Medical Services

Acne

  • Acne is a common skin condition characterised by the development of pimples, pustules, cysts, and nodules, primarily on the face, chest, back, and sometimes arms. It can range from mild to severe and often begins during the teenage years due to hormonal changes, persisting into adulthood. The condition is triggered by increased sensitivity to male hormones, leading to excess oil production, pore blockage, bacterial growth, and inflammation. Acne can have significant psychological and physical impacts, including discomfort, pain, scarring, and potential disfigurement. Early intervention is crucial to prevent long-term scarring and mitigate associated mood and relationship problems.

  • Southern Dermatology offers tailored treatment plans to address acne comprehensively, aiming to prevent breakouts long-term. Treatment options include pharmacological and non-medical approaches, such as prescription creams, oral medications, dermal therapy, and lifestyle modifications. The clinic emphasises evidence-based, cost-effective solutions, often collaborating with specialists like endocrinologists, gynaecologists, and psychologists when necessary. Therapy typically focuses on reducing oil production, unclogging pores, and controlling inflammation through a combination of medications, cleansers, and dermal procedures. Severe cases may require oral medications like antibiotics or hormonal treatments, alongside dermal therapies. Dietary and hormonal adjustments are also recommended to address underlying inflammation contributing to acne.

    We are proud to be the first Dermatology clinic in Australia to provide 1726nm laser (AviClear) for treatment of moderate-to-severe acne. This revolutionary treatment provides long-lasting results without the need for oral therapies such as isotretinoin.

    Please complete the Rapid Acne Access Clinic (RAAC) form linked below to start the booking process.

Alopecia Areata

  • Alopecia Areata (AA) is a unique autoimmune condition characterised by the body's immune system attacking hair follicles, leading to hair loss. It can affect individuals of all ages, presenting as rapid, circular patches of hair loss. In severe cases, complete loss of body hair, including eyebrows and eyelashes, may occur. AA is emotionally distressing and can have significant psychological impacts, with some studies indicating a higher risk of suicide, particularly among young males.

  • Treatment for AA aims to suppress inflammation and halt the immune attack on hair follicles to promote regrowth. Corticosteroid injections into the scalp are a common first-line approach, while oral medications may be necessary for widespread involvement. Although not guaranteed, newer oral treatments show promise in promoting regrowth. For individuals unable to regrow hair, wigs may be the only option for cosmetic camouflage. Emotional support and education are essential components of AA management, highlighting the importance of holistic care in addressing the psychosocial impact of the condition.

Eczema

  • Eczema, or dermatitis, is a chronic inflammatory skin condition affecting one in three Australians at some point in their lives. It typically presents with red, dry, itchy patches of skin, often starting in early childhood and potentially causing discomfort, pain, and disruption to daily life. Eczema is both a common and serious condition that requires dermatologist-approved therapy to manage effectively.

  • While there is currently no cure for eczema, it can be well managed with proper skin care and evidence-based medical treatment. Dermatologists play a crucial role in providing tailored treatment plans, which may include topical corticosteroids, medicated creams, and moisturisers to improve the skin barrier and reduce inflammation. For more severe cases, oral medications, phototherapy, or newer biologic agents may be prescribed. Additionally, lifestyle modifications such as avoiding triggers like stress, certain foods, and environmental factors can help minimize flare-ups. Dilute bleach baths and oral antibiotics may be recommended to prevent and treat skin infections associated with eczema. At Southern Dermatology, we offer the latest and most effective treatment options to address atopic dermatitis comprehensively.

Genetic Hair Loss

  • Androgenetic Alopecia (AGA), commonly known as male or female pattern baldness, is a hereditary form of hair loss affecting both men and women. It results from a genetic sensitivity to hormones and ageing, leading to hair thinning and eventual baldness after puberty.

