Contact & assessment

If a mark has changed, or is not healing

Do not book a cosmetic consultation first. A mole or patch that is changing in size, shape, colour or height, a spot that bleeds without being knocked, crusts, itches persistently or fails to heal, a sore that heals and breaks down again, or a new lump on sun-exposed skin all need medical assessment. If a lesion is growing quickly, bleeding repeatedly or has become painful, say so when you arrange the appointment rather than waiting for a routine slot.

Arranging an ordinary assessment

Where the concern is appearance and nothing has changed, appointments are made through the hospital outpatient line or through the appointment service described on the appointments page. Say that you are asking about sun-damaged skin so that the right clinic time is booked, and say whether you have a specific mark you want looked at, because that decides how long the appointment needs to be.

What to bring

Bring a list of your current medicines and allergies, including anything applied to the skin, because several common medicines change how skin reacts to light. Bring the names of any conditions you are being treated for, any previous skin treatments and when they were given, and whether you or a close relative has had a skin cancer. Old photographs of your face and hands are more useful than you would expect, because they show whether a mark is new or has always been there.

What happens at the consultation

Expect an examination rather than a presentation. The whole skin surface is looked at, not only the area that concerns you, and any mark that has changed is examined with a lens. The history covers burning earlier in life, time spent outdoors, medicines, previous lesions and family pattern. Photographs may be taken so that the next visit can compare rather than remember. You should leave knowing what has changed, what has not, whether anything needs to be removed or watched, and what treatment could honestly change about the appearance.

Questions without booking

Questions about the content of this site, including any correction you believe should be made to it, are welcome through the hospital administration line. Clinical questions about your own skin are best answered in person, and we will say so rather than guess.