Medical Dermatology

Expert Diagnosis and Treatment for Skin, Hair and Nail Conditions

Medical dermatology focuses on diagnosing, treating and preventing diseases affecting the skin, scalp, hair, nails and mucous membranes. These conditions may be caused by allergies, infections, autoimmune disorders, hormonal changes, genetic factors, medicines or underlying medical diseases.

At Skin Life Clinic, patients receive a comprehensive dermatological assessment and an individualized treatment plan under the supervision of Dr. Tahir Kamal, Consultant Dermatologist and Aesthetic Physician. Our objective is not simply to control visible symptoms but also to identify possible triggers, prevent complications and support the patient’s long-term skin health.

Conditions We Treat

Acne and Acne-Related Disorders

Acne can affect teenagers and adults and may involve the face, chest, shoulders or back. Without timely treatment, inflammatory acne can cause persistent pigmentation and permanent scarring.

Management may include:

• Medical-grade skincare

• Topical and oral medicines

• Hormonal evaluation when indicated

• Chemical peels

• Intralesional treatment for selected lesions

• Procedures for pigmentation and acne scars

• Long-term maintenance to reduce recurrence

Eczema and Dermatitis

Eczema commonly causes itching, redness, dryness, scaling and recurrent inflammation. Different forms require different treatment strategies.

We evaluate and treat:

• Atopic dermatitis

• Allergic contact dermatitis

• Irritant contact dermatitis

• Seborrhoeic dermatitis

• Hand and foot eczema

• Nummular eczema

• Occupational dermatitis

• Drug-related skin eruptions

Treatment may include trigger avoidance, barrier-repair skincare, topical or systemic medicines, phototherapy and modern targeted treatment for appropriately selected patients.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic immune-mediated condition that may affect the skin, scalp, nails and joints. It can appear as thick, scaly plaques or, less commonly, as widespread redness or pustules.

A complete assessment may include:

• Extent and severity of skin involvement

• Nail and scalp examination

• Screening for psoriatic arthritis

• Review of weight and metabolic risk factors

• Assessment of the condition’s effect on daily life

• Selection of topical, oral, injectable or phototherapy treatment

Patients with joint pain, morning stiffness, swollen fingers or persistent heel pain should inform the dermatologist, as these symptoms may indicate psoriatic arthritis.

Skin Infections

Skin infections can be bacterial, viral, fungal or parasitic. Accurate diagnosis is important because similar-looking conditions may require entirely different treatments.

Conditions treated include:

• Fungal infections and ringworm

• Bacterial infections

• Recurrent boils and folliculitis

• Warts and molluscum contagiosum

• Herpes simplex and shingles

• Scabies

• Nail infections

• Sexually transmitted skin conditions

• Selected tropical and atypical infections

Laboratory tests, microscopy, cultures or skin sampling may be recommended when the diagnosis is uncertain or the infection is recurrent or resistant.

Pigmentation Disorders

Changes in skin colour may result from inflammation, sun exposure, hormonal influences, medicines or autoimmune disease.

We assess and manage:

• Melasma

• Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation

• Vitiligo

• Freckles and sun-induced pigmentation

• Uneven skin tone

• Facial and body pigmentation

• Drug-related pigmentation

• Pigmentation associated with medical conditions

Treatment is selected according to the cause, skin type, affected area and risk of recurrence. Sun protection is an essential part of most pigmentation-treatment plans.

Hair and Scalp Disorders

Hair loss should be properly diagnosed before starting treatment because it may result from nutritional, hormonal, inflammatory, autoimmune, genetic or medication-related factors.

Common conditions include:

• Male and female pattern hair loss

• Alopecia areata

• Telogen effluvium

• Scarring alopecia

• Post-pregnancy hair shedding

• Dandruff and seborrhoeic dermatitis

• Scalp psoriasis

• Scalp infections

• Hair loss associated with iron, thyroid or nutritional abnormalities

Depending on the findings, treatment may involve topical or oral medicines, injections, laboratory evaluation, platelet-based procedures or hair-restoration planning.

