Top 10 Skin Conditions Dermatologists Treat (And How They Can Help)

When something changes with your skin, hair or nails, it can be difficult to know whether to wait, try something from the pharmacy or see a health professional. This is where a dermatologist can help.

Dermatologists are specialist doctors trained to diagnose and manage conditions affecting the skin, hair and nails. Some conditions are relatively straightforward, while others can look remarkably similar despite requiring quite different treatment. A dermatologist can establish a diagnosis, investigate possible underlying causes where necessary and develop an individual treatment or management plan.

Here are 10 common skin and hair conditions seen in dermatology practices — and some of the ways a dermatologist may be able to help.

1. Acne

Let’s be honest, Acne certainly isn’t just a teenage problem. It can persist into adulthood or develop for the first time later in life, and its causes can be complex. Hormones, genetics, excess sebum production, blocked follicles and inflammation can all contribute. Treatment depends on the type and severity of acne and may include topical treatments, prescription medication and other therapies. Acne can also leave persistent pigmentation and scarring after active breakouts have settled, which may require a different treatment approach.

Seeing a dermatologist can be particularly worthwhile if acne is persistent, painful, causing scarring or affecting your lifestyle in some way. 

2. Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)

Itchy,dry, red or inflamed skin that keeps returning may be eczema. Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition that frequently begins in childhood, although adults can also experience it.

The skin barrier plays an important role in eczema, and symptoms can be influenced by irritants, allergens, climate and other individual triggers. Treatment therefore isn’t simply about making the itching disappear. A dermatologist can help identify the type of eczema or dermatitis involved, look for possible triggers and recommend an appropriate management strategy. Persistent eczema can also become infected, making professional assessment particularly important when symptoms change or worsen.

3. Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a chronic autoimmune skin disease that causes skin cells to build up more rapidly than usual. This can result in well-defined, thickened, scaly areas of skin, commonly affecting the elbows, knees and scalp, although psoriasis can occur elsewhere. Importantly, psoriasis isn’t simply dry skin and isn’t the same condition as eczema.

Depending on its type and severity, treatment may include topical therapies, phototherapy and systemic treatments. Because psoriasis can be a long-term condition and may also be associated with other health issues, ongoing medical management can be important.

4. Rosacea

Persistent facial redness, flushing, visible blood vessels and acne-like bumps can all be signs of rosacea. It most commonly affects the central face and can vary considerably from person to person. Sun exposure, heat, alcohol, spicy foods and other factors may trigger symptoms in some people, although individual triggers differ. It can be common in  adults over 30. 

Treatment also depends on the particular features of rosacea. Dermatological management may include skincare advice and medical treatments, while vascular laser may be considered for some visible blood vessels and persistent redness.

5. Skin Cancer

Australia continues to have one of the highest rates of melanoma in the world. The Australian Institute of Health and Welfare estimated that around 17,400 new cases of melanoma were diagnosed in Australia in 2025, with an estimated age-standardised incidence rate of approximately 63 cases per 100,000 people.

Dermatologists diagnose and manage melanoma and other skin cancers, including basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma. Assessment may involve examining a suspicious lesion using dermoscopy, monitoring changes and, where appropriate, taking a biopsy or surgically removing a lesion. A new or changing spot, a sore that doesn’t heal, or a lesion that looks noticeably different from your other spots should be professionally assessed rather than self-diagnosed.

6. Warts

Warts are caused by infection with certain types of human papillomavirus (HPV) and can occur on many areas of the body, particularly the hands and feet. Some warts disappear without treatment, but others can persist, spread or become uncomfortable. Treatment options vary according to the type, size and location of the wart and the individual patient. Another reason to have an unusual growth assessed is to confirm that it is actually a wart. Not every raised or rough skin lesion is what it first appears to be.

7. Dermatitis (Contact and Seborrheic)

“Dermatitis” is a broad term describing inflammation of the skin rather than one single disease. Contact dermatitis, for example, may occur after exposure to an irritant or due to an allergic reaction to a particular substance. Seborrhoeic dermatitis tends to affect oilier areas such as the scalp, face and around the nose and can cause flaking, redness and irritation.

