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Dermatology
Dermatological treatment
Our appearance largely depends on our skin, along with our hair and nails. Hardly anything provides as much information about our lifestyle and our general wellbeing as what our skin looks like. And being closely interconnected with our internal organs, the skin also provides an indication of any internal health problems we may be suffering from. The work of our dermatology clinic revolves around you, your appearance, and restoring and maintaining your skin’s health. A combination of precise diagnostics, effective prevention and personalized therapy enables us to work with you to diagnose and deal with your medical concerns.
Dermatology in Zurich: diagnosis, treatment and prevention
The skin is the body’s largest organ and the only one whose changes you see yourself every day. That is precisely where dermatology is strongest: much can be detected early, long before it becomes a serious problem. At Swiss Derma Clinic on Löwenstrasse in Zurich we combine specialist experience with instrument-based diagnostics – from mole checks and chronic inflammatory skin conditions to allergy testing.
When to see a dermatologist
Not every change in the skin is urgent, but some should be assessed promptly: new or changing moles, areas that do not heal within a few weeks, persistent itching, sudden hair loss, and rashes that do not respond to over-the-counter products. Regardless of acute symptoms, a regular skin cancer screening is advisable – particularly with fair skin, numerous moles, previous sunburns or a family history of skin cancer.
Diagnostics: seeing what the naked eye cannot
Everything begins with an accurate assessment. Dermoscopy reveals structures within a mole that are invisible without magnification; anything suspicious is documented and compared over time. Where an allergic trigger is suspected, allergy tests establish what your immune system is actually reacting to. For skin quality, pigmentation and vascular structures, an instrument-based skin analysis is also available. The treatment plan follows the findings – never the other way round.
Our dermatological spectrum
- Skin cancer and precancerous lesions: melanoma, non-melanoma skin cancer, actinic keratoses and photodynamic therapy for widespread sun damage.
- Inflammatory skin conditions: atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema, rosacea and perioral dermatitis.
- Acne: from topical treatment to systemic therapy, including acne scarring.
- Allergies: contact allergies and hay fever, food allergies, urticaria and immunotherapy as a treatment of the underlying cause.
- Hair and nails: hair loss, nail fungus and ingrown toenails.
- Paediatric dermatology: skin conditions in children, warts and molluscum contagiosum.
What happens at your appointment
We start with your history: how long the problem has existed, what you have already tried, which medication you take. This is followed by examination of the affected areas – or, at a screening appointment, a full-body examination including the scalp and the spaces between fingers and toes. You will have the findings explained to you along with a concrete next step: treatment, follow-up or further investigation. If a procedure is required, we discuss the process, the alternatives and the costs beforehand.
Costs and health insurance
Medically indicated dermatological services are billed through the Swiss compulsory basic health insurance; as with any medical treatment, your deductible and co-payment apply. Purely aesthetic treatments, by contrast, are paid privately. We tell you which category your case falls into before treatment begins – an overview is available under pricing and vouchers.
Would you like to have a skin concern assessed? You can reach us by phone, via WhatsApp or directly through online booking.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a referral to see a dermatologist?
No. In Switzerland you can consult a dermatology practice directly. The exception is family doctor and HMO insurance models: depending on your policy, the insurer may require you to contact your designated first point of care first. A look at your policy will clarify this, and we are happy to help if you are unsure.
Will my health insurance cover the treatment?
Medically indicated services – such as skin cancer screening where there is a risk profile, assessment of skin lesions, or treatment of atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, acne and allergies – are billed through basic insurance. Your deductible and co-payment apply. Purely aesthetic treatments without a medical reason are paid privately. We classify your case before treatment so there are no surprises.
How often should I have a skin cancer screening?
For most adults an annual full-body examination is appropriate. Where the risk is higher – many or atypical moles, previous skin cancer, a family history, fair skin or immunosuppression – we check more frequently, often every six months. We agree the right interval together after your first full-body examination.
What does a mole check involve?
The examination usually takes 20 to 30 minutes. We assess the entire skin systematically using a dermatoscope, including the scalp, ears, feet and nails. Conspicuous moles are photographed so that any change can be compared objectively at your next visit. We then discuss the findings and, if necessary, the next steps.
How should I prepare for the appointment?
Please come without make-up and without nail polish on fingers and toes so that the face and nail beds can be assessed. It also helps to bring your insurance card, a list of your medication, previous findings, and the skincare or cosmetic products you use. For skin changes that come and go, your own photographs taken during a flare-up are often valuable.
Do you treat children?
Yes. Children’s skin behaves differently from adult skin, and many conditions present differently in childhood. We treat atopic dermatitis, warts, molluscum contagiosum, nappy rash and food allergies, among others, using age-appropriate and gentle approaches.
How quickly can I get an appointment?
Currently available slots are shown in real time in our online booking system and can be booked directly. For urgent concerns – such as a rapidly growing or bleeding lesion – please call us. We try to accommodate these cases at short notice.
What is the difference between dermatology and aesthetic dermatology?
Dermatology treats conditions of the skin, hair and nails: it establishes a diagnosis and treats a medical cause. Aesthetic dermatology starts from healthy skin and improves appearance, skin quality or contour. The two often overlap – for example when acne has left scars that bother you. Our aesthetic services can be found under Aesthetics.
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