Your skin & hair questions

Treatment depends on the type, severity and location of the breakouts, and some other skin conditions can resemble acne. An examination helps confirm the diagnosis and guide a suitable plan, especially when breakouts persist despite your usual care.

Flat marks left after acne may be changes in skin colour, while scars alter the skin's texture and may be indented or raised. An examination helps distinguish them because pigmentation and scarring need different approaches.

Squeezing or picking pimples can worsen inflammation and increase the chance of lingering marks or scars. Leave them alone and discuss deep or troublesome breakouts with your dermatologist instead of trying to drain them at home.

Dark spots have different causes, including previous inflammation and skin irritation, so identifying the cause comes first. Sun protection is an important part of care, while products or procedures should be selected for your skin to avoid further irritation.

Improvement takes time, so a few days are usually too soon to judge a plan; fewer breakouts may appear after 6–8 weeks, with clearer skin taking longer. Follow your clinician's instructions and report troublesome irritation instead of repeatedly switching products.

Atopic eczema is not contagious and can flare again with triggers such as soap, heat or stress. Regular moisturising and identifying irritants support skin care; your dermatologist can assess what is needed when flares recur.

A new product may cause irritation or allergic contact dermatitis, but its name alone cannot confirm the cause. Persistent or recurring symptoms deserve an examination and a review of your products; some cases need further testing.

Psoriasis is not contagious and may come and go, causing scaly patches or nail changes. Treatments can help manage it; the most suitable approach depends on the affected areas, symptom severity and impact on everyday life.

Not necessarily: vitiligo is one cause of pigment loss, while some fungal conditions and other problems can also produce lighter patches. Have the area examined before trying creams, because appearance alone is not enough to choose treatment.

Hives can relate to food, medicines, infections, heat or pressure on the skin, and sometimes the cause is unclear. Recurring episodes deserve assessment and a review of possible triggers rather than broad food restrictions.

No: eczema may look brown, grey, lighter or darker than the surrounding skin, depending on skin tone. Itching, dryness, scaling and texture changes matter too, so an examination is more useful than matching your skin to an online photo.

Some fungal infections, such as ringworm, can spread through contact or shared towels and personal items. Not every itchy patch is fungal, so assessment helps establish the cause, especially when the scalp is affected or symptoms are spreading.

Warts are caused by a virus and can spread through contact; avoid picking, scratching or cutting them. A growth on the face or genitals, or one that changes or bleeds, should be assessed to confirm the diagnosis and choose suitable care.

Skin tags differ from warts and moles and are usually harmless; removal may be considered if they are bothersome or for cosmetic reasons. Confirm what the growth is first, and avoid cutting or tying it off at home because of bleeding, infection and scarring risks.

These changes can occur with fungal infections or other conditions, including nail psoriasis, so appearance alone is not enough. Your clinician may request a nail sample before selecting treatment, particularly before prescribing oral medicines.

Hair loss has many causes, so assessment starts with your health history and examination of the hair and scalp. Tests and supplements are not the same for everyone; your clinician chooses what is appropriate for the findings and suspected cause.

Shedding can increase after childbirth or illness and may improve over time, but not every case has the same cause. Ongoing loss or noticeable bald patches should be examined to clarify the diagnosis and likely course.

Dandruff is common and not contagious, but scalp flakes can also be linked to eczema, psoriasis or other conditions. Persistent symptoms, severe itching or swelling deserve assessment rather than repeatedly changing shampoo alone.

Hair usually needs months to respond, and results depend on the cause and treatment; full regrowth is not possible in every case. Follow-up helps your clinician assess progress and decide whether the plan needs adjusting.

Laser hair removal usually needs several sessions, and response varies with hair colour, skin tone and treatment area. Some regrowth and maintenance treatments are possible, so expectations should be discussed individually without promising complete, permanent removal for everyone.

Share your medicines and supplements, recent tanning or sun exposure, and any history of healing problems. These can affect suitability and timing; follow the preparation and sun-protection instructions given for your individual treatment.

Laser treatment may improve the appearance of some scars, but it cannot guarantee complete removal. The technique, number of sessions and recovery needs depend on the scar, skin and health history and should be discussed after an examination.

Microneedling is not suitable for everyone; a skin infection or deep, inflamed acne may mean postponing it. A clinician should assess your skin and health history first, as unsuitable treatment or aftercare can cause infection, pigment changes or scarring.

Strong peels can cause skin injury, and their strength or depth should not be chosen from someone else's experience. Medical assessment helps determine suitability, realistic outcomes, recovery time and the aftercare you will need.

Prepare a list of your medicines, vitamins, supplements and treatment products, along with the questions you want to discuss. During the visit, ask for clear explanations of the diagnosis, treatment instructions and follow-up plan so you can follow the advice confidently.

Difficulty breathing or swallowing, or sudden swelling of the lips, tongue or throat, needs emergency care immediately; do not wait for a clinic appointment or message reply. A rash with fever, severe pain, blisters or rapid spread also needs urgent medical assessment that day.

Arrange a prompt examination for an unusual new spot, a mole changing in size, shape or colour, or a spot that bleeds or keeps itching. These signs do not establish a diagnosis by themselves, but they need an in-person assessment rather than relying on photos or delaying care.

Yes: tell your clinician if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy or breastfeeding, and list everything you use, including creams and non-prescription medicines. Some skin treatments are unsuitable during these periods, so each product should be reviewed and your plan tailored accordingly.

Al Ayat: Saturday, Monday and Thursday, 12:00 PM–6:00 PM. Sheikh Zayed: Sunday, Tuesday and Wednesday, 2:00 PM–8:00 PM. All hours are Cairo time; please contact the clinic to confirm your visit.

Select the closest description of your concern when requesting a visit. Clinical assessment determines the appropriate plan.

No. Reception must contact you to confirm the day and time.

The clinics are in Al Ayat and Sheikh Zayed, Giza. Visitors from 6 October may choose Sheikh Zayed according to their location.

Response varies by individual and procedure. Expectations, risks and alternatives are discussed during consultation.