Common reasons for referral to a consultant dermatologist include acne, eczema, psoriasis, skin cancer, and other skin disorders. Consultant dermatologists can also treat conditions such as hair loss, nail infections, and excessive sweating.
During your appointment with a dermatologist, they will conduct a thorough examination of your skin, hair, or nails and develop a personalised treatment plan. Treatment may involve procedures such as skin biopsies, cryotherapy, laser therapy, or medications such as topical creams, oral medications, or injections.
At Blackrock Health, our elective procedures teams offer an expert and experienced solution for these specialist areas of medical care. We understand that any medical treatment you seek is important to you – that is why we treat all our patients to the same standard of excellence. We offer a broad range of procedures and treatments at three locations – at the Blackrock, Galway, and Hermitage Clinics. These include plastic surgery, dermatology, and specialist dental health solutions. We also offer expert care for skin cancers, and reconstructive surgery after breast cancer treatment. Our hospitals provide easy and speedy access to expert care, ensuring that you receive the best possible treatment close to home. We also have a long-standing reputation for excellence and expertise - stretching back over 40 years in the case of the Blackrock Clinic. This ensures that you can receive the highest possible standards of care and support. Whether you need a minor cosmetic procedure or a more complex treatment plan, we aim to help you achieve your desired outcome.
Our team
Our dermatology team diagnoses and treats a range of skin conditions of the skin, nails, and hair - including acne, eczema, and rosacea.
Who we treat
Our team diagnoses and treats a wide range of conditions and disorders, including:
- acne
- rosacea
- psoriasis
- eczema
- skin cancer
At your consultation, your dermatologist will examine you and determine what treatment, if any, is needed.
Services
Our dermatology team run a number of clinics for the following treatments and services. Not every procedure is available in all our hospitals. Please check with your preferred location to confirm that the treatment you seek is carried out there.
- outpatients clinic
- inpatient consult service
- nurse treatment clinics
- ultraviolet (UV) light therapy
- surgical procedures (such as biopsies and mole removals)
- photodynamic therapy (PDT)
- cutaneous allergy (patch testing)
- non surgical cosmetic procedures
Phototherapy
Patients with skin conditions are usually treated with creams and ointments, which are applied to the skin, however sometimes, other forms of treatment are needed.
Phototherapy is a treatment option using ultraviolet light, administered on the referral from a consultant Dermatologist. It is an effective method of treating many skin conditions, the most common of which is Psoriasis.
It is extremely important to look after your skin. If your experiencing itchy skin, strange rashes, changes in skin colour or new textures, you should get your skin checked by a dermatologist. These symptoms may be the result of a chronic skin condition, an allergic reaction, or an infection.
Common skin conditions
Acne
Acne is breakouts of deep, painful whiteheads, blackheads and cysts on the face, neck and back. If left untreated, acne may leave scars or darken the skin.
Rosacea
Rosacea is a chronic skin disease that causes facial blushing, skin dryness and sensitivity.
Eczema
Eczema causes a red rash, that may be severely itchy. It may cause yellow or white scaly skin that flakes off.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis causes red scaly patches of skin, located on the scalp, elbows, knees and lower back.
Basal cell carcinoma
Basal cell carcinoma causes a pink, shiny lump with a sunken center. It may cause easy bleeding or does not heal.
Melanoma
Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer. It appears as a mole with an irregular shape and colour.
Squamous cell carcinoma
Squamous cell carcinoma occurs in areas exposed to UV radiation, like the face and ears. It looks like a red patch of skin that progresses into a raised bump.
Loss of hair
Hair loss can result from a lot of things, such as poor nutrition, hormonal changes, stress, treatments, and medical conditions.
There are three main types of alopecia-
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Alopecia areata (patchy hair loss, happens when the immune system attacks the hair follicles)
-
Traction alopecia (Hair pulled too tight from ponytails)
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Alopecia totalis (Loss of nearly all hair on your head)
What is involved:
- A referral is required from a consultant Dermatologist, which will be received by our physiotherapy department.
- An initial skin test will be arranged, which will take approximately 1 hour.
- You will be given a schedule of weekly sessions, typically three per week. The sessions are short initially and gradually build up over the duration of the course.
- Your Dermatologist will review your progress during treatment and discontinue the course when the skin condition has cleared or significantly improved.
How do I get this?
You will need a referral letter from your GP or consultant before you make an appointment. Some dermatology services allow for self-referral - please check with a particular consultant's office if you want to seek a direct referral.
Is this insured?
Not all services are covered by health insurance. To find out if you're covered, please check your health insurance before your visit. You can do this on our health insurance cover check page, or by contacting your health insurer.
How do I pay?
If you do not have health insurance or your health plan does not cover the full cost, you will need to pay the balance due before your treatment or procedure. You may be able to claim back some fees on your insurance. To pay an excess not covered by your insurance or any other inpatient fees, please visit our payment page. If you have any queries about paying for your care, please contact the finance team in your hospital.