What is a Dermatologist
A dermatologist is a highly qualified medical doctor/physician who specialises in diagnosing and treating skin, hair, and nail-related medical conditions, as well as cosmetic problems.
A consultant dermatologist has to undergo years of specialist training after qualifying as a doctor before becoming a fully accredited dermatology specialist and gaining entry to the GMC specialist register. This is the highest level of professional training in the UK. Some of our consultants have also undertaken research in a particular area, for example skin cancer, and been awarded a postgraduate higher degree such as a PhD.
Consultants at The Devonshire Clinic work alongside other medical colleagues with expertise in head and neck surgery and oral & maxillofacial surgery, as well as in plastic surgery and Mohs micrographic surgery to treat skin cancer. The Devonshire Clinic provides specialist private dermatology expertise in skin cancer, medical dermatology, and cosmetic dermatology.
What does a dermatologist do?
A dermatologist is a medically trained and qualified doctor with expertise in diagnosing and treating medical and cosmetic conditions affecting the skin, nails and hair. Dermatologists work with adults, teenagers, young children and the elderly.
- Our team of dermatologists at The Devonshire Clinic help diagnose and treat conditions such as acne and acne scarring as well as psoriasis and eczema. They can also advise about whether your symptoms might be indicative of other medical conditions such as dry, irritated skin being a sign of a kidney problem
- As well as diagnosing and treating skin conditions, our dermatologists carry out minor surgery. This includes removing warts, moles and skin tags or taking skin biopsies (where a sample of skin cells is removed for further analysis). They can also remove benign (harmless) lumps such as sebaceous cysts
- Dermatologists at The Devonshire Clinic also treat cosmetic skin problems that can affect your self-esteem. This includes laser therapy for acne scarring or age spots
- Some of our dermatologists have undergone additional specialist training in dermatologic surgery, lasers and Mohs micrographic surgery for skin cancer
What’s the difference between a dermatologist and an aesthetician?
Dermatologists are medically trained doctors who specialise in the health of your skin. They can diagnose and treat thousands of types of skin diseases. Aestheticians are not medically trained but focus on treatments that improve the way you look. Dermatologists can prescribe medication and perform minor surgery, while aestheticians tend to carry out treatments that focus on the skin’s surface.
Skin facts
In any 12 months, more than half of the population will have a skin problem needing treatment.1
Around 13 million people in England and Wales visit their GP with a skin problem each year.1 Around 1 million of them are then referred to a specialist dermatologist.1
There are more than 2,000 different skin conditions.2
1. All Party Parliamentary Group on Skin.2013. https://www.appgs.co.uk/publication/view/the-psychological-and-social-impact-of-skin-diseases-on-peoples-lives-final-report-2013/
2. NHS. https://www.healthcareers.nhs.uk/explore-roles/doctors/roles-doctors/medicine/dermatology
What conditions does a dermatologist treat?
Skin conditions that dermatologists treat include:
- Acne
- Cysts
- Dermatitis
- Drug-related skin problems
- Eczema
- Hair loss
- Nail fungus
- Psoriasis
- Rosacea
- Scarring
- Skin cancer
- Skin infections
- Skin lesions (skin abnormalities), including skin discolouration/pigmentation
- Warts
- Wrinkles and sagging skin
What can a dermatologist offer me?
At The Devonshire Clinic, our dermatologists can diagnose and treat problems that affect your skin, nails, and hair.
Skin diseases can have a significant impact on your life. Severe psoriasis or eczema, for example, can be disabling and skin cancer, if not diagnosed and treated early, can be life-threatening. Skin problems can also affect your mental health. They can cause embarrassment, anxiety, low self-esteem and depression.
At The Devonshire Clinic, we understand the physical and mental impact of skin problems. In most cases, you’ll be able to see one of our consultant dermatologists within a few days. That means you’ll get a fast diagnosis and rapid access to the latest proven and licensed therapies.
You can book an appointment with us today.
What skin treatments can a dermatologist offer?
Dermatologists at The Devonshire Clinic offer rapid access to expert opinion, diagnosis and treatment. They can advise on skin problems and diseases ranging from skin cancer, acne, psoriasis and eczema to cosmetic dermatology issues.
Skin cancer treatments, including Mohs micrographic surgery
Medical dermatology treatments, such as skin surgery, scar treatment, photodynamic therapy (PDT), laser treatment, microneedling, radiofrequency, IPL, chemical peels, steroid injections, botulinum toxin injections and platelet rich plasma (PRP) treatment
Cosmetic treatments, including radiofrequency, botulinum toxin injections, dermal fillers, skin peels, thread vein treatment, lasers and microneedling, radiofrequency
What qualifications does a dermatologist need?
To become a dermatologist in the UK a doctor must have successfully completed:
- Training at medical school for 4-5 years, leading to a degree in medicine
- A two-year Foundation Programme. At the end of year one, a student can become a doctor, but dermatologists need to undertake additional specialty training lasting at least 6-7 years
- Further advanced training in dermatology
- After 4 or 5 years of full-time training in a registered and supervised NHS dermatology post, a doctor can be listed by the General Medical Council (GMC) as an accredited specialist in dermatology
- Some doctors also undertake research and are awarded a higher degree such as a
PhD. Once accredited as a specialist, a doctor may decide to undertake further subspecialist training in skin cancer or dermatologic surgery, for example
- Most consultant dermatologists have appointments at an NHS hospital
- You can check if a doctor is an accredited specialist on the GMC medical register. You can do this by searching their record using their name or GMC reference number
At The Devonshire Clinic, our team of consultants all hold additional appointments at leading NHS hospitals in London. Our team includes male and female dermatologists, so please let us know if you have a preference when you book your consultation with the Appointments team – there’s no need to explain why.
