Private dermatology clinic in Balatonfüred

Some common skin conditions

Eczema. Eczema is one of the most common inflammatory skin conditions. The skin may become red and itchy, with scaling and small blisters. Scratching can cause wounds that may become infected; if it persists, the skin may thicken and become discoloured. It can have several causes, so identifying the triggers is an important part of treatment. Where indicated, allergy testing may also be needed, and treatment also includes appropriate skincare suited to your skin type.

Atopic dermatitis. Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammation of the skin based on an inherited predisposition, with periodic flare-ups. Dry, damaged skin is more easily infected. Atopic dermatitis is more often associated with hay fever, asthma, allergic conjunctivitis or other allergic conditions. Important parts of treatment are regular skincare, recognising the factors that make symptoms worse and, where indicated, allergy testing.

Acne, spot-prone skin. Acne mainly appears in areas rich in sebaceous glands: the face, chest and back. Blackheads, inflamed spots and, in more severe cases, nodules can develop. Starting the right treatment in time can reduce the risk of permanent scarring. Treatment may include appropriate skincare and cosmetic advice, including choosing cosmetics that suit your skin type.

Hair loss and scalp conditions. Increased or patchy hair loss can have many different causes. As well as examining the hair and scalp, the assessment may require laboratory, ultrasound or other supplementary tests, or the involvement of another speciality.

Nail conditions. Discoloured, thickened or brittle nails are often the result of a fungal infection, but they may also indicate another skin or internal condition. Fungal nail infection is not just a cosmetic problem: it can also sustain infection of the surrounding skin. An accurate diagnosis may require nail scrapings or other microbiological sampling.

Fungal, bacterial and viral skin infections. Skin infections can cause a variety of symptoms: redness, scaling, weeping, crusting, and clear or pus-filled blisters may all appear. Depending on the type and extent of the lesion, treatment may be topical or may require medication. To identify the causative organism more precisely, swabs, skin scrapings, laboratory tests or, in some cases, serological tests can be carried out.

Psoriasis. Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory disease with an immunological background. Typically, inflamed plaques covered with silvery scales appear, often on the elbows, knees and scalp, although symptoms can also develop elsewhere on the body. Psoriasis does not affect only the skin: it may be associated with joint involvement, high blood pressure, thyroid or metabolic disorders and certain other inflammatory diseases. Treatment is tailored to the extent and severity of the condition; in more severe cases, modern systemic therapies are also available.

Rosacea. Rosacea is a chronic skin condition that mainly appears in adulthood, in the central area of the face. It begins with recurring or persistent redness, and later thread veins and inflamed papules and nodules may develop. Alongside treatment, appropriate skincare and recognising your individual triggers are important. Depending on the symptoms, laboratory or other supplementary tests may also be warranted.

Urticaria (hives). In urticaria, itchy, swollen weals of varying size appear suddenly on the skin and may merge over larger areas. Activation of mast cells in the skin plays a central role in the development of symptoms. Hives can be triggered by an allergic reaction, for example to certain foods, medicines or insect venom, but not all urticaria is allergic in origin: medicines, infections and other diseases may also be behind it. For recurring or persistent symptoms, identifying the cause may require laboratory tests, targeted inhalant or food allergy testing and, where indicated, imaging or the involvement of another speciality.

HPV vaccination. Some types of human papillomavirus (HPV) cause genital warts, while other types, in the case of persistent infection, can cause precancerous changes and certain cancers. HPV vaccination helps prevent diseases caused by the virus types included in the vaccine, but it does not treat an existing infection. At our dermatology clinic, Gardasil vaccination is available including the vaccine, its administration and personalised medical advice.

Mole screening

A dermatoscope uses illumination and magnification to help assess moles and other skin lesions. The examination is painless and reveals details that are difficult to assess with the naked eye. Where necessary, moles over the entire skin surface are reviewed. Dermatoscopy can help detect abnormal moles as well as certain precancerous and malignant skin lesions at an early stage. The most important malignant skin tumours include malignant melanoma, basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Early detection can significantly improve the success of treatment, so regular checks of moles and other skin lesions can be important even if you have no symptoms.

How often you need a check-up depends on your individual risk and your dermatologist’s recommendation. If a suspicious lesion is found that may need histological examination, the clinic provides surgical and plastic surgery care, in which the lesion is removed under local anaesthetic. Mole screening may also be recommended if an existing mole changes in size, shape or colour, or if a new, unusual skin lesion appears. Annual screening is advisable, along with regular ABCD self-checks at home. (Related reading: Dangerous moles: consultant dermatologist Dr. Gerencsér Kinga answers.)

Allergy testing

Skin symptoms are not always allergic in origin. Tests selected on the basis of your medical history can help clarify the possible cause. Allergy testing may be warranted in cases such as urticaria, atopic dermatitis or allergic contact dermatitis. If contact allergy is suspected, an epicutaneous (patch) test applied to the skin may be used, while for certain other allergies a targeted blood test may be appropriate. Where indicated, the prick test available at Tagore Medical Center can also be used to test for inhalant and food allergens. The appropriate testing method is always chosen on the basis of your symptoms and medical history.

Wart treatment

Common warts can be growths covered with a thick horny layer; on the soles of the feet they can also cause pain when walking. If several lesions lie next to each other, a so-called mosaic wart may form. Molluscum contagiosum, commonly known as „water warts”, can appear as small, rapidly spreading skin lesions. The treatment method depends on the type, location and extent of the lesion. Our specialists remove them with a hand instrument (Volkmann curette), by freezing (cryotherapy) or by plasma treatment using electrical heat (Plasmage), under local anaesthetic if needed. Extensive lesions may require several treatments or additional medication. For genital or extensive warts, further laboratory or other investigations may also be warranted.

Removal of fibromas and benign skin growths

Fibromas (skin tags) are benign skin growths of varying size, usually skin-coloured and often on a stalk, that mainly appear in skin folds. Before removal, a medical examination establishes the nature of the lesion. Where appropriate, freezing (cryotherapy) or plasma treatment using electrical heat (Plasmage) can be used, under local anaesthetic if needed. During the specialist dermatological examination, the doctor decides whether the lesion can be removed as an outpatient procedure, or whether surgical removal and histological examination are needed at the clinic. If you have a pacemaker, you must tell us before any procedure, as prior consultation with a cardiologist is required.