Diagnosing skin conditions

Your GP or dermatologist will perform a range of tests to diagnose your skin condition.

These include:

  • Skin biopsy
  • Blood test
  • X-rays
  • MRI/CT scans
  • Allergy testing
  • Swab (taken from a sensitive area, e.g. the mouth)

And, not forgetting, a physical examination of your skin complaint.

Many of these tests are standard diagnostic tools which are used to help determine the causes of any medical condition. They are tried and tested and very effective at doing so.

Both your GP and the dermatologist will examine you as well as asking questions about your symptoms and health in general. Be open and honest with this. If a close member of your family has had the same skin condition as you then mention this.

It is important that you do this as many skin conditions are inherited which means that they run in families. This genetic link may the cause of your particular condition.

The outcome is a confirmation or rejection of the initial diagnosis.