Dermatology
Dermatology is a branch of medicine dealing with conditions affecting the skin, hair and nails. A doctor who specialises in this is called a Dermatologist.
A dermatology nurse specialist provides education and sees eczema patients for education.
There are also tertiary specialist paediatric dermatology clinics for children from around New Zealand who are identified as having more complex problems. This includes genetic skin disorders, vascular anomalies and severe eczema/psoriasis requiring systemic treatments.
The dermatology service also provides minor outpatient procedures (e.g. local anaesthetic biopsy) and laser treatment for facial port-wine stains.
Consultants
- Dr Diana Purvis Dermatologist
- Dr Karen Agnew Dermatologist
Referral Expectations
Children from ADHB/WDHB referred by a GP will be assessed to be seen in a clinic supervised by dermatologists. WDHB eczema patients will be seen by the WDHB eczema nurse.
Children from other DHBs should be referred to their local paediatric service. Patients who live in CMDHB should be referred to CMDHB paediatric or dermatology services.
Tertiary dermatology clinics are operated for children with complex problems who have been referred by their DHB of residence.