Dermatology: common skin, hair and nail problems and finding a dermatologist

The skin is the body's largest organ and the one everybody can see, so skin problems affect confidence as well as comfort. Most are not dangerous, but a few are. This page explains what dermatology covers, the problems people most often bring to a skin clinic, how to care for your skin, and how to find and check a provider.

What this field covers

Dermatologists are medical doctors who diagnose and treat conditions of the skin, hair and nails. Their work ranges from common inflammatory conditions such as eczema, acne and psoriasis, through infections and infestations, to skin cancer detection and removal. Dermatologists also carry out minor surgery, skin biopsies and light treatments, and some offer cosmetic procedures. General practitioners manage many skin problems in the first instance and refer to a dermatologist when a diagnosis is uncertain, treatment is not working or cancer is suspected. Skin conditions can look different on darker skin, where redness may appear purple, brown or grey, so an experienced examiner matters.

Common problems

Acne. Acne is caused by blocked and inflamed hair follicles and is most common in teenagers, although it can continue or begin in adulthood. It shows as blackheads, whiteheads, red spots and sometimes deeper painful lumps on the face, back and chest. The NHS notes that acne can leave scars and dark marks if left untreated. General practitioners treat mild to moderate acne; severe or scarring acne is referred to a dermatologist.

Eczema (atopic dermatitis). Eczema makes the skin dry, itchy, cracked and inflamed. It often starts in childhood and comes and goes in flares. According to the NHS there is no cure, but moisturisers and anti-inflammatory creams control most cases, and many children grow out of it. Dermatologists see severe or widespread eczema and cases that do not respond to usual treatment.

Psoriasis. An immune-driven condition that speeds up skin cell turnover, producing thick, scaly patches, often on the elbows, knees, scalp and lower back. The NHS describes it as a long-term condition with periods of flare and remission. Some people also develop joint pain (psoriatic arthritis). Dermatologists manage moderate and severe psoriasis with creams, light therapy or systemic medicines.

Fungal infections. Ringworm, athlete's foot and fungal nail infections are caused by fungi that thrive in warm, moist conditions. Ringworm forms a ring-shaped scaly rash, while athlete's foot causes itchy, peeling skin between the toes. The NHS notes that most cases respond to antifungal creams available from pharmacies; stubborn or widespread infections, scalp ringworm and nail infections are treated by a doctor or dermatologist.

Scabies. A parasitic infestation by tiny mites that burrow into the skin, causing intense itching, especially at night, and a rash of small spots or burrows, often on the hands, wrists and waistline. The WHO scabies fact sheet (31 May 2023) notes that at least 200 million people are affected at any one time and that scratching can lead to bacterial skin infection. It spreads through close contact, so household members are usually treated together under a doctor's direction.

Hives (urticaria). Raised, itchy weals that appear and fade within hours, triggered by allergy, infection, heat, pressure or often no identifiable cause. Most episodes settle within days. Chronic hives lasting more than six weeks may be referred to a dermatologist or allergy specialist.

Pigmentation changes. Dark patches (melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation) and loss of pigment (vitiligo) are common reasons for consultation. The NHS describes vitiligo as patches of skin that lose their colour because the cells that make pigment are destroyed; it is not infectious and treatment aims to even skin tone or slow spread. Dermatologists manage pigmentary disorders, and they also advise on the serious skin damage caused by unregulated skin-lightening products.

Hair loss. Patterned thinning with age, patchy loss (alopecia areata), traction loss from tight hairstyles and shedding after illness or childbirth all have different causes and treatments. The NHS notes that hair loss is often not a sign of something serious, but a dermatologist can identify the type and discuss options.

Moles and skin cancer. Melanoma is the most serious skin cancer. The NHS advises looking out for a new mole or a change in an existing one, particularly one that is asymmetrical, has an irregular border, has more than one colour, is larger than about 6 mm or is changing, itching or bleeding. Non-melanoma skin cancers appear as persistent lumps, scaly patches or sores that do not heal. People with albinism and those with fair skin and high sun exposure are at particular risk. Dermatologists examine suspicious lesions and remove them where needed.

