General Dermatology

Clifton Hill Dermatology has been operating successfully for more than 25 years. Our longevity in practice has enabled us to build a highly experienced team of dermatologists, dermatology nurses, cosmetic nurses and skin therapists, making this is the clinic of choice for people suffering from conditions affecting the skin, hair and nails. Our dermatologists provide patients with accurate and current education, recommendations and treatments for conditions in these areas.

It is important to have your skin examined for the early detection of skin cancer.
Certain skin cancers occur when skin cells are damaged by exposure to UV rays.

The main types of skin cancer are:
- Melanoma (the most dangerous form of skin cancer)
- Non-melanoma skin cancers
o Basal cell carcinomas
o Squamous cell carcinomas

Excluding non-melanoma skin cancer, melanoma is the third most common cancer in Australia.
Early detection is important for a favourable outcome.

Our dermatologists provide thorough, full body skin checks to detect any lesions concerning for
skin cancer. If they recommend a biopsy of a lesion, this is sent to skilled pathologists for
evaluation and diagnosis.

Non-melanoma skin cancers can be treated with various modalities depending on the type of
cancer, thickness, site and underlying medical conditions.

Treatment options include:
- Topical treatment
- Surgical treatment
- Photodynamic therapy

Australians have a particularly high risk of developing skin cancers due to the harsh climate and extensive amount of sun exposure we receive. Extensive sun exposure leaves the skin more susceptible to developing skin cancers and thus regular skin checks are advised for patients of all demographics.

Acne is a skin disorder that is caused by hormone action on the sebaceous glands of the skin. The oil secreted by these glands builds up in the hair follicle leading to clogged pores and lesions which are commonly known as pimples. Acne can lead to emotional disturbances and low self-esteem due to its often aggressive nature. When it is severe, acne may also produce permanent scars. Our dermatologists have the utmost confidence that with the advancements in treatments, medication and technology surrounding acne, a clear skin is absolutely achievable.

Rosacea is a common skin disorder characterised by inflammation of the blood vessels within the dermal and epidermal layer of the skin. Rosacea can mild, moderate or severe and leaves the skin looking red and flushed, often times with no consistent or obvious cause.

Treatment options for Rosacea are numerous and include an array of topical creams, oral medications and light based treatments. Our Dermatologists can provide a thorough and effective treatment plan for this condition.

Hyperhidrosis or excessive sweating is a common disorder affecting both men and women. Excessive sweating can leave a person feeling embarrassed when severe and can be socially debilitating for some. A purified protein that is commonly used in cosmetic wrinkle treatment can provide effective control of sweating.

The treatment is safe, easy to perform, well tolerated and will achieve the purpose of reducing or abolishing sweat production for approximately 4-6 months. When this treatment is performed by a dermatologist, a medicare rebate is applied.

A consultation with our dermatologists will ensure a correct diagnosis is made to exclude any underlying medical cause. TGA regulations in Australia restrict the naming of these injections as they are a class S4 medication.

Whether you call it eczema or dermatitis, itchy and inflamed skin is an unwanted skin disorder affecting all types of people. Almost one in five children experience eczema before they are 2 years old and, although it usually improves with age, eczema is notoriously resistant. There are many types of dermatitis, but there are also many treatment paths that are available.

Alopecia is the medical term for hair loss. Hair loss is often very stressful for most patients. People can develop hair loss at any age, with different forms of hair loss more common in certain age groups. Often there are other members of the family who suffer from the problem.

Clifton Hill Dermatology offers photodynamic therapy as an treatment option for pre-cancerous solar keratoses and certain non-melanoma skin cancers. A photosensitive chemical is applied to the skin. This is preferentially absorbed by abnormal cells. The affected area is subsequently exposed to a specific wavelength of light. This causes destruction of abnormal cells leaving normal cells unaffected. There is currently no Medicare rebate for this procedure. The cost of this procedure is dependent on the size of the area being treated and a quotation can be provided. Veteran Affairs may approve this procedure upon application by the doctor.
At Clifton Hill, our breadth of knowledge and experience allows us to treat and provide advice for many dermatological and cosmetic treatments. These include:      

- Psoriasis
- Dermatitis
- Urticaria
- Rashes
- Itching
- Allergies
- Skin infections
- Acne
- Rosacea
- Hair and Nail disease
- Keloid and hypertrophic scars
- Excessive sweating (Hyperhidrosis)
- Vitiligo
- Melasma
- Blistering conditions
- Pregnancy related rashes
- Genital dermatology
- Pediatric dermatology
- Auto-immune conditions

Photodynamic therapy (PDT)
Clifton Hill Dermatology offers photodynamic therapy as a treatment option for pre-cancerous solar keratoses and certain non-melanoma skin cancers.

A photosensitive chemical is applied to the skin. This is preferentially absorbed by abnormal cells. The affected area is subsequently exposed to a specific wavelength of light. This causes destruction of abnormal cells leaving normal cells unaffected.

There is currently no Medicare rebate for this procedure. The cost of this procedure is dependent on the size of the area being treated and a quotation can be provided. Veteran Affairs may approve this procedure upon application by the doctor.

Botox™️ for Underarm (Axillary) Hyperhidrosis
Botox™️ is injected into the armpits and blocks the release of the chemical that triggers perspiration. The injections reduce or stop sweating for three to six months.

There is currently a Medicare rebate for this procedure. You will need to obtain a referral from your GP to qualify for Medicare benefits for hyperhidrosis. Eligible patients are allowed a maximum of three PBS subsidised treatments per year.

Patch Testing
Patch testing is the most reliable way to determine an allergic cause for a skin rash. Patch testing is performed by applying small amounts of “allergens” onto a series of “patches” on the back. At least 60 patches are usually tested at once. The patches are applied on a Monday, and the test is read after it is removed on Wednesday and Friday the same week.

Medicare will rebate part of the cost of this procedure if you have a valid referral from your GP.

Skin Cancer Checks
Other Conditions
Other Serivces