DERMATOLOGY

DIAGNOSTICS

Clinics offer precise diagnostics for skin growths, infectious skin diseases, fungi, new growths, birthmarks and other growths. In the majority of cases, the patient has a range of benign growths on their skin (papillomas, angiomas, etc.). Only a dermatologist can recognise which growths are benign and which are malignant. The patient can choose to remove benign and harmless growths for cosmetic reasons. The dermatologist will consult the patient about the safest solutions in any situation.

EXPRESS MICROSCOPIC EXAMINATIONS OF SKIN, NAILS AND HAIR

Nail fungal infections are the most common form of nail ailment. They are observed in over 50% of cases among all altered nails. Since the process is usually painless and is more disruptive aesthetically, this illness is often ignored and left untreated.

SKIN BIOPSY

An invasive method (involving the taking of an analysis sample), which will make it possible to make a precise diagnosis after the performance of laboratory tests.

OPTIC AND DIGITAL DERMASCOPY

An examination helps to determine the nature (benign or malignant) of birthmarks and other pigmented growths and in the choice of the most appropriate means of resolving the problem.

HUMAN BIRTHMARK MAPPING/DATABASE CREATION

Special apparatus is used to create a database of a person’s birthmarks so that their development is observed dynamically, as well as in order to track dislocation of birthmarks in individual parts of the body.

ULTRASOUND SKIN DIAGNOSTICS

Examination of changes in the structure of skin and connective tissue and new growths by means of high frequency skin ultrasound in order to determine the dimensions and type of skin and subcutaneous growths, as well as to choose the appropriate method for removing new skin growths – a surgical operation, laser or other therapy.

SIASCOPY

An examination that makes it possible to determine the activity of the skin growth at depth. For example, in the event of flat growth (melanomas) that tend to be more dangerous than physically disruptive outwardly directed growths.

DETERMINATION OF SKIN MOISTURE AND FAT CONTENT

Diagnostics recommended when commencing treatment of problematic fatty or dry skin. Precise skin diagnostics will make it possible to choose the most appropriate means of medical treatment and skin care.

TESTS TO DETERMINE ALLERGIES

Various tests are available that will help to identify allergies – Scarification or Prick tests (a few drops are dropped onto the skin, which contain the opposite allergen, then the skin in this place in scraped with the help of a lancet. After 15 minutes on average, the skin reaction (reddening or oedema) can be read after intracutaneous tests (an allergen is injected deeper into the skin which provides more accurate results), specific anti-allergy application tests, as well as photo application tests (performance of application tests is recommended for those people who are sensitive to the rays of the sun.) .

GENETIC ANALYSES

In Latvia, special genetic analyses are conducted, assessing DNA gene mutations in order to evaluate and prevent genetic mutations and negate risk factors that could result in the development of illnesses.

TREATMENT

REMOVAL OF NEW SKIN GROWTHS

New skin growths such as warts and verrucas can be removed using cryodestruction or electrocoagulation methods. Cryodestruction uses liquid nitrogen at a low temperature to destroy the structure of the wart through freezing it. Electrocoagulation destroys pathological tissue using an electric current. Using laser beams, unpleasant warts and other growths can usually be removed during a single visit to a clinic. The procedure is conducted under a local anaesthetic and is painless. Removing the mole, laser energy is exclusively focused on the cells that form the mole. The skin around the mole is not affected. Depending on the number and localisation of moles, the treatment will take 10–30 minutes.

REMOVAL OF BLOOD VESSEL GROWTHS

Various types of lasers are used to eradicate various problems involving blood vessels, as well as congenital pigments and those acquired over the course of life. Laser waves have a selective impact and make it possible to remove congenital blood vessel pathologies and those acquired during one’s life. The latest laser technologies impact the deepest blood vessels, thus eradicating the cause of skin pigmentation at root. During the procedure, the skin is prepared for treatment and the surface layer of the epidermis is cooled to a depth of 1 mm. At the same time, oversight of the skin is preserved in order to ensure that the impact on the treated surface is as effective as possible.

PIGMENT SPOT TREATMENT

Intensely pulsing light systems (IPL) can usually find and heat up pigment spots that have formed on the skin with great accuracy. Target tissue is thermally damaged which is followed by a period of skin rejuvenation. Overall, the process lasts 1 – 2 months over the course of which the skin tone will become significantly lighter and consistent, in addition to which skin pores will be reduced.

Laser treatment of pigment spots is safe and effective. In the area of the face and neck, the treatment usually lasts for 10–20 minutes, while in broader areas such as the chest, it usually lasts for about 30 minutes. Usually, 1–2 treatment sessions are sufficient, but in the case of the removal of older and more extensive pigment spots, up to four treatment sessions may be required. For a couple of days after laser treatment, the pigment spots will become darker, before beginning to pale after 3–7 days. The skin becomes smooth and acquires a beautiful appearance.

PSORIASIS TREATMENT

Laser therapy is one of the most effective methods for treating localised psoriasis, which help to eradicate psoriasis rashes and fully rejuvenate the areas of skin affected by psoriasis. It is a painless and safe procedure. The laser impacts pathologically changed skin cells and normalises their maturity, which renews the structure of cells. During the procedure, all the patient feels is a hot prickling feeling on the skin, but the skin does not heat up and is not damaged. A few days after this procedure, the skin will start to actively peel off. 5-10 treatment sessions are required to fully eradicate the symptoms of psoriasis. Usually, the course must be repeated 1–2 times a year.

NAIL FUNGUS TREATMENT

Nowadays, nail treatment does not involve nail removal. For several years now, new laser technology has been used to treat nail fungus. Laser energy is tissue is transformed into heat, resulting in an increase in skin temperature (hyperthermia) up to 45C˚. At this temperature, irreversible changes in fungal cells occur. The laser does not damage surrounding tissue or have a negative impact on health. On average, the treatment takes 20–30 minutes and usually 2–3 treatment sessions are required at intervals of 6–8 weeks. Usually, the structure of toenails is fully renewed in 6 to 12 months, and in the case of in fingernails: within 4 to 9 months.

ACNE TREATMENT

At some stage in life over 85% of people will suffer from acne vulgaris. In order to prevent scars from forming, you should consider treatment in a timely manner, and, preferably, start precise and appropriate treatment as soon as possible. It is worth keeping in mind that acne vulgaris can also indicate a hormonal imbalance. Therefore, in cases where acne is acute, tests need to be conducted on the patient’s thyroid gland or ovary hormones to exclude the possibility of that the acne is being caused by hormonal imbalances. Light therapy is suggested as a means of treating acne and problematic skin. The blue light impacts and destroys the bacteria in pores that cause acne, which cause to skin reddening and infection. This therapy treats all skin types and stimulates the body’s natural powers of healing. The treatment takes 20 minutes. Optimal results can be observed 4‒8 weeks after treatment. The standard course incorporates eight light procedures over a period of four weeks.

PREVENTION OF EXCESS SWEATING

The most frequent problem related to sweating is hyperhidrosis, otherwise known as excess sweating. Various treatment methods are available to resolve this problem. Besides physiotherapy and medicines, surgical treatment or a subcutaneous Botulin injection is also possible. The basic goal of injections is to prevent nerve impulses from reaching sweat glands. This procedure is safe and can be performed under outpatient conditions in 15–20 minutes. Accordingly, sweating will be reduced or will stop completely for a period of 4–12 months. The effect will gradually develop 1–2 weeks after the injection.