  • While there is no cure for AGA, several treatments can slow hair loss and stimulate partial regrowth. Tablet medications targeting hormone levels, such as dihydrotestosterone (DHT), can help mitigate hair loss, but require ongoing use for continued benefit. Dermatologists offer evidence-based treatments tailored to individual needs, aiming to effectively manage AGA and minimise its impact on patients' lives.

Hyperhidrosis

  • Hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating, can significantly impact daily life and is characterised by abnormal sweating beyond what is considered normal. It often manifests from a young age, with idiopathic causes, affecting areas such as the palms, soles, or armpits.

  • Various treatments are available for excessive sweating, including lifestyle changes like weight loss, medical-grade antiperspirants, and iontophoresis—a technique using electric current to reduce sweat production. Oral medications can target nerve signals to sweat glands, while botulinum toxin injections effectively paralyse sweat glands, particularly in the armpits. In severe cases resistant to other treatments, surgery may be considered to address overactive nerves contributing to hyperhidrosis. Dermatologists offer a range of effective options tailored to individual needs, including Medicare-rebatable services for certain treatments like Botox injections.

Psoriasis

  • Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterised by red, scaly rashes due to rapid skin cell growth and an overactive immune response. It can affect various body areas, including the scalp, nails, palms, soles, elbows, knees, and lower back, often causing discomfort and embarrassment. It is also linked with other diseases such as Psoriatic Arthritis, which can cause disabling joint inflammation and destruction.  While more common in adults, psoriasis can also impact children, posing unique challenges for growth and psycho-social development. 

  • While no cure exists, effective treatments are available to manage psoriasis. Southern Dermatology offers personalised approaches, including topical creams, shampoos, phototherapy, oral medications, and biologic therapies. With patience and expert guidance from dermatologists, individuals can achieve clear skin and improved quality of life.

Rosacea

  • Rosacea, also known as acne rosacea, is a common inflammatory skin condition primarily affecting the face, characterised by redness, flushing, and pimples. It commonly manifests with symptoms like permanent flushing, pimples, and enlarged blood vessels, often worsening with age and exacerbated by triggers like sunlight, heat, and certain foods.

  • Effective management of rosacea involves UV protection and optimising the skin barrier. UV-protection with broad-spectrum sunscreen and maintaining skin health through pH-balanced cleansing and moisturising are essential. Avoiding triggers such as alcohol, hot drinks, and spicy foods is crucial. Southern Dermatology offers personalised treatments tailored to rosacea subtypes, including prescription creams, antibiotics, oral medications, and vascular laser therapy performed by experienced dermatologists or specialised professionals.

Full Skin Examinations

  • Regular skin checks, conducted by a specialist dermatologist, are crucial for detecting abnormalities and skin cancer early. While self-checks are recommended every three months, annual professional examinations offer a more thorough assessment, especially for concerns that may be difficult to detect alone. Southern Dermatology provides comprehensive skin examinations to identify and manage skin cancer promptly, emphasising the importance of early detection for optimal treatment outcomes.

  • Following the examination, your dermatologist will discuss any necessary follow-up treatments or management instructions. They'll provide guidance on sun protection and teach you how to perform effective at-home skin checks. Based on your risk profile, they'll recommend the frequency of future skin checks, typically yearly for higher-risk individuals. Any identified concerns will be addressed promptly and comprehensively by your specialist dermatologist.

ALA-PDT

  • ALA-PDT (Aminolevulinic Acid Photodynamic Therapy) is a highly effective treatment for sun-damaged skin and precancerous lesions like solar keratoses. It involves the application of a photosensitising lotion (ALA) followed by exposure to specific wavelengths of red LED light. This treatment can help prevent the development of skin cancers and is typically administered once a year.

  • ALA-PDT is recommended by dermatologists at Southern Dermatology for individuals concerned about sun damage, redness, pigmentation, and uneven skin tone. However, it's not suitable for those with photosensitive disorders, infections, peanut allergy, or during pregnancy. Consulting with a dermatologist can help determine if ALA-PDT is the right treatment option for you.

Contact us to book your appointment.