City Dermatology Clinic

11/02/2026

Remember that little skin tag you’ve always had? What if one day it suddenly changed – perhaps becoming red, sore, or even painful? Your first thought might be, "Oh no, it must be infected!" It's a natural assumption, but what if we told you that what looks like an infection might actually be something else entirely?

It’s incredibly common for people to misinterpret changes in their skin tags. You might experience a bit of redness and soreness after a day of friction from your favourite necklace or a tight shirt. This is often just irritation, a temporary reaction that usually resolves on its own. While uncomfortable, it’s generally not a cause for serious alarm.

However, a true infection is a different story, and it stems from a breach in the skin tag's surface. This can happen if it’s been repeatedly rubbed, scratched, or twisted, allowing bacteria to enter and cause significant inflammation. If you're dealing with an actual infection, you're likely to experience persistent pain, increasing redness, swelling, noticeable warmth, or even some discharge. These symptoms indicate a bacterial involvement that needs attention beyond simply avoiding friction.

To complicate matters further, some skin tags, especially those with a narrow stalk, can twist upon themselves. This cuts off their blood supply, leading to sudden, sharp pain, a dramatic darkening of the skin tag, and considerable inflammation. This condition, known as torsion, can look remarkably similar to an infection and can be quite distressing, but its management differs significantly.

Trying to self-diagnose these nuanced conditions can lead to unnecessary worry or, worse, improper care. That’s why a precise clinical assessment is so important. At the City Dermatology Clinic London, our experts specialise in accurately distinguishing between irritation, torsion, infection, and other dermatological conditions that might resemble a skin tag issue. Our goal is to provide you with the correct diagnosis and the peace of mind that comes with professional insight.

04/02/2026

We welcome Dr. Vasiliki Manou, a London-based Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, to the City Dermatology Clinic team. Dr. Manou specializes in microsurgery, complex breast reconstruction, and 3D-printed surgical solutions. Previously at Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, she is also a medical researcher and advocate for patient care and breast cancer research. Our patients will greatly benefit from her expertise.

26/01/2026

Healing after mole removal happens in stages and varies depending on the removal method, location of the mole, and individual skin healing.

Shave excision involves removing a raised or dome-shaped mole at skin level under local anaesthetic. Because stitches are not usually required, healing occurs from the surface downward rather than through a closed incision.

In the first few days, the treated area typically appears red and slightly raw, with a shallow wound where the mole was removed. A scab usually forms within 24 hours. Mild oozing or spotting can occur initially and is part of normal early healing.

Over the following one to two weeks, the scab dries and gradually darkens as the skin underneath repairs itself. During this stage, the area may feel tight or itchy. It is important not to pick the scab, as this can delay healing and increase the risk of scarring.

Once the scab separates naturally, new skin becomes visible. This skin is often pink or lighter than the surrounding area and may appear slightly indented. This is a normal part of the healing process and does not indicate a problem.

Over the next several weeks, the colour of the new skin usually fades and blends more with the surrounding skin. In some cases, a flat, faint mark remains. The final appearance depends on individual healing response, skin type, and the size and depth of the original mole.

23/01/2026

Skin tags are common, benign skin growths that often develop in areas where the skin rubs together, such as the neck, underarms, groin, eyelids, and other skin folds. They vary in size and appearance and are usually harmless, but can sometimes become irritated or catch on clothing or jewellery.

In this video, Mr Parviz Sadigh explains what skin tags are, why they develop, and how they are assessed in a clinical setting. The discussion covers how skin tags differ from other raised skin lesions and why accurate identification is important before any treatment is considered.

The video also outlines general considerations around skin tag removal, including how size, location, and skin type can influence management and healing. As with all skin lesions, suitability for removal is determined following assessment, and outcomes vary between individuals.

21/01/2026

Mole mapping is often seen as a reassurance tool, but its value depends on how and when it’s used.

It documents how the skin looks over time. It does not assess risk, make a diagnosis, or replace clinical judgement. Some melanomas show concerning features before visible change, and surface photography cannot assess what lies beneath the skin.

For most people, a dermatologist-led skin examination with dermoscopy provides more meaningful information than routine mole mapping. In selected high-risk patients, mole mapping can be helpful as a supporting tool, not a substitute for proper assessment.

