A consultant dermatologist is the most highly qualified medical professional who will be able to treat you if you have a skin problem.
Consultant dermatologists are all doctors who have graduated from medical school (usually 5 years), after which they will have spent a further 7 to 10 years specialising in skin problems and diseases as well as cosmetic issues.
Some facts about the skin:
- The skin is the largest organ in the human body and accounts for about 15% of a person’s body weight.
- The average person has 300 million skin cells which renew themselves every 28 days.
- The thickest skin is on the feet and is usually 1.4mm thick.
- There are at least 3000 conditions that are known to affect the skin, hair and nails.
- Common skin problems in children, teenagers and adults include eczema, acne, psoriasis, excessive sweating and skin cancer.
- Although many skin problems can be treated successfully, many need to be treated as early as possible and can have a significant effect on a person’s quality of life.
- Skin cancer is an increasing problem in the UK, partly due to the ageing population and partly due to increased exposure to the sun.
All UK-trained consultant dermatologists must pass the rigorous membership of the Royal College of Physicians (MRCP) before being accepted after competitive interview on the dermatology specialist training programme.
Dr Joey Lai-Cheong is a Consultant Dermatologist who works in four hospitals in Berkshire and South Buckinghamshire. Further details here.