The South West’s premier independent dermatology & skin clinic
Suffering from persistent or recurring hand eczema (hand dermatitis)? This debilitating condition can severely impact your daily life, affecting family, work, hobbies, and sleep. Discover effective hand eczema treatment options at Southwest Dermatology.
Causes of Hand Eczema:
Most hand eczema cases stem from atopic/endogenous eczema, rooted in a weakened skin barrier and abnormal immune response. This often begins in childhood and may reappear in adulthood, particularly on the hands and face. Identifying and avoiding irritants is crucial for hand eczema management.
Breakthrough Treatment: Delgocitinib Cream
For hand eczema unresponsive to potent topical steroids, Delgocitinib cream, a new pan-JAK inhibitor, offers significant relief. Clinical trials demonstrate up to 70% improvement within 12 weeks, with 30% experiencing complete skin normalization. This cream provides a safer alternative to oral medications.
Delgocitinib Cream: Availability & Cost
Delgocitinib cream for hand eczema is available via private prescription from our dermatologists. While awaiting NICE approval for NHS use, this treatment offers hope for those seeking effective hand eczema relief. The approximate cost is £840* for a 60gm tube, with most patients needing 1-3 tubes annually. Consultation and allergy testing costs are separate.
*This excludes consultation costs and contact allergy patch testing costs, if recommended by your Dermatologist.
Accurate Diagnosis & Comprehensive Care
It's vital to differentiate hand eczema from other skin conditions. Our dermatologists provide accurate diagnosis and personalized hand eczema treatment plans, including contact allergy patch testing, to identify triggers and optimize management.
Find Hand Eczema Relief Today
Don't let hand eczema control your life. Contact Southwest Dermatology for expert diagnosis and effective hand dermatitis treatment. Regain comfort and improve your quality of life
There is no cure for psoriasis, but there are a number of treatments that can help to control the symptoms. There are many different treatments for psoriasis, including topical creams, light therapy, and oral medications. In some cases, biologics may be used to treat psoriasis. South West Dermatology can offer biological treatment for psoriasis with Dr. Anthony Downs having over 20 years experience in prescribing biologics for patients with moderate to severe psoriasis.
What are biologics?
Biologics are a type of medication that is made from living organisms. Biologics work by targeting specific proteins in the immune system that are involved in the development of psoriasis.
There are many different types of biologics available, and they work in different ways. Some biologics block the production of certain proteins that are involved in inflammation, while others target specific immune cells.
How do biologics work?
Biologics are made from living organisms, such as bacteria or immortal cell lines. They are designed to target specific proteins in the immune system that are involved in the development of psoriasis. By blocking these proteins, biologics can help to reduce inflammation and clear up the skin.
How are biologics used to treat psoriasis?
Biologics are usually given by injection or infusion. The frequency of injections or infusions will vary depending on the type of biologic that you are taking. They can be used alone or in combination with other treatments. Some people see a significant improvement in their psoriasis within a few weeks of starting treatment, while others may not see any improvement.
What are the benefits of biologics?
Biologics can be very effective in treating moderate to severe psoriasis and tend to have fewer side effects than other types of psoriasis treatments. The effectiveness of biologics varies from person to person.
What are the side effects of biologics?
Biologics can be a very effective treatment for psoriasis, but they are not without risks.
Biologics can increase the risk of certain infections, such as tuberculosis and pneumonia. They can also increase the risk of some types of cancer, such as lymphoma.
Are biologics the right psoriasis treatment right for me?
Consultant Dermatologist Dr. Anthony Downs can help you decide if biologic therapy is right for you and look at your own risks and the potential benefits of biologics before starting any treatment. For patients outside the south west area Dr. Downs is able to offer remote video consultations.
What are the costs of biologics?
Biologics can be very expensive. The cost of biologics will vary depending on the type of biologic that you are taking and your insurance coverage you have.
There are many different treatments for psoriasis, including topical creams, light therapy, and oral medications. For some people, these treatments are not effective enough or they cause unwanted side effects. In these cases, biologics may be a good option.
Biologics are a type of medication that works by targeting the immune system. They are typically used to treat moderate to severe psoriasis. Biologics can be very effective in clearing up psoriasis, and they often have fewer side effects than other treatments.
Here are five reasons to consider switching to biologics for psoriasis:
If you are considering switching to biological treatment for psoriasis, talk to Dr. Anthony Downs. Dr. Downs can help you decide if biologics are right for you and make the best decision for your individual needs.
