Dermatology Services.

Descriptions

Skin disease is a common and distressing problem. It is estimated that one quarter of the population has a skin problem which would benefit from medical care.Nationally around 15 % of the population consult their GP each year because of a skin complaint and about 5 % of those who seek help from their GP are referred for further specialist service.Whilst there are some 3 000 dermatological diseases, 10 of these them (eczema, psoriasis, acne, urticaria, rosacea, infections/infestations, leg ulcers and gravitational disorders, lichen planus and drug rashes) make up 80 % of consultations for skin disease in General Practice. The commonest skin diseases continue to increase in frequency and there are more referrals to secondary care dermatology by GPs than to all of the other medical specialities combined. This is despite the fact that the majority of patients have mild problems that can be easily self-managed or managed in primary care.