Services
General Dermatology
There are literally thousands of different skin diseases. Dr Judd’s particular interests are in eczema, psoriasis, acne, contact allergy, vitiligo, occupational dermatoses, scabies, fungal infections, frontal fibrosing alopecia, and perioral dermatitis.
We do not do cosmetic dermatology
Rashes which occur in the pediatric age group as part of an infection such as measles or chickenpox are more appropriately dealt with by a General Practitioner or Pediatrician.
NBUVB Phototherapy
We are New Zealand’s leading provider of narrowband UVB (NBUVB) phototherapy, with decades of experience. NBUVB is used to treat psoriasis, vitiligo, eczema, lichen planus, pityriasis lichenoides, idiopathic urticaria, parapsoriasis, and a variety of other conditions.
Most patients have a test strip done first to determine their starting dose. Treatments are usually 2-3 times a week, and a course of treatment could be 3 months (however this is quite variable – some conditions such as vitiligo might need treatment for a year or more).
We have 4 late nights, Saturday mornings, as well as ‘office hours’ in order to fit phototherapy around your other commitments.
Dr Judd is a member of the European Society of Photodermatology
Patch testing
Patch testing is used to investigate contact allergic dermatitis. It involves application of test tapes to the back on Day 1, removing them and checking for reactions on Day 3, and checking again for reactions on Days 5 and 8.
At Anwyl we use the NZ Core or Extended Series (which Dr Judd helped to develop), or our Pediatric Series, plus additional series or allergens depending on the history of exposure. We are also able to do photo-patch testing where this is indicated.
Patch testing is mainly used for eczema which fails to respond to standard treatments, and is occasionally used for patients with a history of metal allergy who require metal joint replacements or dental prostheses, and some cases of chronic urticaria. It is NOT used to investigate food or pollen allergy.
Contact allergic dermatitis is as common in children as it is in adults, but irritant reactions are more common in children, so the tests are more difficult to interpret.
Mole and skin cancer checks, and photographic surveillance of moles
We advise New Zealanders to check their skin a couple of times a year, and to seek a professional advice on any spot that is changing or which looks different to all the others (an odd one out).
Our dermatologist can do a full skin check (clinical and dermatoscopic examination of all moles and lesions) to check for skin cancer. Most skin cancers can be treated on site, but referrals to colleagues will be made where this is appropriate.
We can do photographic surveillance of moles (often referred to as ‘mole-mapping’) - your skin is photographed region by region, and we compare photographs over time to detect changes. At Anwyl photographic surveillance is always accompanied by a clinical and dermatoscopic skin check. Photographic surveillance will not be carried out on those 18 years of age or younger.
Blue and red light phototherapy
Blue and Red Light Phototherapy is suitable for the treatment of mild to moderate acne, affecting the face, chest, or back. Treatments are given twice a week for 4 weeks, alternating between blue and red light exposures. Each treatment lasts 20 minutes, and most people find it pleasant and relaxing. There is no ultraviolet in the lamps used, and so no sunburn or photoaging occurs. The success rate is comparable to acne antibiotics and topicals. It is safe in pregnancy.
Targeted phototherapy and phototesting
At Anwyl we use Dualight, which provides targeted broadband UVB (290-330nm with peak emission in the narrowband wavelengths) or broadband UVA (330-380nm with peak emission in UVA1 range). There is a fibre optic cable for light delivery with a 3.62 cm2 exit aperture. Targeted phototherapy is used where high intensity UVB treatment is required, or where UVA1 would be beneficial. It is only suitable for treatment of small surface areas, We also use it for phototesting and for photoprovocation.
Urology
Mr Rod Studd practices general adult urology with a special interest in the management of prostate cancer and bladder cancer.
UVA1 Phototherapy
We have a small unit ideal for treating dermatoses like eczema on palms or soles. The long wavelengths are able to penetrate the thick skin at these sites. Treatment is 3x a week for 12 weeks.