Medical dermatology refers to the non-surgical, non-cosmetic branch of dermatology concerned with diagnosing and treating diseases of the skin, hair, and nails. It encompasses a broad range of conditions, from common inflammatory skin diseases to rare and complex presentations, and employs a wide variety of treatments including topical preparations, oral medications, injectable therapies, phototherapy, and biologic agents.
At Skindepth, medical dermatology is the core of what we do. Every patient who visits our clinic receives specialist-level assessment and a management plan grounded in current clinical evidence and tailored to their individual circumstances.
Our dermatologists provide evidence-based assessment and management for a broad range of conditions including:
Medical treatment at Skindepth encompasses a wide range of therapeutic approaches, selected and combined based on your specific condition, its severity, your treatment history, and your individual circumstances.
The cornerstone of management for many skin conditions. Prescription-strength corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors, retinoids, antibiotics, antifungals, and other active preparations unavailable over the counter. Your dermatologist will prescribe the most appropriate formulation and provide clear instructions on application, frequency, and expected outcomes.
Systemic treatments for conditions where topical therapy alone is insufficient, including oral antibiotics for acne and inflammatory conditions, oral antifungals, oral retinoids (including isotretinoin for acne), oral immunosuppressants (methotrexate, cyclosporine, acitretin), antihistamines, and hormonal therapies.
Advanced injectable treatments targeting specific immune pathways, representing a significant advancement in the management of moderate to severe psoriasis, eczema, and hidradenitis suppurativa. Biologics available for eligible patients include dupilumab (Dupixent) for eczema, and IL-17, IL-23, and TNF inhibitors for psoriasis. Government funding through the PBS is available for eligible patients. Your dermatologist will assess your eligibility and manage the authority prescription process.
Botulinum toxin for hyperhidrosis and other medical indications. Intralesional corticosteroid injections for alopecia areata, keloid scarring, and inflammatory skin conditions.
Narrowband UVB light therapy for psoriasis, eczema, vitiligo, and other inflammatory conditions. See our Light Therapy page for more detail.
Comprehensive patch testing for the identification of contact allergens in patients with contact or allergic dermatitis. Results guide allergen avoidance strategies and treatment planning.
Many of the conditions we manage are chronic. They don't have a cure, but they can be very effectively controlled with the right treatment approach. At Skindepth, we believe in developing long-term management plans rather than treating individual flares in isolation.
For chronic conditions like eczema, psoriasis, and acne, this means establishing a structured review schedule, monitoring treatment response and side effects, adjusting therapy as your condition evolves, and providing the education and tools to manage your condition confidently between appointments. Our goal is not just to clear your skin. It's to keep it clear.
A GP referral is recommended and required for a Medicare rebate on your specialist consultation. Your GP can write a referral for a general dermatology consultation, or for a specific concern if they have already assessed you. Referrals are valid for 12 months from the date of issue. If you are unsure whether you need a referral, please contact the clinic before booking.
Absolutely, and this is actually one of the most common presentations we see. Many patients come to us after months or years of unsuccessful treatment with GP-prescribed or over-the-counter preparations. Dermatologist-level management offers access to a broader range of treatment options including isotretinoin, hormonal therapies, combination approaches, and procedures not available in a general practice setting. We take a detailed history of what you have tried before and what your response has been, and build your plan from there.
Yes, unequivocally. Treatment options for many chronic skin conditions have advanced dramatically in recent years, particularly for psoriasis, eczema, and hidradenitis suppurativa where biologic therapies have been genuinely transformative for patients with long-standing, severe disease. Many patients who have lived with poorly controlled skin conditions for years achieve significant or complete clearance with current treatment options. It is always worth a specialist assessment.
This depends on the condition being treated and the treatment prescribed. Some conditions respond within days to weeks, for example a topical corticosteroid for an acute eczema flare. Others require months of consistent treatment before significant improvement is seen. Isotretinoin for acne typically takes three to four months to show full effect, and biologic therapies for psoriasis may take four to twelve weeks for initial response. Your dermatologist will set realistic expectations at your first appointment and monitor your progress at each review.
Yes. Biologic therapies for psoriasis and eczema are PBS-listed for eligible patients in Australia, meaning government subsidy significantly reduces the cost of treatment. Eligibility criteria apply and are assessed by your dermatologist. Your dermatologist will determine whether you meet the criteria and manage the authority prescription process on your behalf. Please discuss your financial situation with your dermatologist. There are options at various price points and your dermatologist will factor this into treatment recommendations.
Yes. Several of our dermatologists have a particular interest in paediatric dermatology and we see children across all age groups. Common paediatric presentations include eczema, molluscum contagiosum, warts, acne in teenagers, and inflammatory skin conditions. Please mention at the time of booking that the appointment is for a child so we can match you with the most appropriate specialist.