Welcome to my webpage and thank you for your interest in my work.
My career in Dermatology has spanned over two decades and two continents. I have been fortunate to train in a vast array of skin diseases and have spent my professional life in an endeavor to help people get relief from skin problems and be comfortable in their skin.
My current NHS base is Kingston Hospital NHS Trust where I run clinics on Wednesday mornings for hair loss; biological and advanced therapy for psoriasis, alopecia, urticaria and skin cancer. My private clinics see me treating the length and breadth of dermatology including undertaking minor operative procedures such as mole removals, biopsies, treatment of sun damaged skin and warts with cryotherapy, skin tag removals and Botulinum toxin for excessive sweating.
Having spent the earlier years of my training in Mumbai, India and seen the burden of skin disease there, I am naturally inclined to advise and treat on ethnic skin as I am well aware of the nature of skin problems that arise in skin of colour. I was spurred on to provide a medical clinic for hair loss to put the nature of hair loss in perspective for patients and provide guidance on suitable treatment options.
Having worked with biological therapies, I have seen how it helps people with a significant disease burden from psoriasis - it turns their lives around and helps them to integrate back as productive members of society, clearing their skin and preventing joint destruction. I therefore run the biological clinic at Kingston hospital to help these patients.
Skin cancer is the only cancer that can be seen and I feel very strongly no one should die as a result of this. This is one cancer you can see and treat…and I aim to do just that. Strict screening for skin cancer based on individual skin type, removal via surgery and I integrate assessment by a multidisciplinary team for the best outcome.
Last but not least, over the last decade I have seen more and women come to my clinics with skin and hair problems starting for the first time in their 40s. Our lifestyles are changing, so is the environment we are growing up in, all having an impact on our hormones. Where girls got their periods at 13, they now get their periods at 10. Similarly, where menopause was discussed in the 50s, more and more women in their 40s and even 30s develop symptoms of pre-menopause and menopause. I actively treat this cohort of patients and try and manage their symptoms, as unfortunately these hormonal changes have a negative impact the skin and hair. I have therefore developed an interest in skin and hair health for pre-menopausal and menopausal women.
It is very humbling when people choose me to help them with their problem- whether its hair loss, acne, treating skin cancer or curing a rash. The best part of medicine is no two days and no two patients are the same. This is an exciting time with lots of new research, drugs and therefore more treatment options. I love what I do, am grateful for the trust placed in me and hope to do the best I can to help you with your skin and hair issues.
Thank you for taking the time to read this. Here to help always.
Sincerely,
Archana