Most skin conditions can be treated in general practice but if your GP needs more expert advice you may be referred to a dermatologist. Each month the department receives more new referrals than can be seen at clinic. The dermatologists review the referral letters to determine who can be seen and who should be seen first, based on the information provided by their referring GP.
Some skin conditions can be diagnosed just by looking at them. The shape, size, colour and location are all assessed, as well as any symptoms. Sometimes a biopsy has to be taken to assist in making a diagnosis. A biopsy is the removal of a small piece of the skin for examination under a microscope by a pathologist. In some cases the whole lesion will be removed and examined. This is done under local anaesthetic.
When you come to the Dermatology Outpatient Department you will be seen by a Dermatologist 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 anaesthetics to remove a small piece of the skin for examination under a microscope in the laboratory. A skin scraping involves scratching some of the top layer of skin from the affected area. 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.
