Medical Treatments and Skin Consultations

What a medical skin consultation means

Medical skin care deals with symptoms and conditions: spots that will not settle, a rash that keeps returning, persistent facial redness, patches of pigmentation, itch, scaling, or sweating that interferes with daily life. The appointment is built around history and examination rather than a set procedure.

This is different from an aesthetic appointment, where the starting point is an appearance-related goal. Some people need both, and it is common for a medical issue to be addressed before any cosmetic treatment is considered.

Conditions that may be assessed

• Acne, including persistent, adult-onset and treatment-resistant presentations
• Acne scarring and post-inflammatory colour change
• Rashes, including new, recurrent or unexplained rashes
• Rosacea, flushing and persistent facial redness
• Melasma and other facial pigmentation
• Eczema and dermatitis
• Psoriasis
• Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating)
• Moles, spots and lesions that are new, changing or of concern

Not every skin condition can be managed within this practice. Where the diagnosis is uncertain, the disease is severe or widespread, or treatment requires specialist supervision, referral is discussed.

Why similar-looking symptoms need assessment

Skin has a limited number of ways to react, so different conditions can look alike. Facial redness may be rosacea, seborrhoeic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, sun damage or something else. A scaly patch may be eczema, psoriasis, a fungal infection or a sun-damage related lesion.

For that reason, a photograph or an online description cannot produce a diagnosis. Assessment considers the pattern, distribution, timing, triggers, previous treatment and your general health together.

What happens during the consultation

1. Your concern is discussed: when it started, how it has behaved, what makes it better or worse, and what you have already tried.
2. Relevant medical history, medications, allergies, family history and previous treatment are reviewed.
3. The affected skin is examined, with a dermatoscope (a magnifying instrument with a light) where it is useful.
4. The most likely explanations are explained in plain language, including what has been ruled less likely and why.
5. Options are discussed with their expected benefits, limitations, risks, likely timeframe, follow-up and cost.

When examination or investigation may be required

Most skin conditions are diagnosed clinically. Investigations are used when the result would change management.

• Skin swabs or scrapings when infection is suspected
• A small skin biopsy when the diagnosis is unclear or a lesion is concerning
• Blood tests when a general medical cause or a medication safety check is relevant
• Clinical photography for monitoring change over time, with your consent

Treatment depends on diagnosis and suitability

Management is only decided after assessment. Depending on the condition it may involve skin care and trigger management, topical treatment, oral medication where appropriate, procedural options, or simply monitoring. Some conditions are controlled rather than cured, and expected timeframes are discussed honestly.

Suitability depends on your medical history, other medications, pregnancy or breastfeeding, skin type and previous responses. No treatment is risk-free, and nothing is started without your informed consent.

When specialist referral may be appropriate

Referral to a dermatologist, immunologist, endocrinologist, rheumatologist or another specialist may be recommended when a diagnosis remains unclear, when disease is severe or not responding, when systemic treatment requires specialist supervision, or when the condition falls outside general practice scope. Your usual GP may also be involved so your overall care stays coordinated.

Consulting locations and how to prepare

Consultations are held in Southbank, Melbourne, and at Cosmetic Avenue in Malvern, where Dr Mansoori consults.

• Bring a list of current medications, including anything applied to the skin
• Bring previous results, referrals or specialist letters if you have them
• Attend without makeup where the concern is facial, if that is practical
• Bring photographs of the problem at its worst if it comes and goes