Here are some additional things to consider when deciding whether or not to switch to biologics for psoriasis:
If you have any questions or concerns about biologics, get in touch with us today.
If you feel this is the type of medication for you, then book in a consultation with Dr Anthony Downs. For patients outside the south west area Dr Downs is able to offer remote video consultations
Dr. Anthony Downs has over 20 years experience in prescribing biologics for patients with moderate to severe psoriasis. He has contributed to global clinical trials that have led to these medicines being licenced and continues to be active in clinical research in this field of medicine.
Over 100 people were seen throughout the morning raising money for the Honiton Lions charity that supports many local ventures in and around Honiton and East Devon.
A number of probable melanomas and non-melanoma skin cancers were identified at this event and these will proceed to hospital NHS surgery through their local GPs.
Melanoma is the 7th commonest cancer and Devon and Cornwall has four times the national average.
A big thank you to everyone involved and to all those who attended to support this worthwhile event.
If you have any concerns about your skin or a suspicious mole please get it checked by a medical professional. Look out for a mole which changes progressively in shape, size and/or colour. You can check your moles by learning the ABCDE of moles. This covers a range of features that can help you spot if a mole is becoming cancerous.
Dr. Anthony Downs runs a mole check clinic or you can upload a photo using our online form to get an initial evaluation.
The Spring European Academy of DermatoVenereology (EADV) 2022 was held in Ljubljana, Slovenia 12th to 14th May this year face to face, after two years of virtual conferences.
Dr Downs and Dr Bower were able to attend alongside a small group of other British Dermatologists in this important medical industry event.
European Academy of DermatoVenereology draws mostly from Europe and is the key driver of Dermatology education and research for European Dermatologists.
There were a variety of dermatology lectures and tutorials to attend and Dr Downs found the lasers, skin surgery and skin cancer recognition sessions particularly useful.
These events offer important continuous professional development for our skin experts and help Consultant Dermatologist to stay on top of innovation, evolving technology and medical industry developments.
Attendance helps to re-assure that South West Dermatology's clinical practice is consistent with the very best available patient care and is very often the most useful aspect of attending these meetings.
For the last two years this event has been hosted online, but this year saw the welcome return of the face-to-face meeting which Dr Anthony Downs, Consultant Dermatologist attended late November in London.
This meeting provides a resource to discuss recent therapeutic advances that impact current clinical Dermatology practice.
Topics this year included acne, leg ulcers, scars, lupus and JAK inhibitors.
Patients expect their doctors to be up-to-date, but this does not always mean recommending a treatment just because it is new. Gathering opinions from other expert colleagues in meetings such as these help our skin specialist decide what is reliable, effective, safe and appropriate for my patients.
These events offer important continuous professional development for our skin experts and help Consultant Dermatologist to stay on top of innovation, evolving technology and medical industry developments.
This event was the first time dermatologist and healthcare professionals have been able to meet as a professional body for almost two years.
The event included lectures on clinical updates and advances in dermatology care, alongside informative lectures and discussions on mental health and the well being of both the doctor and patient.
'How to work smarter and not harder', given the overwhelming demand for our services, was a talk that was particularly well received by the audience.
Both Dr. Anthony Downs & Dr. Christopher Bower came away with some useful tips that should help with some of our more challenging patients.
We do hope the pandemic will not cut these important industry meetings that are essential for clinical professional development.
Since 2007 Dr. Anthony Downs and Dr. Christopher Bower have co-hosted delivered a national intense training course to training grade Dermatologists in order to help them pass the SCE exam.
After medical school it takes at least 8 years to become a Consultant Dermatologist. Often longer.
The SCE is a rather tough exam that has to be passed in order to progress. Coronavirus has meant that last year and this year the course has been transferred to online interactive sessions.
This dermatology training course is always heavily over-subscribed and very popular with the 'juniors' because of the quality of teaching and the focus we can provide directed at passing the exam.
The course ended the end of July 2021 and we wish all the delegates that attended the very best of luck in their exam later this year.
Dr. Downs & Dr. Bower are looking forward to passing on their dermatology knowledge and offering further CPD, useful advice and guidance for future Dermatologist and medical professional at the next event.
Dr. Anthony Downs, Consultant Dermatologist delivered a very well attended virtual lecture on acne and acne scarring on Tuesday 27 July to GPs in the South West area.
NICE acne and acne scarring national guidelines were updated last month with additional attention and recommendations on the need to provide psychological support and acne scarring advice to patients with this medical disease.
