Spironolactone is a medication that has been around since the 1950s. It functions as a diuretic medication (promotes water loss) and is licensed in the UK for the treatment of blood pressure and heart failure.

So what does this have to do with acne?

As with many medications, they often come onto the market for a specific medical problem and then we realise the drug itself has a number of other actions. In otherwise fit, young healthy women, without a background of kidney or heart problems, it is also an extremely effective drug for adult acne.

Acne can be distressing if you suffer from PCOS

How does Spironolactone work for acne?

Acne is caused by an interplay between hormones and genetics. Hormones known as androgens drive oil production in the skin which is part of the process in acne development. Spironolactone is an ‘anti-androgen’ drug and reduces the level of androgen hormones in the skin. The knock-on effect is reduced activity of the oil glands. Scientific studies have shown that it is able to reduce oil production at starting doses of 50-100mg daily.

Who is Spironolactone useful for?

Spironolactone is often a good treatment for women with PCOS

At Elan Medical Skin Clinic we often use Spironolactone in the following circumstances:

1. Post-teenage women with acne
2. Acne that flares up with menstruation
3. Women with acne that aren’t suitable for Roaccutane or do not wish to take it
4. Women with a condition called Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)

Who should not take Spironolactone?

It is not a suitable treatment for male patients with acne, as it is not a good idea to reduce androgen hormones in men. It is also not suitable for those with underlying heart or kidney problems. It should also not be taken if you are trying to conceive, are pregnant or breastfeeding.

What happens next?

If you would like to discuss this or any other treatment for acne, we provide a responsive service that aims to set your mind at ease and ensure you are fully informed before booking your dermatology consultation.

How do I book an appointment?

You can either call Elan Medical Skin Clinic on 01268 770660 between 9.30am and 5pm Monday to Saturday or you can click here to fill in a contact form and one of our reception team will contact you by phone or email, whichever you prefer. You will be asked to pay your initial consultation fee by credit or debit card on confirming your appointment.

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Our lips thin with age and demonstrate less fullness and projection when viewed both in front and in profile This process is called soft tissue atrophy and commonly affects the lips and corner of the mouth. As these areas become less plump, they wrinkle more easily and the mouth develops a “mouth frown”, a very ageing sign. Another ageing sign are smoker’s lines or vertical lip wrinkles in the skin on the top lip resulting from the constant use of certain facial expressions such as pursing lips, chewing, sipping from a straw or bottle and even talking. These wrinkles can become evident form an early age especially if one has an overactive muscle around the mouth.

Creating natural looking improvements in the lip area often requires a combination of treatment modalities.

At Elan Medical Skin Clinic, our Nurse Consultant has over 20 years experience in creating natural looking improvements aroud the lips and mouth. ‘ Treatments should always look natural and not over-done”.

“We often combine a combination of treatments to the lip and mouth area, in order to achieve a natural looking lips” says Sue Ibrahim, “and ageing lips require a very gentle touch”.

At Elan Medical Skin Clinic we are dedicated to providing our patients with the highest standards of care.

Click here to read what our patients are currently saying about treatments at Elan Medical Skin Clinic.

Book your free consultation today!

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If you have itchy skin, your initial consultation is your first step to resolving the problem.

Gel manicures are extremely popular, even our Dermatology Nurse Consultant has them. However, the British Association of Dermatologist has issued a warning about the growing number of women that are presenting with irritant contact dermatitis in sensitive areas of the skin, such as the eyes and the genital area from a chemical used in Gel nail varnish.

Dermatitis can be triggered by gel manicures

Gel nails, acrylic nails and gel polish nails all contain high quantities of an irritant chemical called Meth acrylate. Like most substances that cause irritant contact dermatitis, you may not notice an allergy immediately. The allergy is more likely to become more prevalent with constant use. Following a gel manicure, if you then touch your eyes or other sensitive areas, this can flare up an allergic reaction in that area.

According to Sue Ibrahim, we are seeing a growing number of skin issues of this nature in Essex. ‘The fashion for Gel nails and gel polish in Essex is huge at the moment and we are not surprised that we are seeing a rise in skin allergies caused by the chemicals contained with the products as well as the solvents that are used to remove the polish or the acrylic nails”.

How do I book a Dermatology Consultation?

If you have an itchy rash, you can book a dermatology consultation by calling Elan Medical Skin Clinic on 01268 770600 between the hours of 9.30-5pm Monday to Saturday. Or you click here to fill in a contact form. Elan Medical Skin Clinic is regulated by the Care Quality Commission.

Click here to read what our patients are currently saying about Elan Medical Skin Clinic in Rayleigh, Essex.

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When Profhilo is injected into the neck and jowl area of the skin, we can create a durable lift and tightening of the skin over the next few weeks. After just two-three sessions there is a further gradual tightening of the skin with restored firmness.

Profhilo is a revolutionary new concept in injectable skin treatments as it is not a skin filler.