Boils, abscesses and skin infections. Painful, hot swellings caused by bacterial infection of hair follicles or wounds. Most are treated by a general practitioner, sometimes with drainage; recurrent boils may need a dermatologist to look for an underlying cause.

Prevention and self-care basics

• Moisturise regularly if your skin is dry or prone to eczema, and use a soap substitute rather than harsh soaps.
• Protect skin from the sun with shade, clothing, a wide-brimmed hat and a broad-spectrum sunscreen on exposed areas. This matters for everyone, and most of all for people with albinism or fair skin.
• Do not use skin-lightening creams containing unlisted or unregulated ingredients; they can cause thinning, discolouration and long-term damage.
• Keep skin folds and feet clean and dry, change socks daily and avoid sharing towels, combs or shoes to limit fungal infections.
• Avoid picking or squeezing spots, which worsens scarring and dark marks.
• Check your skin regularly for new or changing moles and ask someone to look at areas you cannot see.
• Wash hands and treat household contacts together when scabies is diagnosed.
• Manage stress and sleep where you can; both can trigger flares of eczema, psoriasis and hives.

When to see a professional

See a doctor or dermatologist for a rash that is spreading, painful or not improving after two to four weeks of simple care; for acne that is leaving marks or affecting your confidence; for a mole that is new, changing or looks different from your others; for persistent itching without an obvious cause; for hair loss that is patchy or sudden; for nail changes; or for any skin problem that is interfering with sleep, work or school. Children with severe or infected eczema should be seen promptly.

Warning signs that need urgent care

Seek urgent medical attention for:

• A rapidly spreading rash with fever, or a rash that does not fade when a glass is pressed against it, which can be a sign of a serious infection.
• Swelling of the lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing or faintness with a rash, which the NHS describes as signs of anaphylaxis.
• Widespread blistering or peeling of the skin, or painful skin with blisters inside the mouth or eyes, especially after starting a new medicine.
• A skin infection with spreading redness, severe pain, fever or a red line tracking up a limb.
• A mole or sore that bleeds, grows quickly or changes over weeks.
• A burn that is deep, larger than the palm of the hand, or affects the face, hands, feet or genitals.

If you think you have a medical emergency, contact your local emergency services.

How to find and check a provider

HealthNaro lists skin clinics and dermatologists. Each listing carries a verification label describing what has been checked: Public listing, Contact verified, Reviewed by HealthNaro or Credentials verified. HealthNaro does not endorse providers; the labels describe our checks, not the quality of care.

Before booking, you may want to ask whether the practitioner is a registered medical doctor with dermatology training, whether biopsies can be taken on site, and, for cosmetic procedures, who performs them and what the follow-up is. Browse providers by specialty:

• Dermatology

Our consulting service is free: tell us what you need and we will help you find a suitable clinic.

Frequently asked questions

Is a skin specialist the same as a dermatologist? Not always. A dermatologist is a medical doctor with specialist training in skin disease. Beauty therapists and aestheticians are not medically trained and cannot diagnose or treat skin disease. Ask about qualifications before treatment.

Can eczema or psoriasis be cured? Neither can currently be cured, but both can usually be controlled well, and childhood eczema often improves with age.

Are skin-lightening creams safe? Many products sold informally contain ingredients that damage the skin and can affect general health. Ask a dermatologist before using any product intended to change skin tone.

Does sunscreen matter for dark skin? Yes. Darker skin offers some natural protection, but sun exposure still contributes to pigmentation problems and skin ageing, and people with albinism or vitiligo need rigorous protection.

How quickly should a changing mole be seen? Within a few weeks. Melanoma is very treatable when caught early, and a dermatologist can usually tell quickly whether a lesion needs removal.

This page is general information, not medical advice.