Acne can have serious and persistent mental effects that can remain for many years and well after the acne has abated naturally or with treatment. Very few patients have access to laser treatment in the UK to treat acne scarring regardless of this recommendation in the NICE guidelines.
This evening these issues were debated as well mapping out current best clinical practice and what new emerging treatments may be available on prescription.
On 21 January 2021 Dr. Tony Downs, Consultant Dermatologist was a conference speaker at the national Dermatologists virtual meeting hosted by the Royal Society of Medicine.
Dr. Downs presented on 'Inflammoscopy: no rash or hairy decisions' to a well attended meeting with an audience of over 250 delegates. He presented to fellow consultant colleagues about improving their diagnostic skills enabling them to further their CPD with accreditation.
Other topics discussed at the event were:
The The Royal Society of Medicine (RSM) provides learning and support using expert speakers and global thought leaders providing essential medical insight. The RSM is a membership organisation with over 22,000 members in the UK and internationally. It aims to bringing together doctors and healthcare professionals across specialties, with a vision to be a driving force in advancing health and patient care through education and innovation.
A clinical study by Dr Anthony MR Downs, DMC Healthcare Ltd & Dr Ian H Coulson Burnley General Teaching Hospital
YouTube® is the most popular internet-based search engine with a large body of educational Dermatology content. This information platform is more concerned with freedom of content rather than accuracy any of the scientific material.
In addition, unfiltered comments on YouTube® videos can be equally favourable or spiteful. Comments and videos can be deliberately misleading, designed for financial gain or champion bizarre alternative health beliefs.
Despite the unpredictability of YouTube® content it presents an opportunity to provide patients with additional information about their disease and treatment. That should improve adherence and facilitate informed consent.
Patients referred to our service with acne unresponsive to primary care treatment were sent a YouTube® link to www.youtube.com/watch?v=tlbZzqtgBvE.
At initial consultation, those patients that had viewed the video (irrespective whether isotretinoin was prescribed) and the clinician were asked to provide feedback on the video and the consultation.
A sample of 50 patients were reviewed. Age range 13 to 49 (mean of 21) of which 35 were female. Clinicians felt that the consultations were shorter (90%) and easier (90%). Isotretinoin was clinically indicated and started in 90% of patients. Only 5% of consultations took longer than normal.
Some patients felt an isotretinoin written information leaflet as well as the video were not necessary (40%) and face-to-face consultations completely necessary (100%). Of those that chose to be treated with isotretinoin, 95% confirmed the video helped in their decision and helped their consultation experience. Only one patient with a pre-existing anxiety state was worried by the video content.
This video offers an opportunity to offer an alternative information format to compliment the traditional consultation and written information. It shows photographs of treatment responses and side-effects that other written formats, do not.
We believe it helps prepare patients for the consultation by providing them with knowledge that allows for a faster and more constructive dialogue with the clinician.
The British Association of Dermatologist 100th annual meeting was launched as a virtual conference on 1st September.
Dr. Anthony Downs & Dr. Christopher Bower both recorded lectures for this yearly meeting with online attendees both from the UK and worldwide.
The meetings enable dermatologist to share practical tips on managing patients and learn about break through treatments and research. The virtual platform lacked the human element that allows for challenge and debate, but it keeps the momentum of continuous professional development that is so important for all healthcare professional who work in the field of dermatology.
Dr. Anthony Downs & Dr. Christopher Bower also co-hosted the SCE Dermatology Registrars Meeting as a live webinar conference in August. The event was sponsored by Jansen-Cilag and badged by the British Association of Dermatologists.
A lot of organisation and technical planning went into hosting this on-line webinar, driven by the current pandemic circumstance, but the meeting was well attended and went smoothly.
The meeting helps dermatology trainees pass their exam on the way to becoming dermatology consultants.
Dr. Downs & Dr. Bower have run this revision course for 10 years and it is extremely well regarded quality event and always over-subscribed.
Running these type of events, both on location and/or online, ensure our dermatologist keep up-to-date and one step ahead of the Royal College of Physicians who set the challenging and difficult exam each year.
Updated: Wednesday 7 April 2021
Urgent cases suspicious of skin cancer can be seen at The Medical Eye Centre in Marsh Barton or Exeter Medical at Admiral House. Both healthcare locations offer a protected environment and adhere to all social distancing regulations and procedures.
In the first instance please contact Dr. Downs' PA, Ros on 07838 293968 to arrange your appointment and on-going treatment.
