Dermatology

Our dermatology teams care for the skin, hair and nails at hospitals and clinics across the UAE. Much of our work is medical: diagnosing and treating conditions such as acne, eczema and psoriasis, and checking skin for early signs of cancer. We also offer laser and cosmetic treatments, so both health and appearance concerns have a place to go.

What is dermatology?

Dermatology is the medical and surgical care of the skin, hair and nails, in children and adults. Dermatologists diagnose and treat conditions such as eczema, psoriasis and skin infections. They also remove and monitor moles and skin cancers, and treat allergic skin reactions. Long-term skin disease is kept under control over time, and people at higher risk of skin cancer are watched closely. Appearance-focused treatments fall under aesthetic dermatology.

Areas within dermatology

Aesthetic dermatology: Appearance-focused skin care that addresses concerns such as the signs of ageing, uneven pigmentation and scarring.

When should you see a dermatologist?

Book an appointment if you notice:

• A rash or patch of skin that will not clear up
• Itching that disturbs your sleep or daily life
• A mole that changes in size, shape or colour
• Acne or a skin condition that affects your confidence
• Hair loss or thinning that worries you
• Nail changes such as thickening or discolouration

Sudden swelling of the lips, mouth, tongue or throat, or difficulty breathing or swallowing, may indicate a severe allergic reaction and is an emergency. Please call for emergency help.

You don't always need symptoms to see a dermatologist. A skin check can put your mind at rest if you have many moles, a family history of skin cancer, or a mole that is new or changing. Catching skin cancer early makes it easier to treat, so it makes sense to have a changing spot looked at. In the UAE you can often see a dermatologist directly, though some insurers ask for a referral from your family doctor first, so it's worth checking your cover.

What to expect

At your first visit, the dermatologist asks about your symptoms and how long you've had them, then examines your skin, hair and nails. They may look closely at a mole or spot with a handheld magnifier. If the cause isn't clear, they might take a small sample of skin, called a biopsy, and send it to the laboratory. Patch testing can also help find what is triggering a skin allergy.

Treatment depends on what's found. Many skin conditions settle with creams or ointments applied to the skin, though more stubborn ones may need tablets, light therapy or injections. Moles and skin cancers can be removed with a minor procedure, and freezing treatment suits some warts and small growths. Long-term conditions usually need regular review. Your dermatologist explains the options and agrees the next step with you.

Dermatology at Mediclinic

Our dermatology teams work across Dubai, Abu Dhabi and Al Ain. They mainly practise medical dermatology, caring for children and adults with long-term skin problems. That includes common conditions such as acne, eczema and psoriasis, alongside skin-cancer checks and treatment. Where a growth requires surgery, this may be performed by a dermatologist with the appropriate surgical expertise or, when more complex reconstruction is required, in collaboration with a plastic surgeon. We also provide mole mapping, laser and cosmetic treatments, with counselling for people considering appearance-focused care.