Skin Conditions
Click on one of the conditions below to learn more:
| Rosacea | Psoriasis | Eczema/Atopic Dermatitis | Acne | Acne Scarring | Nail | Hair | Rash | Skin Cancers |
Rosacea
Also known as the ‘Curse of the Celtics’, Rosacea often affects fair skin, fair haired, sun damaged patients, although this is somewhat of a generalisation. It is a condition that presents with a variety of skin signs, mainly affecting the face and sometimes ‘extra-facial’ regions.
Hallmark features are:
Pimples and pustules
Capillaries and generalised redness
Flushing of the skin
Generalised skin texture, dilated pores, and occasionally a sandpaper type feel.
Treatment can be divided into skin care, medical therapy and physical therapy. Often a combination of these are required.
At Gold Coast Dermatology Clinic our doctors and nurses use the Cutera Excel V+ to tackle blood vessels and papules, the laser genesis to improve general redness and promote collagen and elastin regeneration and the Sciton BBL for general rejuvenation.
Our signature Rosacea treatment is the Genesis Glow. A deep cleanse, Mandelic Acid Peel, followed by laser genesis.
do you need a treatment plan for rosacea?
Psoriasis
2% of the populations are affected by psoriasis. In many people it is only mild and may affect their scalp or elbows and knees, and regular application of medicated creams and moisturisers will help to keep the condition under control.
A small percentage of patients have much more widespread psoriasis who may require more intensive treatment, oral medications, phototherapy or injectable medications. Psoriasis is not a ‘skin only’ disease and can involve joints, causing arthritis and nails. Managing psoriasis is also not as easy as changing your diet or taking a medication. It is a complex condition which requires lifestyle modifications, such as diet and exercise, in addition to medical therapy.
do you need a treatment plan for psoriasis?
Eczema/Atopic Dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis is the most common inflammatory skin condition in the world and it is thought to affect up of 20% of children under the age of one.
The development of eczema/atopic dermatitis is a complex interplay between genetic, environmental and immune factors creating what is commonly termed a ‘barrier dysfunction’. This means the skin – the biggest organ in the body and our number one immune barrier, is not operating properly. Often people think that the immune system is underactive in eczema, but in fact it is ‘overactive’. The skin becomes hypersensitive and starts reacting to things in the environment that people don’t usually react to.
There are a number of treatments for atopic dermatitis and fortunately most children do grow out of their eczema.
do you need a treatment plan for Eczema/Atopic Dermatitis?
Acne
When people hear the word acne, they often think of the most severe form. Acne refers to everything form blackheads and whiteheads (open and closed comedones), pimples, pustules, cysts and back acne (bacne!)
It is most prevalent in teen years, but has become more common in pre-pubescent’s and adult females in recent years. Acne can be extremely stressful and anxiety provoking, not to mention painful.
Managing acne can involve:
Skin care
Diet
Managing stress
Exercising regularly
Skin treatments
- Chemical peels
- Laser and light based treatmentsPrescription topical medication
Oral Medications.
do you need a treatment plan for acne?
Acne Scarring
Acne scarring comes in many shapes and sizes and treating it depends on the type of acne scar, how old the scarring is and what skin type the patient has. in addition, underlying skin conditions and medications can influence which treatment option may be best for you.
Scarring is due to the loss of, and abnormal formation of collagen and elastin that occurs under the skin after inflammatory cysts, papules and pustules have healed. In the early stages of healing, the tissues exhibits the most remodelling and this is the best time to treat scarring. Old scars can still be improved, but may require more or different treatments.
Redness (post-inflammatory erythema) and pigmentation (post inflammatory hyperpigmentation) are not strictly scars, because all of the damage is in the top layer of skin and there is no disruption to the underlying collagen and elastin. However, that doesn’t make these markings any less visible or irritating. These too are treatable.
At Gold Coast Dermatology Clinic we employ a number of treatment modalities, and these are often performed sequentially. Recreating and remodelling collagen and elastin takes time, and you can expect treatment results to be seen over a matter of months.
The following services are available for the treatment of scars:
Home dermaroller
TCA cross
Sciton BBL (broadband light - a more advanced type of IPL)
Cutera Excel V+ , Vascular and anti-inflammatory laser targeting redness, collagen and elastin rejuvenation
Cutaneous subcision.
We also recommend the use of appropriate home care.
do you need a treatment plan for acne scarring?
Nail Disorders
Finger nails and toe nails are an extension of the skin. As a result they can develop conditions that you would usually expect to see only on the skin. These range from eczema and psoriasis, to moles and fungus.
do you need a treatment plan for a nail disorder?
Hair Disorders
Hair loss is a common problem that can affect people of all ages. There are many different causes for hair loss and hair growth disorders and some of these conditions may overlap or co-exist. Dr John Auld, has a special interest in diagnosing and managing disorders of the hair.
Alopecia is the general medical term for hair loss. It does not refer to a specific type of medical problem and can be used interchangeably with hair loss.
Some different types of alopecia include:
Androgenic alopecia (male and female pattern hair loss)
Telogen effluvium
Alopecia areata
Traction alopecia
Scarring alopecia.
do you need a treatment plan for a Hair condition?
Rash
There are a many different sorts of 'rashes' and just as many different causes. Some rashes are related to internal medical problems, but many are not. To establish the type of rash and/or cause, you will need a skin examination and you may need investigations, such as skin biopsy, swab, scraping or blood test.
If you are attending our dermatologists in regards to a rash, the following would be extremely valuable:
A general timeline
A list of the treatments you have used to date
The results of any blood tests or investigations
Your own personal medical history
A list of medications and supplements you take.
Because your rash may be an expression of an internal conditions, things that you might no believe to be relevant, can be extremely important to your diagnosis, or your future treatment.
do you need a treatment plan for a rash?
Skin Cancers
Australia has the highest rate of skin cancer and melanoma in the world. A full skin check is essential for early detection and treatment of skin cancers. There are many types of skin lesions, many are benign (non-harmful), but a specialist dermatologist can advise if any require removal, or if you may have an increased risk of developing skin cancer in the future.
Tips for looking after your skin:
Always wear suncream on your face, neck and other exposed sites.
Ultraviolet sun light is present in the atmosphere all year round, so don't stop being sun safe just because it's cold outside.
Do regular self checks of your own skin, have a friend or family member check your back.
Moles or spots on your skin that have changed size, colour or shape are the ones to watch.
See your doctor if you feel that your moles have changed.