Working out which form of dermatitis is present is important because management can differ. In some circumstances, additional investigation such as patch testing may be recommended to help identify an allergic trigger.

8. Hair Loss (Alopecia)

Hair loss is another area of medicine in which diagnosis really matters. There are many different forms of hair loss, including androgenetic alopecia (pattern hair loss), alopecia areata, telogen effluvium and inflammatory or scarring forms of alopecia. Hair loss can be influenced by genetics, hormones, autoimmune disease, illness, medications, nutritional factors and physiological stress. Rapid weight loss can also trigger telogen effluvium, resulting in diffuse shedding several months after the initial trigger.

A dermatologist can examine the pattern of hair loss and scalp and, where appropriate, arrange further investigations to determine the likely cause before recommending treatment.

9. Fungal Infections

Fungal infections can affect the skin, scalp and nails and include conditions such as athlete’s foot, ringworm and fungal nail infections. While some are relatively easy to recognise, fungal infections can sometimes resemble eczema, psoriasis or other skin disorders. This is another example of why an accurate diagnosis can be more useful than repeatedly experimenting with over-the-counter products. Depending on the infection and where it occurs, treatment may involve topical or oral antifungal medication.

10. Hyperpigmentation and Melasma

Pigmentation is not one single condition. Freckles, sunspots, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and melasma can all create darker or uneven areas of skin, but their causes, and therefore their treatment, can be quite different. Melasma, in particular, can be complex and recurrent. UV exposure, hormones, genetics, inflammation and heat may all play a role. Pigment can also occur at different depths within the skin, which is one reason a product or treatment that helps one form of pigmentation may not suit another.

A dermatologist or experienced medical practitioner can assess the type of pigmentation before discussing options such as skincare, topical treatment, chemical peels, laser or other technologies where appropriate.

Why Diagnosis Comes Before Treatment

One recurring themes across these conditions is that skin problems aren’t always what they initially appear to be. Red skin could represent rosacea, eczema, contact dermatitis or another inflammatory condition. A flaky scalp might be seborrhoeic dermatitis or psoriasis. A brown mark might be harmless pigmentation, or it might need further investigation. That is why a consultation and diagnosis can be more important than choosing a treatment right away.

Your practitioner can consider your symptoms, medical history, medications, skin type, previous treatments and other relevant factors before discussing what may be appropriate. If you’re considering a procedural, laser, or dermal treatment, a consultation also gives you the chance to understand potential risks, expected outcomes, recovery, and aftercare before deciding whether to proceed.

When Should You See a Dermatologist?

You don’t necessarily need to see a dermatologist for every minor skin concern. However, professional assessment is worth considering if your skin condition isn’t improving with over-the-counter products, if it persists, repeatedly returns, changes unexpectedly, doesn’t respond to appropriate treatment, or affects your day-to-day life. New or changing skin lesions should also be assessed, particularly if they change in size, shape or colour, bleed unexpectedly or fail to heal.

Dermatologists are specialists in skin, hair and nail disease, so they can also investigate conditions where the diagnosis isn’t immediately obvious.

Pro tip: Australians are encouraged to have an annual skin check, especially if they have fair skin or a history of sun exposure.

Looking After Your Skin Health

Skin health isn’t only about appearance. Our skin is an organ with an important role in protecting the body from the external environment, helping regulate temperature and providing immune and sensory functions. If something doesn’t seem right, getting an accurate diagnosis is often the best place to start.

At ENRICH Clinic and the Dermatology Institute of Victoria in South Yarra, patients have access to dermatologists and other experienced medical and dermal practitioners for a range of skin, hair and aesthetic concerns. A consultation allows the team to assess your individual concern and discuss whether monitoring, medical management, skincare or treatment may be appropriate.

Book a consultation with our dermatology team to get personalised recommendations, including professional-grade treatments and products.