Eczema is an itchy skin condition that can be uncomfortable during flares. Some people find that their eczema flares in the summer months due to irritation caused by sweating. Keeping cool and use of oat or urea-based moisturisers with anti-itch properties may improve your symptoms. You may also wis...

I am sorry to hear that you are having trouble with your skin. I would recommend seeing your GP for further assessment. They will be able to provide information regarding the diagnosis and recommend appropriate treatment.

Eczema and psoriasis can look similar but there are ways to distinguish the two. Eczema is an itchy skin condition in which there are ill-defined red patches, typically in front of the elbows and behind the knees but can be more widespread. In skin of colour the patches may be darker or the skin may...

Hi, Eczema is characterised by an impaired skin barrier function, leading to increased water loss from the skin and dry, itchy, irritable skin. Alcohol based products and harsh detergent soaps will dry out the skin and make eczema worse. Avoid where possible! Use emollient soap substitutes (e.g. Der...

Hello, There are a range of surgical (e.g. subcision, punch elevation) and non-surgical (e.g. chemical peels, CO2 laser resurfacing & microneedling) treatments that can reduce the prominence of acne scarring. Some treatments are best suited for particular types of scars. For more information abo...

Hello,

It is possible to reduce the prominence of acne scarring. There are a range of treatments that can be used to address different types of scars. The best approach is to see a Dermatologist or Plastic surgeon with experience in treating acne scars.

Kind regards,

Many thanks for your questions. I will do my best to answer them as fully as possible. 1. There are many people with mild symptoms who are managed by their GPs and will not require referral to a specialist. It is not inevitable for symptoms to progress, in fact severity may even improve with time. Y...

There are no specific diets that have been proven to improve HS. Weight loss through diet and exercise can reduce the severity of symptoms. You should seek advice from a trained dietician before embarking on any weight loss diet to ensure adequate nutritional intake. There is also emerging experimen...

In some women HS flares before the menstrual period. This is due to the influence of hormones known as androgens. Combined oral contraceptive pills containing anti-androgens (e.g. Diannette), may be helpful where there is a hormonal element to HS. Progesterone only contraception (e.g. mini pills, th...

HS is a medical condition that often requires treatment with prescription medications. Mild symptoms can be managed with regular use of antiseptic soaps such as Hibiscrub or Dermol 500 lotion. Smoking cessation, weight loss and loose fitting clothing can also help with symptoms.