Dr. Tony Downs is able to see and treat patients with dermatology condition at The Medical Eye Centre in Marsh Barton or Exeter Medical at Admiral House. Both healthcare locations offer a protected environment and adhere to all social distancing regulations and procedures.
In the first instance please contact Dr. Downs' PA Ros on 07838 293968 to arrange your appointment and on-going treatment.
For less urgent cases, those who continue to shield at home and general dermatological related conditions Dr. Downs will continue to offer remote video consultations and teledermatology consultations for as long as required or requested by patients.
Patients can also use our online form to upload photos of their condition for assessment by Dr. Downs from the comfort of their own home.
Patients with severe and distressful skin rashes or lumps or blemishes that might be serious skin cancers can still be seen and treated at Exeter Medical in a protected environment during the coronavirus pandemic.
In the first instance please call Ros on 07838 293968 and she will discuss your available options in consultation with Dr Downs.
If your condition is potentially serious then we will ask you to send photos via our online form and Dr Downs will assess these for further investigation.
Dr Downs is then able to engage with the patient by video consultation, or in serious cases, arrange a face to face consultation following all current medical guidelines at our out-patient facility at Exeter Medical to begin urgent treatment of your dermatological skin condition.
Dr Tony Downs offers advice for patients with dermatological conditions in relation to the Covid-19 Pandemic.
In Dermatology, this would be:
Azathioprine, ciclosporin, methotrexate, mycophenolate, fumaric acid esters, apremalist and biologic agents for psoriasis or hidradenitis (but not for eczema).
New or existing patients should be aware and consider stopping/suspending or deferring treatment to a later date, with the understanding that their skin condition will most likely deteriorate.
Dr Downs is able to see patients remotely via a private phone/video consultation during this pandemic.
The cheque was presented at Coleridge Medical Centre. We raised £1750 in association with the British Lions for the Mole Check day carried out by Dr. Tony Downs, consultant Dermatologist and Dr. Nigel de Souza, senior GP.
If you have any concerns about your skin or a suspicious mole please get it checked by a medical professional. Look out for a mole which changes progressively in shape, size and/or colour.
You can check your moles by learning the ABCDE of moles. This covers a range of features that can help you spot if a mole is becoming cancerous.
Dr. Anthony Downs runs a mole check clinic or you can upload a photo using our online form to get an initial evaluation.
South West Dermatology is please to report that one of our skincare and dermatology consulting locations has been inspected by the CQC as an overall outstanding facility and a great place to see and treat patients.
Well done to the whole team at Exeter Medical for continuing to uphold the professionalism and provide the outstanding service their patients have come to expect since their launch back in 2006.
You can view the full report here
This national BAD meeting brings together dermatology consultants, trainees and allied healthcare professionals.
Monday offered a pre-conference sessions specifically for trainees and staff and associate special doctors, but was open to all.
The main three-day meeting was on Tuesday to Thursday and offered a mixture of Plenary Sessions, Keynote Lecturers, Special Interest Group Sessions, Hot Topics and Interactive Sessions.
Dr. Downs added:
"The BAD annual conference is a useful CPD event for both existing and future dermatology medical professionals to ensure we keep up to date with medical dermatology developments both in day to day clinical practice and for future technological developments.
It was also a good opportunity to meet peers and discuss clinical and service issues in a very sunny Liverpool on the Albert Docks."
Dr. Tony Downs, Consultant Dermatologist
Dr. Tony Downs and Dr. Chris Bower organised and hosted their 10th annual national dermatology registrar training course in Birmingham on Sunday 9th June 2019.
The course is registered with the British Association of Dermatologist and is classed as a course of excellence for attending students.
We help the dermatology consultants of the future get through a key knowledge step in their training. Future UK dermatology consultants are required to pass a theory exam in dermatology during their specialist training in Dermatology.
“We feel privileged to be able to pass on our expertise and experience to doctors that will be our consultant colleagues in the near future”
Dr. Anthony Downs & Dr. Christopher Bower
2019 proves no different as our mole check event returns to Exeter Medical, Admiral House, Exeter Business Park on Saturday 1st June 2019 from 10:00am until 4:00pm.
If you have a particular mole you are worried about Dr Downs and our dermatology team will assess you on the day in exchange for a minimum donation of £10 to Cancer Research UK. Anyone needing to access treatment will quickly receive the necessary advice and support either from their GP or Exeter Medical.
Exeter Medical would like to build on the success of last year’s mole check whereby 174 members of the public were assessed and £2,340 raised to support the work carried out by Cancer Research UK.
