GMC Registered Consultant Dermatologist
Conditions & Expertise
I commonly see patients with a wide range of dermatological concerns, across all ages.
Children’s Skin Conditions
Dr Flann has a specialist interest in skin conditions in children (paediatric dermatology) and was the lead clinician for paediatric dermatology for the department at Orpington Hospital (part of King’s College Hospital NHS Trust) and for West Kent Dermatology (part of Sussex Community Dermatology NHS service).
She set up a joint clinic with the Paediatricians at the Princess Royal University Hospital to see children with eczema, food allergy and failure to thrive during her time at Orpington Hospital.
Now she sees babies from birth, small children and teenagers up to the age of 18y with a variety of skin conditions ranging from atopic dermatitis, acne to moles, birthmarks, hair and nail conditions.
Acne in Teenagers & Adults
Acne is one of the commonest dermatological presentations in teenagers and can also be seen in adults. A dermatology consultation about acne will involve a discussion about what products are currently used and had previously been used and what treatments may have been prescribed and how they are being applied. Dr Flann will assess your or your teenager’s skin, assess the type of acne that is present and then will discuss a management plan with you and/or your teenager.
It may be of help to either bring a copy of your GP records with you or bring any medications and products you are using on your skin to the consultation or alternatively, take photos of your medications and products to show to Dr Flann.
Vulval Skin Conditions
Dr Flann commonly sees girls and women with vulval skin conditions in her clinics. The consultation will involve a full skin check in addition to an inspection of the vulva and perineum. If you wish to have a chaperone present for this, please do let Dr Flann know. A dermatologist experienced in vulval dermatology does not necessarily need to take a biopsy to diagnose a vulval skin condition.
If you have seen many doctors about your vulval skin condition, it would be of help to have a copy of your GP record and any letters or results of biopsies that may have been undertaken.
Moles & Skin Cancer Checks
These are the bread-and-butter of any dermatology consultation in the UK. A typical consultation will involve a history of the mole or lesion of worry plus questions about sun exposure over your lifetime. A full skin examination is an obligatory part of a skin cancer check but if you feel uncomfortable with this, do please let Dr Flann know. If you would like a chaperone present, do also please let Dr Flann know and this can be arranged.
After Dr Flann has examined your skin, she will either diagnose the skin lesion and explain what needs to be done if necessary, or she may recommend removal either for diagnostic or for treatment purposes.
If you have health insurance, Dr Flann will inform you of the relevant insurance codes for the procedure for you to inform your health insurance company. If you are a self-pay patient, then she will inform you of the costs.
Rarely are procedures performed at the time of the initial consultation. They will be scheduled at a mutually convenient time for you and Dr Flann. Dr Flann will inform you of the care necessary after the procedure and inform you of the histology result once it is available.
Psoriasis & Long-term Skin Inflammation
Psoriasis is a common, long-term inflammatory skin condition, which typically affects the skin, scalp and nails but can also affect the joints. There are different types of psoriasis. Unfortunately, we still do not have a cure for psoriasis but there are treatments that can improve psoriasis and your quality of life.
The consultation will involve questions about your psoriasis, any family history, alcohol and smoking history, any other co-existent or previous medical conditions and current medications. There will be a full skin examination also.
The treatments can involve topical treatments (creams, ointments, gels, foams & solutions), light therapy & oral treatments. Dr Flann will talk to you about these after the skin examination, together with lifestyle changes if necessary.
If you have severe psoriasis and have already had two oral treatments or one oral treatment and one course of light therapy, then it would be best you see your GP for referral on the NHS for an injection treatment for your psoriasis.
Get in touch
If you’d like to book an appointment or ask a question, please feel free to get in touch. I’ll do my best to respond as soon as possible.