What is an online consultation?
It is a consultation via email.
Why have an online consultation?
There are many reasons. You might not have easy access to a dermatologist. You might not be able to get an appointment with a dermatologist fast enough. Perhaps you want a second opinion on you skin condition. You might want to have a diagnosis made of your condition before scheduling a face-to-face consultation.
Who will do the online consultation?
Dr. Jeanne Louw, a qualified dermatologist, will do the online consultation. Please view his qualifications.
How accurate is online consultations versus face-to-face consultations?
Studies suggest that the diagnostic accuracy of an online consultation is between 80-90% of a face-to-face consultation after submitting only one set of high quality photos. Occasionally clients will therefore be requested to submit additional photos.
How does an online consultation work?
Step 1: Please phone or email the practice for our banking details and deposit R450 into our bank account. International customers can use U.S. based company Xoom.com for secure online wire transfers.
Step 2: Email us the details of your skin problem (with photos) together with proof of payment.
Step 3. Once we have received your email, Dr. Louw will reply to you via email to initiate the online consultation.
When does an online consultation end?
A consultation is concluded once a diagnosis is made or if Dr. Louw decides a diagnosis is not possible via an online consultation.
What happens if a diagnosis cannot be made via an online consultation?
If a diagnosis cannot be made via an online consultation a prescription will not be issued and you will need to schedule a face-to-face consultation.
How do I receive a prescription for medication?
Dr. Louw will issue a prescription that can be faxed or emailed to you. If you live in South Africa you can take the prescription to any pharmacy.
If you live outside South Africa, we can put you in contact with a South African pharmacy that does international deliveries of medication.
Dear Dr. Louw ,
I am a 24 year old male who suffered from very mild acne which was manageable, about 3 months ago I was diagnosed with TB. I’ve been on treatment (Rifafour) during this time and since then I’ve developed acne on my back and its getting worst on my face, its beginning to spread to my shoulders and upper arms. I was told this is a side-effect from the medication, I still have 8 months of treatment to go. Any advice?
Dear David. Yes, TB medication can cause or aggravate Acne. The treatment options for Acne in the context of someone on TB treatment is really the same as in someone that is not on TB treatment. Please read here about the treatment options.
Hi
I am a 42 years old black male. I have been having an oily/greasy and acne prone skin since my early teens. I have tried many many treatments (dermatologists, natural, cosmetic etc) without success. I have not used Oratane before and I am tempeted to try it. My main problem is that I am hiv positve. I have noted the side effects associated with the use of oratane and that makes me a bit sceptical. Will the use of oratane compromise my immune system and status? Is there any other similar but alternative treatmet that you reccommend I can use?
Youer advice and assistane will be highly appreciated.
Dear Monty. You can still take Oratane if you are HIV positive. If you have tried everything, then Oratane will be an option.
Hi Doctor
I would like to come to consult with u, but first I need to know if u administer a drug called Accutane / Roaccutane – Isotretinoin, because I have tried many things and my acne is just worsening and now i just wanna take of the problem permanently. I am also aware this drug has serious side effects but as i said i have had it with this terrible sickness.
Regards
Jacob
Dear Jacob. Yes, I do prescribe Roaccutane where required.
Dear Dr. Louw,
I am getting a few pimples around the chin area. After I shave it tends to come about 2days later and only around the chin area no other area on my face. It does go away at times. I have been getting this on and off. Please can you give me your comments.
Dear Mansoor. The first step is to decide if you have any underlying skin condition, like Acne. If so, then the first step will be to treat the underlying condition. If you can, come and show me. In the meantime, shave with an electric shaver after showering and moisturising the face.
How much do you charge? For a check up.
Dear Madelaine. Please look here.
Everytime I am out in the sun too long, I get a fine rash over my neck and bottom part of my face. I first thought that it was the aftersun lotion, but the last time I did not use the aftersun and still got a rash. I use the same sun block and face cream and do not show any signs of and allergy. Only when I am out in the sun for a few hours, does the fine rash appear.
Can I be allergic to the sun?
Dear Terry. There are many conditions that are aggravated by sun exposure. Photoallergic contact dermatitis is just one of them. I will have to see you to advise you properly.
Hi Dr jean
Will cipla-cyproterone in conbination with minerva 35 make me gain weight?
Thanks, bianca
Dear Bianca. Yes, it can. Minerva on its own can also contribute to weight gain. Minerva already contains a small amount of Cyproterone Acetate.
my finger kunckle is 4 tone black my real skin type plz tell me why is black and advice me what can i do?
Dear Tania. If possible come and show me. I will have to see it to advise you.
Hi Dr!
I would just like to know about chemical skin peels? my skin is not what it used to be – a bit of sun damage and 1 baby later, its not what it used to be!
Regards
Dear Yvonne. There are many options to treat skin, but it depends on the specific problem…… Come and show me if you can.
I have brown scars\pigmentation on my face. I think it’s from sunburn. I’m not very happy with my appearance and I desperately want to get rid of these scars. Please let me know if you are able to do something for me.
Thank you so much.
Kind Regards
Madelaine Gericke
Dear Madelaine. Pigmentation problems can be treated. Scarring is another story. If possible, come and show me so that I can decide if pigmentation or scarring is the dominant problem.
Resolved Question:
How to remove old scars and black spots on the legs?
Please help me!! I have these old black marks on my legs caused by chicken pox when I was way younger..and now, it even worsened because I had some caused by mosquito bites.When my legs itch, it becomes red and it goes bumpy and i’ll have scars.. It is totally freaking me out!! I can’t wear short pants and skirts because it’s not good to be seen.. Scars are not bumped.. They are like on the surface and my legs looks pretty dicolorated.. Help! I’m pretty desperate.
Dear Wedaad. You will have to come and show me, but you most likely have post inflammatory hyperpigmentation. There are ways to improve post inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Hi,
I have a lump on my back which another GP told me is a fat lump or lipoma he said. It is the size of about a golf ball that has been squashed a bit and is not sore or anything. Do you do removal of this sort of thing, and can it be done in one visit? I also have lots of moles on my body, do you do removal of moles too?
Do you have a payment plan at all as I am not on any medical aid?
Thanks!
Dear Francois. I do remove moles. I remove some lipomas, depending on size, position etc… Please look here for payment options.
Hi Doctor, Im a fair skinned 23 year old suffering from dark pigmentation on my left upper arm as well as on my chest, I have been to see a dermatologist who concluded that no treatment is available, the pigmentation is dark and looks like patches for lack of a better word.
It seems to get bigger the older I get and has been coming on for about 4 years or more.
Im open to all treatments, what are my options?
Thanking you in advance!
Dear Savana. The first step will be to make a diagnosis, which I am sure your dermatologist would have done. I cannot advise you further without that diagnostic information.
hello sir..i am male, 19 years old..i just had my wave hair straightened about 6 months ago and suffered hair loss for like 2 months but now it’s almost okay . still a little left but that’ll go away with time i know..i want to know if i could straighten my hair without going through that hair fall or any other problem . for some reason , i just need my hair straightened . any help sir ??
Dear Sam. If you go through the same process, it would be likely that you will have the same consequences.
Dear Dr. Louw,
I have a scar above my left eye from a car accident, I would like to remove it and also tighten my skin.
What are the best possible solutions to this, if I can’t remove it completely, I just want it to look a bit better and tighten the skin.
please can you give me your comments.
Thank you.
Dear Valdon. Surgical excision and fraxionated laser therapy will be 2 options, but I will have to see it to advise you properly. Come and show me if you can.