19/01/2026

Many skin concerns look similar at first glance. An assessment allows a clinician to understand what’s there and explain appropriate options clearly - so decisions are informed and considered.

14/01/2026

More people than ever are travelling abroad for cosmetic surgery, but many are returning with complications that require urgent NHS care.

From infections and wound breakdown to unplanned revisions, over 50% of patients who return after surgery abroad experience moderate to severe complications. In some NHS trusts, the cost of treating these cases has reached hundreds of thousands of pounds, with individual cases costing up to £19,500.

This isn’t about blame, it’s about awareness. Choosing where and how to undergo surgery is personal. But it’s vital to consider aftercare, regulation, and the availability of structured support if things don’t go as planned.

The NHS provides emergency care, but it may not cover long-term correction or revision procedures. Before you book, ask questions, understand the risks, and make sure your decision is informed, not just influenced.

10/01/2026

This is how raised facial moles are removed.
Jawline mole removal using a shave technique with cautery, performed by Georgios Pafitanis.

06/01/2026

A skin biopsy involves removing a small tissue sample for laboratory analysis when visual examination cannot confirm a diagnosis. It's commonly used to investigate suspicious moles, rashes, or skin lesions.

The process: Initial consultation with a dermatologist, same-day biopsy if appropriate, and results typically within 7-10 working days. The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic.

City Dermatology Clinic offers skin biopsy at our Harley Street and City of London locations. Consultant dermatologist Dr Andreea Anton and our plastic surgery team conduct approximately 20 skin cancer screenings monthly alongside diagnostic procedures.

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Private skin biopsy in London with same-day procedures available. Results in 7-10 days. Harley Street and City of London clinics. Book consultation.

05/01/2026

The festive period takes its toll. Between central heating, cold weather, rich foods, and disrupted routines, January skin struggles are real. But a reset doesn't mean ten new products or complicated routines.

Gentle cleansing once or twice daily. Moisturising on damp skin to lock in hydration. SPF 30 every morning - yes, even on grey January days. These basics support skin health more effectively than layering products.

Heated indoor spaces and freezing outdoor temperatures damage your protective barrier. When compromised, you'll notice tightness, flaking, and increased sensitivity.

Moisturiser slides off rather than absorbing. The fix? Apply moisturiser within 60 seconds of cleansing whilst skin is still damp. This locks in water and repairs the barrier faster than any product alone.

Cutting alcohol during Dry January does more than help your liver. Within two weeks, many people notice clearer skin, reduced redness, and fewer breakouts. Alcohol causes dehydration and triggers inflammation in rosacea-prone and acne-prone skin. The science backs this.

Rich foods, dairy, and sugar from December are showing on your face now. Most post-festive breakouts settle as your diet normalises - give it 2 to 4 weeks. But persistent or painful acne needs more than time.

Tight, flaky skin that doesn't respond to moisturiser might be eczema. Persistent redness could be rosacea. Breakouts lasting beyond three weeks or causing scarring need prescription treatment. These are medical conditions requiring dermatological care, not another serum.

At City Dermatology Clinic, our consultant dermatologists provide same-day appointments without GP referral. We diagnose accurately and prescribe what actually works, prescription emollients, topical medications, retinoids, or targeted treatments for real skin conditions.

📍 Central London & Harley Street
🩺 Consultant dermatologists & plastic surgeons
📅 Same-day appointments | No GP referral
💷 Transparent pricing

15/12/2025

In this video, Dr Jana Torres-Grau explains what seborrhoeic keratosis is, why it appears, and the treatment options available. These common, harmless skin growths can often look worrying, but they are not skin cancer and can be safely treated if needed.

The video also covers when removal is appropriate and what to expect from the procedure.

15/12/2025

We’ve just released 4 new procedure videos on our YouTube channel, showing real skin and cyst removals carried out at City Dermatology Clinic.

These videos include mole removals, cyst drainage, and cyst excision procedures, all performed under local anaesthetic by Mr Axel Sahovaler. Each video is designed to help patients understand what to expect, from treatment approach to healing.

If you’re considering treatment or simply want to learn more, you can watch the full videos on our YouTube channel.

📺 Watch now on YouTube
🔍 Search: City Dermatology Clinic

Educational content only. All procedures shown are performed in a clinical setting by a qualified specialist.

Link - https://www.youtube.com//videos