Nail Disorders

Nail changes are not always caused by fungal infection. Psoriasis, eczema, trauma, nutritional abnormalities and systemic diseases may also affect the nails.

We evaluate:

• Thickened or discoloured nails

• Brittle and splitting nails

• Nail psoriasis

• Fungal nail infection

• Ingrown nails

• Inflammation around the nail

• Nail pigmentation

• Nail changes associated with systemic disease

Persistent dark streaks, unexplained bleeding or rapidly changing nail pigmentation should be examined without delay.

Urticaria and Skin Allergies

Urticaria, commonly known as hives, causes raised, itchy swellings that may appear and disappear within hours. Some patients may also develop swelling of the eyelids, lips, hands or feet.

Assessment may include:

• Duration and pattern of symptoms

• Possible medicine, food or infection-related triggers

• Features suggesting chronic spontaneous urticaria

• Physical triggers such as pressure, heat, cold or exercise

• Relevant investigations when clinically indicated

Treatment focuses on symptom control, trigger recognition and safe long-term management.

Autoimmune and Connective-Tissue Skin Diseases

Some autoimmune diseases initially present through changes in the skin, hair, nails or blood vessels.

We assess and manage conditions such as:

• Cutaneous lupus erythematosus

• Dermatomyositis

• Localized and systemic scleroderma

• Autoimmune blistering diseases

• Vasculitis

• Lichen planus

• Morphea

• Other connective-tissue disorders affecting the skin

These conditions may require blood tests, skin biopsy, multidisciplinary assessment and carefully monitored systemic treatment.

Blistering and Severe Inflammatory Disorders

Persistent blisters, erosions or peeling skin require specialist evaluation. Possible causes include autoimmune blistering diseases, infections, drug reactions and inherited conditions.

Diagnosis may require:

• Clinical examination

• Skin biopsy

• Direct immunofluorescence

• Blood tests

• Review of current and recently used medicines

Early diagnosis can help reduce complications and prevent unnecessary treatment.

Moles, Growths and Suspected Skin Cancer

We assess moles and other skin growths for changes that may require further investigation or removal.

Evaluation is advised for a lesion that:

• Changes in size, shape or colour

• Develops irregular borders

• Bleeds without an obvious reason

• Forms a persistent ulcer or crust

• Does not heal

• Becomes painful or repeatedly inflamed

• Looks different from the patient’s other moles

Dermoscopy, biopsy or surgical removal may be recommended according to the clinical findings.

Other Conditions

Medical dermatology also includes the diagnosis and management of:

• Rosacea

• Hidradenitis suppurativa

• Excessive sweating

• Keloids and abnormal scars

• Skin tags and benign growths

• Lichen planus

• Photosensitivity disorders

• Mouth and genital skin conditions

• Pressure-related and chronic wounds

• Medicine-induced skin reactions

• Skin manifestations of systemic diseases

Comprehensive Dermatological Assessment

A consultation normally begins with a detailed medical history and examination. Patients should mention previous treatments, allergies, current medicines and any associated symptoms.

When required, investigations may include:

• Dermoscopy

• Skin scraping or microscopy

• Bacterial or fungal culture

• Patch testing for contact allergy

• Blood investigations

• Skin or nail biopsy

• Histopathology

• Direct immunofluorescence

• Photographic monitoring

• Referral for assessment by another medical specialty

Not every patient requires laboratory testing. Investigations are selected only when they may clarify the diagnosis or influence treatment.

Personalized Treatment Plans

Skin diseases can behave differently in every patient. Treatment is therefore selected according to:

• Confirmed or suspected diagnosis

• Severity and duration of the condition

• Patient’s age and medical history

• Pregnancy or breastfeeding status

• Previous treatment response

• Medicines and allergies

• Lifestyle and occupational exposure

• Skin type and risk of pigmentation

• Effect on sleep, confidence and quality of life

Treatment options may include prescription skincare, topical medicines, oral medicines, injections, phototherapy, minor surgery or advanced immune-targeted treatment where appropriate. Potential benefits, limitations, monitoring requirements and adverse effects are discussed before treatment is started.

