Cromer Dermatology Unit
Our Dermatology department is a nurse-led unit, it was developed initially as an offshoot from the Dermatology department at NNUH. The doctors still work in both departments whereas the nurses at Cromer and District Hospital have now created an individual unit which is able to offer the same specialised services as those available in Norwich.
There are now three medical consultants, a nurse consultant, registrar doctors and a North Norfolk GP with expertise in dermatology, which enables the service to offer a wide range of treatments and increase the number of people treated at Cromer. All consultants are based in Norwich and drive up to Cromer and District Hospital.
The Cromer dermatology department is a compact friendly unit next to the out-patient area.
In addition to the out-patient clinic, the services include:
Skin Surgery
Patients are able to have their skin biopsy’s undertaken by the nursing staff to determine whether they have a need for further surgery on their skin lesions, or to have other treatments for pre cancers.
Patch Testing
Patch testing in Cromer is similar to Patch Testing in Norwich but in Cromer the patches are put on the back on Friday and patients re-attend on Tuesday for a reading.
Dermatology Treatments
Many benefit from an appointment with a dermatology nurse to show how much cream to use and how to apply it effectively and safely. The nurses can also help with bandaging for some leg ulcers.
Ultraviolet Treatment
The treatment available at Cromer and District Hospital includes narrowband ultraviolet B given in a cabinet for treatment of common conditions such as psoriasis and eczema when creams are no longer working. The treatment can also help with rarer conditions such as skin lymphoma.
Local PUVA treatment is used for difficult psoriasis and eczema localised to the hands or feet.
Photodynamic Therapy
Photodynamic Therapy is used to treat some types of early skin cancer using cream and red light. The service also uses a new treatment called Daylight PDT which involves using a sensitising cream and sunlight.
Iontophoresis
Some people with excessive, disabling sweating from the hands or feet find a course of Iontophoresis treatment helpful.
Biologics
People who are on the new biologic drugs for their skin are monitored with blood tests and appointments, biologic drugs are generally effective and well tolerated and safe in most patients but they must be monitored regularly.
Acne
Patients who are on Roaccutane drugs for their acne have regular blood tests and monitoring.
If you need information leaflets about skin conditions visit British Association of Dermatologists .