About me – Dermatology treatments Heatherwood
I am a Acne specialist in Heatherwood and As a child, I was always aware of skin problems. I come from a long history of acne and hair loss patients, so I’ve seen personally how debilitating these conditions can be for people who suffer from them.
The mind and how it effects behavior and the body have always captivated me. As a result, before starting medical school, I decided to pursue a degree in Psychology at the University of Kent, with a focus on Clinical Psychology. I pursued my love for three wonderful years and obtained a first-class honors degree.
I finished my medical study at Barts and the Royal London School of Medicine in 2008, and I worked as a junior doctor in the Oxford Deanery for four years. By the end of my schooling, I decided I wanted to be a dermatologist. Before applying for dermatology training, I worked as a clinical research fellow in Psychodermatology for a year. During that time, I learned I had a natural aptitude for describing the psychosocial aspects of living with a skin condition, and I planned to use it throughout my career. In 2017, I graduated from dermatology school in London and began working as a consultant.
A particular passion of mine is training other healthcare professionals and promoting the mind-body link. As an honorary lecturer in Psychodermatology at the University of Hertfordshire, I teach a dermatology masters degree. As a regular invited speaker at various international dermatology conferences, I like sharing my research findings and discussing emerging therapies. I’m also on the executive committee of Psychodermatology UK, a member of the Vitiligo Society’s panel, and a contributor to the All Party Parliamentary Group on Skin. Through these positions, I hope to make a positive impact on dermatology policy and services in the UK and abroad.
I completed a research fellowship with the UK Dermatology Clinical Trials Network, and I apply those skills on a daily basis to plan and conduct high-quality psychodermatology research, which I have presented and published all over the world.
I am a specialist in the psychological impact of chronic skin illness, specifically the link between skin and stress. Cortisol, a stress hormone, has been shown to affect the immune system (making the skin less capable of fighting itself), cause allergic reactions, obstruct healing, and alter the skin’s natural barrier. Dryness and irritation may occur, as well as the production of lines, wrinkles, pigmentation, symptoms of premature aging, and dullness. Hives, acne outbreaks, and hair loss are some of the other side effects.
I am a member of the Psychodermatology team at the Royal London Hospital in Whitchapel. This clinic is for people who have had a major impact on their life due to a dermatological problem. I aim to give my patients comprehensive care, and I believe that the relationship between the brain, skin, and psychology is crucial to beautiful skin.
What is acne?
Acne is a disorder that develops on your skin when dead skin cells and oil clog your hair follicles. It is the cause of spots, whiteheads, and blackheads. It is most commonly seen in teenagers from all different backgrounds, yet it affects people of all ages.
Despite the availability of effective treatments, acne can be really difficult to get under control. It takes a long time for the lumps and spots to properly heal and what makes it more frustrating is that as one spot fades, another turns up.
Acne can cause great emotional anguish as well as scarring, depending on the severity. The earlier you start your treatment, the less likely you are to experience these issues.
Consult your doctor if self-care measures fail to clear your acne; doctors may be able to prescribe more powerful drugs.
Acne can last a lifetime for many women, with flare-ups prevalent a week before menstruation. In women who use contraceptives, this type of acne usually goes away without treatment.
A sudden emergence of severe acne in elderly persons may indicate an underlying condition that necessitates medical treatment.
Keep in mind that some over-the-counter acne treatments, cleansers, and other skin products you have used might trigger significant reactions. This is a very rare reaction, so don’t mix it with redness, irritation, or itchiness in locations where you’ve applied medications or treatments.
If you notice any of the following symptoms after using a skin treatment, please seek immediate medical attention:
– Feeling faint
– Shortness of breath
– Tightness in your throat
What causes acne?
Acne is caused by four top factors:
Excess oil (sebum) produced in the skin
Hair follicles which are clogged by oil and/or dead skin cells
Bacteria
Inflammation
Parts of your skin contain the most oil glands and acne normally appears on the face and forehead. When blocked hair follicles become irritated or infected with germs, spots appear as elevated red spots with a white center. Some serious acne conditions may have to be treated by surgery, some of which I can perform myself, so please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any concerns.
What makes acne worse?
– Changes in hormones
– Some medications
– Stress
If you notice things are getting worse, a dermatologist is just what you need; contact us as soon as possible.
Where can I find the best information on acne treatments?
There are a lot of treatments used for acne and finding the right treatment for you is a difficult task; that is where I come in. You can find me at the Frimley Park Hospital and Barts Health NHS Trusts where I offer private consultations to all my patients at the practice. As my patient, your details will be kept confidential.
If you would like to find out more information or to book a skin-health appointment in Heatherwood or a nearby clinic or hospital, please contact us on 01628 306 323 or use the contact form here for any questions or to book your appointment now.
Where is the best dermatology and acne specialist?
As mentioned previously, I offer my services in Heatherwood and you can find me at Frimley hospital and the Barts NHS Trusts which cover 5 hospitals in London – Newham Hospital, Mile End Hospital, The Royal London Hospital, St Bartholomew’s Hospital and Whipps Cross Hospital.
You can contact us or send a message to our practice on our website for the latest information on acne and dermatology.
The health services I offer include the following:
Rosacea treatment
Hair loss treatment
Acne and skin health treatment
Medical dermatology treatment
Paediatric dermatology
Psycho-dermatology
Skin cancer patient treatment
Minor surgery
Skin care treatment and health information
Is it best to go to a private clinic or a hospital for acne treatment?
The best thing about covering not just Heatherwood, but a wide range of places is that I can see you either private clinics or a NHS hospital. You will find that many doctors specialise in dermatological health information and acne treatment so it doesn’t really matter where you see skin doctors, whatever is more suitable for you. A NHS patient would end up having to pay less than private clinics so it is best to get the best information for an overview of what is best for you.