Phototherapy

Controlled medical ultraviolet therapy may be used for selected patients with conditions such as psoriasis, vitiligo, eczema and certain inflammatory skin disorders.

Available treatment planning may include:

• Narrowband UVB phototherapy

• PUVA therapy in appropriately selected cases

• Targeted treatment schedules

• Regular assessment of response and adverse effects

Phototherapy should be performed under medical supervision. It is different from cosmetic tanning and requires appropriate dosing, eye protection and clinical monitoring.

Dermatologic Procedures

When clinically indicated, procedures may include:

• Skin biopsy

• Mole or growth removal

• Electrosurgery

• Cryotherapy

• Intralesional injections

• Nail procedures

• Treatment of warts

• Scar management

• Vitiligo procedures in selected stable cases

• Minor reconstructive dermatologic surgery

Each procedure is planned after examination, and the patient is informed about wound care, expected recovery and possible risks.

When Should You Consult a Dermatologist?

Book a dermatology assessment if you have:

• A rash that persists, spreads or repeatedly returns

• Severe itching affecting sleep or daily activities

• Sudden or progressive hair loss

• Persistent acne or developing acne scars

• Unexplained blisters, ulcers or peeling

• Recurrent skin infections

• Rapidly changing pigmentation

• A changing, bleeding or non-healing mole

• Nail changes that do not improve

• A skin problem associated with fever, joint pain or weakness

• A condition that has not responded to previous treatment

When Is Urgent Medical Care Required?

Seek urgent medical attention for:

• Rapidly spreading rash with fever

• Blistering or peeling of large areas of skin

• Skin reaction with mouth, eye or genital involvement

• Difficulty breathing or swelling of the tongue or throat

• Facial swelling after taking a medicine

• A painful red area accompanied by fever

• Purple or non-blanching spots with systemic illness

These symptoms may represent a serious allergic reaction, severe infection or potentially dangerous drug reaction.

Why Choose Skin Life Clinic?

• Assessment by an experienced consultant dermatologist

• More than 30 years of clinical experience

• Expertise in medical dermatology, dermatosurgery and aesthetic medicine

• Comprehensive skin, hair, scalp and nail evaluation

• Evidence-based and individualized treatment planning

• Access to medical, procedural and phototherapy options

• Appropriate investigation of persistent or difficult conditions

• Emphasis on patient education, safety and follow-up care

About Dr. Tahir Kamal

Dr. Tahir Kamal is a Consultant Dermatologist, Aesthetic Physician and Dermatosurgeon with more than 30 years of experience in the diagnosis and treatment of skin, hair and nail disorders.

Qualifications and appointments:

• MBBS

• FCPS Dermatology

• D.D.Sc. UK, Gold Medalist

• MAACS USA

• CHPE, Gold Medalist

• Professor and Head of Dermatology, Al-Aleem Medical College and Gulab Devi Teaching Hospital

• CPSP Supervisor for FCPS, MD and MCPS

• CPSP Examiner for FCPS and MCPS

His clinical interests include complex medical dermatology, dermatologic surgery, lasers, phototherapy, hair restoration, vitiligo surgery, scar management and regenerative and aesthetic treatments.

Book a Medical Dermatology Consultation

If you have a persistent, recurrent or unexplained skin, hair, scalp or nail condition, arrange a detailed consultation with Dr. Tahir Kamal at Skin Life Clinic.

WhatsApp: +92 333 433 8883
Clinic: Skin Life & Aesthetic Clinic, Lahore

Book an Appointment

Medical information on this page is provided for general education and does not replace an individual consultation, examination or diagnosis by a qualified medical professional.