Enquire about
Medical Dermatology
Medical Dermatology Conditions
Acne Treatment in Harley Street, London
Acne is a skin condition that usually starts at puberty and affects millions of people.
Read MoreEczema Treatment in Harley Street, London
Eczema treatments from leading Harley Street Consultant Dermatologists
Read MoreAvailable Rosacea Specialist Treatments
Rosacea is most commonly associated with redness in the face.
Read MoreHyperhidrosis
Hyperhidrosis is excessive sweating. It can cause distress because the body sweats even when it does not need to cool down; i[...]
Read MoreSkin Allergies Treatment in Harley Street, London
Skin allergies typically cause itchy, red skin, which can also swell or weep.
Read MorePsoriasis Treatment in Harley Street, London
If you suffer from skin allergies and have not been able to identify the cause or find an effective way to manage the symptom[...]
Read MoreMole checks
Moles are small growths on the skin, usually black or brown, that can vary considerably in size, colour and shape.
Read MoreThread Veins Treatments
Thread veins are small, visible veins that often occur on the face or legs.
Read MoreScar Removal London
When your skin heals itself after suffering an injury, such as a burn or abrasion, a mark is often left in the form of a scar.
Read MoreSkin Lump Treatment
Private treatment for skin irregularities from experienced dermatologists
Read MoreWarts & Verrucae Removal Treatment
Fast, effective treatment for warts and verrucae by a team of highly qualified private Consultant Dermatologists.
Read MoreDermatitis Treatment in Harley Street, London
Dermatitis means inflammation of the skin. This leads to swelling, redness and possibly dry, cracked and weeping skin that ca[...]
Read MoreOur Dermatology Specialists
Our team of skin specialists at our dermatology clinic in London have many years of experience in treating patients with skin conditions. We understand your issues and aim to tailor our service so that you feel comfortable and reassured. Learn more about our dermatology consultants below.
Dr Conal Perrett
Consultant Dermatologist
& Dermatological Surgeon
Dr Conal Perrett is a leading Consultant Dermatologist & Dermatologic Surgeon practising at The Devonshire Clinic. Dr Perrett has expertise in general Dermatology and a specialist interest in skin cancer and skin surgery, utilising the most advanced high-tech equipment and techniques, including Photodynamic therapy (PDT), lasers and Mohs micrographic surgery.
Dr Jane McGregor
Consultant Dermatologist
For over 30 years, Dr Jane McGregor has provided expert dermatological care to patients. She has expertise in photobiology, skin cancer, sun allergy and dermatology. Dr Jane McGregor is an internationally recognised specialist in her field of skin cancer and skin disease for organ transplant recipients.
Dr Ian Logan
Consultant Dermatologist and Dermatological Surgeon
Dr Ian Logan specialises in skin lesion diagnosis and removal, skin cancer, skin surgery, Mohs micrographic surgery and general dermatology. Dr Ian Logan has received higher specialist training after completing a fellowship in Mohs Surgery and Advanced Dermatological Surgery at Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Trust.
Professor Christopher Griffiths
Professor of Dermatology
Chris Griffiths is Adjunct Professor of Dermatology, King’s College London, Consultant Dermatologist, King’s College Hospital and Emeritus Professor of Dermatology University of Manchester. He qualified in medicine from St Thomas’ Hospital Medical School and trained in dermatology in London and Michigan.
Dr Elizabeth Kulakov
Consultant Dermatologist and Dermatological Surgeon
Dr Elizabeth Kulakov is the Skin Cancer Lead at University College London Hospital NHS Trust. Dr Elizabeth Kulakov specialises in skin cancer, skin surgery, Mohs micrographic surgery and general dermatology.
Dr. Carolina Fernandez
Consultant Dermatologist
Dr. Carolina Fernandez is a consultant dermatologist affiliated with Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust. She graduated from Imperial College London Medical School, where she obtained her medical degree in 2009.
Dr Rachel Sidwell
Consultant Dermatologist
Dr Rachel Sidwell is a highly experienced Consultant Dermatologist. Whilst she consults on all skin issues including skin cancers and general Dermatology, she has special expertise in paediatric dermatology.
Shahme Farook
Consultant Head and Neck/Reconstruction and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon
Shahme Farook is a Consultant Head and Neck/Reconstruction and Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon at Northwick Park Hospital.
Dr Daniel O’Driscoll
Consultant Dermatologist
Dr Daniel O’Driscoll is a consultant dermatologist with an NHS practice at Hammersmith Hospital, part of Imperial Healthcare NHS Trust. He trained at Oxford University Medical School, undertaking an intercalated MA in Medical Sciences.
Mr Jonathan Dunne
Consultant Plastic Surgeon
Mr Jonathan Dunne is a Consultant Plastic Surgeon with nearly 15 years of experience. He is a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons (Plastic Surgery), specialising in skin cancer, facial plastic surgery, and head and neck surgery.
When you are faced with difficult medical choices or uncertainty and you want clarity about your diagnosis and the treatment that you will receive, then getting a second opinion from a private doctor can help put your mind at rest.
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Patient Stories
I can’t recommend this clinic highly enough. The treatment I received for my skin cancer was first class
AL, LondonThe team at the Devonshire Clinic were excellent. From booking my appointments to every part of my treatment, I felt that I was in the very best hands.
CH, LondonBefore visiting the clinic I had quite high expectations, but I was blown away by just how brilliant the experience was. I felt like I was the only patient in the clinic. Simply the best medical treatment.
SF, London