“When is filler not a filler? When it’s Profhilo, one of the new breed of beneath-the-skin moisturising treatments, which has to be one of the quickest and most effective cosmetic fixes I have ever tried” Alice Hart-Davis in  The Telegraph

Neck Rejuvenation at Elan Medical Skin Clinic in Essex

In some cases, we combine Profhilo with Botox in the neck and jowl area to further improve the contours of the jaw and the signs of ageing in the neck.

For some patients skin tightening treatments would be recommended for neck skin laxity in conjunction with, or instead of Profhilo.

At Elan Medical Skin Clinic in Essex, our award-winning nurse consultant, Sue Ibrahim, has almost 20 years’ experience in cosmetic dermatology and aesthetic medicine and was runner-up in the National Safety in Beauty Awards 2016. Sue Ibrahim has also been nominated and is in the finals of the Aesthetic Nurse of The Year category 2018.

All new patients receive a full consultation and medical assessment before their neck rejuvenation treatment. Your cosmetic consultation includes a general assessment of your needs and a discussion about the range of treatment options available, both at Elan Medical Skin Clinic and those available elsewhere.

We will work with you and are here to help you make the right decision.

Click here to read what our patients are currently saying about Elan Medical Skin Clinic

Give Elan Medical Skin Clinic a call on 01268 770660 today to book your Aesthetic Consultation with our experienced Nurse Practitioner.

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Whether you are concerned about a suspicious mole, or keen to keep a close eye on all your skin changes, our Nurse Consultant in Dermatology at Elan Medical Skin Clinic in Rayleigh, Essex can provide you with the reassurance that you will receive the correct diagnosis in a timely fashion. Appointments for skin cancer screening or mole checks can normally be booked within a few days. For the small number of patients diagnosed with skin cancer, a proactive approach is more likely to lead to less treatment and an improved cosmetic and overall outcome.

Skin Cancer Screening is more than just checking moles with a naked eye

When should I get my moles checked?

If a mole has changed recently, or it has suspicious features, your GP will arrange referral to a plastic surgeon or dermatologist who has a special interest in skin cancer. This service is available in the NHS, although waiting times to be seen in a clinic can be many weeks, or privately if you have medical insurance or want to pay for treatment. Mole removal is advised if you have noticed a mole that:

• Has increased in size
• Has changed in colour
• Is over 7mm in size
• Has an irregular shape
• Has an irregular colour
• Is inflamed or oozing

Although the majority of moles that present with these clinical signs will not be cancerous, a small proportion will contain malignant cells and may require further treatment following initial mole removal. Black or dark brown moles may be a sign of melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer that can result in patient mortality. If you have noticed any of the above features you should consider seeking medical advice.

Skin Cancer Screening

This service is for anyone with concerns about new or growing moles. This involves a detailed examination of your moles, and a complete skin examination, to give you peace of mind and ensure early detection of any problems.

Skin lesions being checked using a special piece of equipment called a dermatoscope

One-Stop Mole Removal

This fast-track service is for anyone that wants a mole removing because it is suspicious of cancer or they feel it is unsightly. You can book an appointment at our Medical Skin Clinic in Rayleigh, Essex. Moles removed within the clinic will be sent to a pathologist for interpretation.

How do I book an appointment?

You can either call Elan Medical Skin Clinic on 01268 770660 between 9.30am and 5pm Monday to Saturday or you can book your skin cancer screening appointment by going to our online booking form and one of our reception team will contact you by phone or email, whichever you prefer. You will be asked to pay your initial consultation fee by credit or debit card on confirming your appointment.

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Non-surgical rhinoplasty is a medical procedure in which injectable fillers, most commonly hyaluronic acid, are used to alter and shape a person’s nose without invasive surgery. It is a safe, non-invasive alternative to the traditional rhinoplasty and is sometimes referred to as the ‘3o minute nose job’.

Rhinoplasty is one of the most popular cosmetic facial procedures, but many patients are worried about they may look after surgery. As a new alternative to nose reshaping surgery (rhinoplasty), small amounts of hyaluronic acid filler is injected into the nose to straighten and soften sharp angles, fill depressions, or change the shape of the tip of the nose to give it a lifted appearance. This quick technique results in better symmetry and more defined nose contours.

If it is the shape of your nose, rather than its size, that is causing concern then a non-surgical rhinoplasty is an excellent, affordable option for those who want to change the shape of their nose without invasive surgery, as there is no excessive downtime, no general anaesthetic and no prolonged healing. The patient retains complete control over the procedure, as they are able to see the results unfold as the injections are administered.

This procedure is less expensive than a surgical nose job (rhinoplasty) and can be reversed via hyalase injections should the result not be in line with expectations. Unlike a surgical rhinoplasty, the non-surgical results are immediate and can last up to a year.

The following conditions are easily treated with a non-surgical rhinoplasty:

• Bumps or deformities on the bridge of the nose
• A nose that is not symmetrical.
• A nose bends to one side or is out of shape.
• A flat nose with no shape.

