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.
Hi Doc.
I am a 26 year old african girl. I used to be really really fair and all of a sudden my whole body turned a whole 3 shades darker than i used to be. I feel like i aged 10 years within a week!!!! It’s scary since i’ve done everything to no avail…..I sometimes itch a lot and before i realize the next moment i’m turning darker. Now i’m described as dark and not fair! Please i need help..any suggestions? Is it possible to get my original color back?!!!!!! I’ve tried taking a number of vitamins including one a day women which i’m currently taking. I hope you can help me! Thanks a bunch.
Debbie.
Dear Debbie. There are many reasons for increased pigmentation. I suspect in your case it will be from an inflammatory condition because of the itching. But, you will have to come and show me. The diagnosis is the first step.
Hy Doctor, my name is Thandi I have a huge skin problem, I have pimples on my face, back and chest, which have left spots, I’m unable to wear revealing clothes such as vests coz of these spots, I was wondering if u would be able to help me to get rid of these spots as soon as possible. Thanx
Dear Thandi. There are ways to treat post inflammatory hyperpigmentation, but I will have to see it to advice you properly.
dear Dr. I’am a male patient suffering from facial hypergigmentations (freckles) especially on the zygomma, above the eye brows, and I used many of drugs related to these mentioned conditions , also I had been referred many of the dermatologists in Iraq, after using the drugs. the symtopms of the disease are disappear and back again, I now used the following drugs Elica ointment(Monetasone 0.1% w/w) and Unitone 4 ADVANCED (Intensive hyperpigmentation serum) in the form of inhaler. Dear Doctor, most of used drugs made my face complexion is very whitish pink, and in the past my face was brownish. plaese doctor tell me about the drug of choice and causes and other…… thank you.
Dear Ali. Please read this article on melasma.
Hi Doc,
Is it really possible to treat armpit odour- I really don’t want to use deodorants-I read this article on the web;
”Individuals with armpit odors are being treated with Botulinum toxin injections in the armpits. About 12 injections are used in this procedure that is done in about 45 minutes. This toxin helps in reducing perspiration by blocking the signals from the brain to underarm sweat glands.” Do you do this kind of a treatment?
Dear Clint. Yes, I do offer this treatment.
Hi Doctor,
I went to a GP and she wrote me a letter and said that I have a few moles that a dermatologist has to check out. I have med-aid, but would also like to remove a few for cosmetic reasons. Can you possibly give me the price per lesion and can I make an appointment early January 2012 or are you full? Thanks for your time doc!
Wiehann
Dear Wiehann. It is very difficult to say. The price depends on the size and position of the moles. Ballpark, it will cost around R700 for 2 or so, if they are removed by shave excision and are not in complicated areas.
my aunt who is 70 years old and diabetic for 15 years have a skin lesion in her right shin its red woody and associated with pitting oedema she has a similar lesion last year which was diagnosed as cutaneouse leishmaniasis this time the doctor said that it is pannuclitis shall i send you photos of the lesion its not getting better please help
Dear Khalid. For this, you will have to see a dermatologist face-to-face.
I have been stabbed by a glass and i have sacrs on my face and my stiches are comming off now, i would like to know what can i use so long and if i want to do a laser surgery when is the best time to do it.do i need to wait for the scars to heal first?
Dear Bonginkosi. Scars will improve vastly on their own. Gentle daily massage will also help. There are no specific products that have a prominent effect on scarring.
I have had chicken pox scars on my body for over 3 years now. I have tried all types of medication but nothing is working. I can’t even wear a proper swimming costume without having to cover my whole body! Please help. How do i get rid of them?
Dear Patience. It depends on the type of of mark. If it is increased pigmentation, then it can be improved. If it is an actual indented scar, then there is not too much that can be done to improve it. If possible, come and show me.
i have spider veins how do i get rid of those?
Dear Abigail. It depends on the size of the spider veins and the exact position. In general though, sclerotherapy is a good option.
i just want to know if you can remove pearly penile papules and how much does it cost
Dear AJ. Yes I do treat them. But, it will be best to come and show me first, so that we can discuss the options based on your situation.
Hey, i just started using Epizone E (as a wash) and Epizone A (as a moisturizer) i would like to know if i should use them both, or if is should just use E without A. it seems to be workng, because i have seen a great improvement in my skin over the passed three days, i am a shade ligther and the breakout i was experiencing prior to the application of the treatment has been contained. some one had recommended that i take antibiotics because of the constant puss (sebum) outbreaks on my skin, but the Epizone seems to be handling that very well, im just not sure if i am using the two products correctly.
Dear Jacob. You are using the medications correctly.
thank you, one week later and i look and feel like a new man, Epizone is quite remarkable…Thank you Dr Jeanne Low.
Hi. I have had acne in varying degrees since my teens. Currently on doxycycline, stiemycin and skinoren. I am also having a coombination neostrata azelan peel with lasergenesis. Had two already. How much do u charge for these treatments? Is there another treatment you would recomend?
Dear Lezell. I do not offer peels or any form of laser treatment for Acne as a first line treatment, because for most people there are better options. The treatment I would recommend would depend on the degree and extent of your acne and also the degree of scarring. You are welcome to come and show me, if you can.
Hey Doc im Lisa. Does your clinic sell chemical peels in home kits aswell or do you just provide the service?
Dear Lisa. We do not sell chemical peel products.
hello，Will oratane affect Chances of pregnancy？ Thank
Dear Paper. No, it will not decrease your chances of falling pregnant in the future. You must remain on contraception for 2 months after finishing the course of Oratane.
