Skin conditions
There are over 3000 skin conditions which can vary in presentation and severity. Here at Dermatology Hawke’s Bay, we see and treat common skin conditions such as acne, rosacea, eczema and psoriasis as well as rare dermatological problems.
Our team is committed to giving you the highest quality care, providing prompt diagnosis, treatment and care for skin, hair and nail conditions.
“Skin conditions directly impact our quality of life – I take great pride in helping my patients to be comfortable in their skin.”
Dr Juber Hafiji
Common skin conditions:
Table of Contents
Acne
Acne is a common skin condition that can severely impact self-confidence, especially if it leaves scarring.
Most people try over-the-counter products with little success. Acne occurs as a result of oily secretions under the skin that block the openings of the hair follicles.
This results in blackheads, whiteheads, pustules and cysts. There are many types of acne and the treatment is therefore tailored to the type of acne you have. These include: topical creams/gels, oral antibiotics, hormonal treatments and specialist-only medications that require close monitoring.
Allergy testing
Allergies are very common in children and adults. An allergy arises when your immune system becomes overly sensitive to certain substances in the environment.
People can suffer from a variety of symptoms which can happen quickly or take months to develop. These include facial swelling, itchy red eyes, sneezing, dry cracked itchy skin or feeling generally unwell.
We offer a range of testing including patch tests and prick tests for patients suspected of having contact dermatitis.
Alopecia (hair loss)
Hair loss (alopecia) can occur slowly over many years or progress quickly over days or weeks. It is a very common and deeply distressing problem for patients.
There are many causes of alopecia including male and female pattern hair loss, alopecia areata, fungal infections, scalp conditions that cause permanent scarring of the hair follicles, and underlying medical problems.
Identifying the correct form of hair loss is therefore very important to achieving a targeted treatment plan. These include steroid injections, topical treatments, immunosuppressive medication and, where identified, treating the underlying medical cause.
Eczema/Dermatitis
Eczema and dermatitis in general are conditions that cause inflammation of the skin which typically cause redness, dryness, swelling, itching, and even blistering.
It can be a minor irritant or a major distraction that disrupts sleep and concentration. It is particularly hard on children, keeping them (and their parents) from getting a good night’s sleep. There are many different types and causes.
Treatments include using appropriate moisturising creams and prescription medications which come in both topical and oral forms. These medications are used to help control the inflammation and manage your symptoms.
Genital skin disease
Many skin conditions can affect the genital skin; some are specific to the genital region, whilst other skin conditions can be more widespread but affect the genital region as well.
The huge impact of genital skin conditions on individuals cannot be underestimated – social embarrassment, lack of self-esteem and self-confidence. Skin conditions that affect the genital region include psoriasis, Bowen’s disease, lichen planus, warts, skin cancer, Zoon’s balanitis and lichen sclerosus.
Your treatment will depend on the specific condition you have and your specialist will work with you to find the best possible solution to your problem.
Hives
Hives (urticaria) is an immunologically driven skin condition which presents as red, itchy, raised patches on the skin, looking like mosquito bites or nettle sting.
It can affect children and adults and can be associated with swelling of the eyelids, tongue or lips. Hives occur as a result of high levels of histamine and other chemicals released into the skin. Common triggers include: food, stress, infections, medicine, heat and sunlight.
There are several types of urticaria and treatment will depend upon the type and severity of your skin condition. Seeing a specialist will allow the correct diagnosis to be made and provide treatment options tailored for you.
Rosacea
Rosacea means ‘red as a rose’, characterised by inflammation of facial skin, causing redness and flushing. Although the exact cause is unknown, abnormalities in the blood vessels of the face and reaction to microscopic mites found in facial skin may have a role.
Symptoms of stinging, burning and spots are not uncommon. Common triggers include sunlight exposure, stress, alcohol, caffeine and changes in temperature. Treatments range from antibiotic creams, anti-inflammatory therapies, oral antibiotics, and oral retinoids.
The best option for you will depend upon the severity of your rosacea and your specialist will help you find the best solution for you.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a common skin condition which usually presents as red scaly patches. The condition can develop at any age and can affect any body site but is most commonly found on the elbows, knees, scalp and lower back.
Psoriasis is a multi-system disease affecting skin, joints and nails, and has a wide impact on health in general, in particular heart disease. Although there is no cure, individuals with psoriasis need not suffer. The availability of new specialist medications has revolutionised the management of this chronic inflammatory skin condition.
Our team can help you to manage your skin, thereby improving your quality of life.
Nail disease
Nails can be affected by many skin diseases including psoriasis, fungal infections, lichen planus, eczema or reflect internal medical issues. Common symptoms include brittle nails, roughness and discolouration.
Treatment depends upon the underlying cause and may include topical treatments, antifungal agents or treating the underling skin condition itself.
Your specialist will assess your condition and discuss the most appropriate treatment options with you.
Children's skin conditions
Skin conditions can understandably make the happiest child miserable and leave parents feeling distraught at being unable to alleviate their little one’s suffering. Common conditions seen in children include scabies, eczema, psoriasis, vitiligo, acne and warts.
The Dermatology Hawke’s Bay team can provide expert treatment for your child’s skin disease, improving life for the patient and the whole family.
Ease your mind
Our team is committed to giving you the highest quality care, providing prompt diagnosis, treatment and care for skin, hair and nail conditions.
