Frequently Asked Questions

Where am I based?

I rent a consulting room at - BMI Fernbrae Hospital, Perth Road, Dundee where I am available on Tuesday afternoons / evenings and Saturday mornings.

How do I book a private appointment?

I can see patients for a private consultation at the request of a GP or, directly without the need to see a GP, as a self-referral. You can arrange an appointment by e-mail or by telephoning 01383 631 440

Will I need any tests?

Specific investigations can be recommended when clinically indicated eg. a skin biopsy (the commonest investigation to help in diagnosis), patch-testing to look for any contact allergy, skin swabs checking for infection and blood tests.

What treatments are available?

Many treatments are used by dermatologists, both medical and physical - Sometimes simple reassurance and clear explanations are all that are needed. We have a huge range of lotions and potions at our disposal which come in many forms e.g. spray, gel, lotion, cream, ointment. The one (or several) which is best will be recommended. Other types of treatments are:

Skin Facts

• There are over 2000 skin disorders
• The skin has strong links to the mind and nervous system. This is evidenced by everyday changes eg. blushing, pallor, goose bumps, emotional sweating and by the worsening of many skin disorders by stress and other psychological factors. Several commonly used sayings reflect this association eg. to be thick or thin-skinned, getting under your skin
• Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer
• The great majority of skin cancers are curable and remain localised in the skin
• The most common skin disorders are skin cancers, simple skin overgrowths or cysts, acne, eczema (dermatitis), rosacea, psoriasis, urticaria, alopecia, vitiligo, leg ulcers and superficial bacterial, viral and fungal infections
• Changes in the skin can be a sign of a physical disease in the body
• Tanned skin is damaged skin
• Approximately 1 in 7 consultations with a GP involves a skin complaint
• Most skin complaints are self-managed or treated successfully by a GP
• Many skin diseases do not have a cause that can be identified
• Melanoma, a more serious form of skin cancer, arises in a mole in ¼ of cases
• Skin has several important functions including acting as a protective barrier against sun-light, physical injury and micro-organisms, temperature regulation, immunological activity, sensory and autonomic roles eg. detecting touch, vibration, pressure, change in temperature, pain and itch

Feedback

I aim to give everyone I see the best care experience possible and would welcome any feedback or comments This takes less than a minute, is confidential and allows me to strive to continually improve the quality of care I provide. You can tell me what you liked and what could be improved. Your feedback is important. Thanks for considering.