Dermatology is a branch of medicine dealing with the skin and its diseases. A doctor who specialises in this is called a Dermatologist.
Private Service
Dr David Hepburn - Dermatologist
Referral Expectations
A dermatologist and a GP can, in some cases, diagnose skin conditions just by looking at them. The shape, size, colour and location are all assessed, as well as any other symptoms. At times a biopsy has to be taken so that a diagnosis can be made. A biopsy is the removal of a small piece of the skin/lesion for examination under a microscope. Minor surgery may be needed to perform this biopsy. In some cases the whole lesion will be removed and examined.
Another way a dermatologist can examine a skin disorder is by scraping some of the top layer of skin from the lesion/affected area. This is called a skin scraping. This scraping is also sent to the laboratory for examination.
Common Conditions
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Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease
This is a mild viral illness that mostly affects children. The symptoms are: sudden development of a high temperature; a sore throat and small blisters on the mouth, palms of hands and soles of feet.… More
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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
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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
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Fungal Skin Infections
Bacteria and a number of types of fungi live on the surface of the skin.… More
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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
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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
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Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a common, recurring (keeps coming back) skin condition that is hard to treat.… More
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Shingles
Shingles is caused by a virus called herpes zoster, this is the same virus that causes chickenpox. After the virus has caused chicken pox it remains dormant (inactive) in the nerve cells, but can then be reactivated in later life to cause shingles. It is not known why the virus… More
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Warts
There are three main types of wart infections that occur on our body: common warts, plantar warts and venereal warts (genital warts).… More
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Skin Cancer
New Zealand has a very high rate of skin cancer, when compared to other countries.… More