Dermatology is a branch of medicine dealing with the skin and its diseases. A doctor of medicine who specialises in this is called a Dermatologist.
Public Service
Auckland DHB Dermatology Service
Referral Expectations
If you have an urgent skin problem requiring immediate assessment you are referred urgently to the Dermatology Department where you will be seen at Greenlane Clinical Centre by the Registrar (a trainee specialist) who will decide treatment or whether you need to be admitted to Auckland City Hospital. Investigations will be performed as required and the more senior members of the team involved where necessary. It is best if you have somebody take you to this assessment as transport between Greenlane Clinical Centre and Auckland City Hospital may not be provided.
If the problem is not urgent, the GP will be given advice to treat your condition or your GP will write a letter to the Dermatology Department requesting an appointment in the outpatient clinic.
Each month the Department receives more new referrals than can be seen at clinic. The Dermatology doctors working in the Department review the referral letters to determine who should be seen first, based on the information provided by the GP. Very urgent cases are usually seen within a month, but other cases may have to wait a much longer time. Routine cases are often returned to the GP with some management advice.
When you come to the Dermatology Outpatient Department you will be seen by a member of the Dermatology team who will ask questions about your illness and examine your skin to try to determine or confirm the diagnosis. Further tests may be ordered. These include but are not limited to blood tests, skin biopsy or skin scraping. A biopsy is a minor procedure using local anaesthetic to remove a small piece of the skin for examination under a microscope in the laboratory. A skin scraping is a gentle scrape removing a layer of skin from the affected area for testing. Sometimes these tests can all be done during one clinic visit, but for some conditions the diagnosis will take several follow-up appointments. Occasionally some tests can be arranged even before you are seen at the clinic to try to speed up the process. Once a diagnosis has been made, the medical staff will discuss treatment with you.
Common Conditions / Procedures / Treatments
-
Acne
Acne is a skin disorder that is characterised by pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, and, in bad cases, cysts (deeper lumps). Acne usually starts at puberty and is in response to our body’s production of hormones, called androgens.… More
-
Bacterial Skin Infections
Our skin is our body’s first defence mechanism and even though many types of bacteria live on its surface, we still need a healthy, intact skin surface to maintain its defense.… More
-
Eczema
There are several different types of eczema but all have a number of common symptoms, the main feature being red, inflamed, itchy skin. The skin can be covered with small, fluid-filled blisters that might ooze and form a scale or crust.… More
-
Fungal Skin Infections
Bacteria and a number of types of fungi live on the surface of the skin.… More
-
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a common, recurring (keeps coming back) skin condition that is hard to treat.… More
-
Scabies
Scabies is a very common skin infection that is caused by a mite that burrows under the top layer of skin and lays its eggs. The eggs hatch in a few days. The skin then becomes very itchy and a red, raised rash may appear. Itching is worse at night… More
-
Skin Cancer
New Zealand has a very high rate of skin cancer, when compared to other countries.… More
-
Mohs Micrographic Surgery
Mohs micrographic surgery is a highly effective and advanced treatment for skin cancer.… More