Hi doctor louw I have a pimple on my shaft of my penis it hurts when I touch it and if I press it puss and blood comes out is there anything I can use or is it something serious the pimple colour is my skin colour which is brown
Thanks
Dear Addie. Before I can advise you on a treatment, I will first have to make a diagnosis. Come and show me, if you can.
I have a very deep frown(wrinkle) between my eyes –
how do I get rid of it – what must I do –
Will you be able to help me.
My daughters wedding February 2012 – want to look good
Dear Joni. Botox is the most effective solution. I can help you with that.
Hi I just want to know the cost of facial lazer treatment?
I just wanted to know I am really young and I have strech marks and its so embarrising, do you know about anything I can do about it?
Dear Liv. It depends on exactly what it is that you want to treat on your face. If it is pigmentation then a whole face treatment costs around R1800 at the moment. Stretch marks can be very difficult to improve, but certain lasers and certain surgical procedures van be used.
Hello, I’m Ilona and I am 38 years I have never suffered from allergies for about a year ago, but I started itching on the inside leg many times went to the doctors but they helped me remove the itch and blue spots remained please help what should I do?
Hi Doc,
I’m turning 30 this year, I’m a female & it feels if I’m still in high school I’m battling with breakouts on the sides on my face and chin, I also have a lot of black heads all over my face and when I wash my face its very dry.
I also have redness on my cheeks and forehead and some brownish spots under my eyes and under my nose.
I do drink a lot of water but I have to wear make-up a lot (I use Revlon)
What do I need to do? I don’t drink coffee but tea and don’t eat sugar but I do smoke
How much will a consultation cost with wash and creams or tablets ? I heard to see a dermatologist is very expensive?
Kind Regards,
Riska
Dear Liv. Consultation plus a prescription is R475 the first time I see you.
Good day. I read that laser treatment can help with the appearance of stretch marks. Is this true? If so, do provide this treatment? I know you can’t get rid of stretch marks but if I can improve the skin texture that would be great.
Hi Doc, I have darkened nails due to pigmentation, is there any way that this can be treated and if so what is the cost?
Dear Zulfaa. The only way to improve this will be if the cause can be identified. If possible, come and show me.
Hi dr
I am 25 and the my legs and arms are covered with dark brown marks/scars, from sores and mosquito bites. Can it be permanently removed?
Thank you
Avril
Dear Avril. It can be improved. The treatment involves minimizing further insect bites on the one hand and treating the existing dark spots on the other hand.
HI Doc, I need some advice. I have dark skin around my neck, I’m not pre-diabetic or anything like that, have been for a test 2 months ago, and I’m clear. I have the same skin discolouring under my arms. What can I do to get rid of the problem because it’s so not nice. Should I see a doctor again and is there something to stop the skin discolouring on those areas. I have dark circles under my eyes too….
Hope you can give me some direction.
Dear Candice. You most likely have a condition called Acanthosis Nigricans. I will post an article about it on the website sometime. In the meantime read up on it here
I am African male of 29 years, I have scars in my face since I was 8 years. What can I use to get rid of them without going for plastic surgery?
Thanks
Dear Ayanda. What type of scars?
Hello. Hi! My friend has red marks on her cheeks caused by exposure to sun. Any suggestions.Please help.
Dear Diva. It depends on the type of red mark. If it is vascular in nature then laser can help, but her problem might not be vascular in nature at all. The first step is to make a diagnosis.
Hello. Hi! My friend has red marks on her cheeks caused by exposure to sun. Any suggestions..Please help!
Dear Yashi. If the red marks are blood vessels, then laser therapy, will be an option.
Hi,
I have terrible acne and extremely oily skin. I have taken accutane before and it cleared up my skin but with all the side effects I fear taking it again. Would taking Vitamin A be an alternative, if so what would be a good dosage?
Thanks.
Dear Keisha. No, Vitamin A is not an option. Have you tried the topical retinoid cream like Differin and Retin-A?
Dear Dr Louw
i have pigmentation on my uper and lower legs..well spots all over. i am currently on IPL with a spa i recently discovered. i have dark skin, does it work for dark skin too?
Dear Thembi. An IPL should not be used to treat pigmentation in black skin.
Hi,
I am a 25 year old woman and I have very thick facial hair on my chin. I would like to remove it via laser therapy as that should be permanent. Would I have to come in for consultation or I can just make an appointment to begin laser treatments?
Thank you.
Dear Oleratu. You can just make an appointment and start the laser treatment the same day.
Dear Dr. Louw
I am African male of 29 years and have a problem of ingrown hair at the back of my head. They create a discomfort and severly impact my confidence. What is frustrating is that they get sceptic and the infection seems to be spreading throughout the back of my head.
I have seen a dermatologists 2 years ago and he suggested that I don’t cut my hear- which is impossible. Also he performed a minimal procedure which ivolves cutting the pimples and it’s quite painful ala anaesthetic.
Is there anything that you can recommend I do such as laser and how much would that cost, averagely?
Thanks
Dear Siya. You most likely have a condtion called Acne Keloidalis Nuchae. Cutting you hair short is not an option. It might aggrevate it. There are a few treatment options. Laser hair removal can be used, but normally a combination of antibiotics and cryotherapy is used to start the treatment.
Dear Doc
Thank you for the information.
I have tried to research about the cryotherapy and seems safe. However I have some concerns about it;
What is the prognosis post this procedure?
Is this procedure a once off, or would I have to come back for other sessions (how many on average)?
Have you had any other patients who have had this procedure in the past and how did they recover?
Could I possibly arrange to meet one of them, if they are ok with it?
Thank you so much for your assistance. In the meantime I will be securing an appointment to come see you with your frontline.
Regards,
Siya
Dear Siya. You did not mention what the problem is. The answer to your questions will depend on the diagnosis of your problem. Let me make the diagnosis first.