Dermatologist vs Aesthetic Practitioner for Redness
When seeking treatment for facial redness, it can be confusing to know whether to see your general practitioner (GP), a dermatologist or to visit an aesthetic or beauty clinic.
Who treats what problems best?
A consultant dermatologist is a medical doctor who specialises in diagnosing and treating diseases of the skin. They are best placed for making an accurate diagnosis and treating more complex cases for example where there is an overlap of rosacea with another condition or where rosacea has proven resistant to standard treatments. General practitioners deal with all conditions. Some are experienced in the treatment of skin disease and others are less confident.
When medical vs cosmetic care is needed
I would advise that you start with a dermatologist for a proper diagnosis and to establish a medical treatment plan. Once your rosacea is diagnosed and the inflammatory component is under control with medication you may have follow up with a dermatologist or specially trained GP. In my view laser treatments are best performed by medical practitioners. Other treatments such as intense pulsed light (IPL) are offered by a wide range of clinics.
How can I help
I see patients in person in central London. An in person consultation allows me to examine the skin directly including features that are difficult to capture in a photograph such as 3-dimensional changes and textural change. This is the better option where the diagnosis is uncertain, where previous treatment has not been effective, or where a procedure is being considered. For more straightforward conditions such as acne and rosacea a remote consultation with clear photographs can be a good option.
Related articles
- NHS vs Private Rosacea Care (UK)
- Preparing for a Dermatology Appointment
- IPL vs VBeam (PDL) for Redness and Veins