It is normal practice to do the treatment over 2-3 sessions, to gradually add the filler, so as not to cause build up of excessive pressure. The procedure is extremely safe but you may experience a small amount of bruising or swelling, and some redness at the needle entry points.

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Have you ever had Botox? Who treated you? Would you recommend them?

Do lip fillers hurt? How to choose the best filler?

Do you think I need cosmetic surgery?

Facebook chat group discussing cosmetic treatments.

The group is moderated by our team of skin experts at Elan Medical Skin Clinic, but it is your group. We are just there to ensure all posts are genuine and not offensive. We do not allow advertising in our group but you can certainly tell people where not to go for a cosmetic treatment if you feel that you were treated badly or if you feel that you had wasted your money.

Cosmetic treatments can be expensive, they can also be extremely cheap. We believe that you shouldn’t merely choose a cosmetic practitioner based on price. Choose a cosmetic clinic based on the experience of others, check out reviews and don’t forget to ask the right questions?

Is this practitioner a Cosmetic Doctor, a Surgeon or a Nurse?

Is this a registered medical clinic? If so, who is the clinic registered with?

Will I be offered a free follow-up appointment?

And most of all, does has this practitioner demonstrated that they are competent to carry out the procedure I am about to have? If something doesn’t feel right then do not go ahead with treatment on the same day as your consultation. Do more homework.

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As we get older, the levels of hyaluronic acid (HA) that we all naturally have in our bodies decrease. Our skin looks drier, loses its firmness and its youthful glow, resulting in what skincare specialists call ‘skin laxity’. Profhilo has been voted ‘Product Innovation of the Year’ in 2016 and ‘Best Skin Enhancement Device’ in 2015 within the aesthetics industry.

Profhilo is a bio-remodelling and stimulatory product which works to remodel your skin. Although based on hyaluronic acid technology, it is not a volumising dermal filler. Profhilo uses their proprietary HydroLift® Action (bioregenerating effect in the epidermis & the remodelling action of the dermis) by integrating the levels of endogenous hyaluronic acid and it is able to optimise the HydroLift® Action thanks to a slow, long lasting release of high and low molecular weight hyaluronic acid.

As a stabilised product Profhilo lasts in the skin around 28 days. During this time the stimulation of 4 different types of collagen and elastin takes place by slow release of HA, at the same time it improves skin tone, texture, hydration and radiance. Profhilo counteracts skin laxity through a remodelling action of collagen and elastin fibres. It creates volume in the tissue where it is needed due to its high spreadability Therefore we cannot say that Profhilo is a skin booster as it also has a significant tightening / lifting effect on the tissue.

Profhilo Bio-remodelling treatment at Elan Medical Skin Clinic in Rayleigh, Essex

The product, once injected integrates within the tissue to:

• increase firmness and elasticity
• increase facial fullness with a tightening and lifting effect

In studies on Profhilo the following results have been obtained:

• After 4 weeks from treatment – improvement in lines & tightness of the skin
• After 8 weeks from treatment – definite lifting and tightening of the skin, more hydrated, in better health, increased firmness & elasticity

Why Choose Elan Medical Skin Clinic

Profhilo is registered as a medical device and as such, it should only ever be administered in a clinical environment by experienced medical practitioners. It should not be injected by beauty therapists or those claiming to be medical aestheticians.

Sue Ibrahim has over 30 years experience in dermatology and aesthetic medicine. She opened Elan Medical Skin Clinic 20 years ago and has many years experience in injectable facial fillers. Take a look at what our patients are currently saying about us: Read our Reviews

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Bitten by an insect? Sue Ibrahim from Elan Medical Skin Clinic in Rayleigh, Essex explains what you should do.

There’s no denying that this summer has been glorious so far, says Sue Ibrahim at Elan Medical Skin Clinic in Rayleigh, Essex. But the sunshine has led to more people than usual being bitten by insects and it seems that the horsefly population has exploded.

According to the BBC, calls to the NHS helpline 111 about insect bites are almost double the rate they normally are at this time of year and senior doctors are reporting incidents of patients being treated in hospital for infected horsefly bites.

One explanation for the rise in the number of horseflies is standing water, such as garden paddling pools, where they and other insects thrive. The advice is to drain paddling pools after use.

What should I do if I’ve been bitten by an insect?

“I find hydrocortisone cream alongside antihistamine tablets works best,” says Sue, a nurse consultant in dermatology with more than 30 years’ experience of treating skin conditions.

“When should you see a doctor? When the bite becomes infected and starts to go red or you develop a high temperature.”

Exposed skin is appealing to insects, so if you are prone to being bitten, we advise you to consider wearing loose-fitting, longer sleeved tops and trousers. Swimming in lakes and rivers is also best avoided.

Unfortunately, there is not much evidence behind plug-in insect repellent devices.

For more advice, please contact us.

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