Patient stories

I started seeing Dr Edmund Lobel for my skin condition in 1979, the year I started high school. My psoriasis started off simply as what looked like dandruff, so I got some cream for that,  however, it got worse and steadily progressed to all over my back and then onto my arms. By 1984, my plaque psoriasis was really impairing my quality of life and negatively affecting me.

Back then, Dr Lobel had a practice in Bondi Junction. The Skin & Cancer Foundation (now The Skin Hospital) started at the corner of Burton and Victoria Street in Darlinghurst,  opposite the old St Vincent’s Hospital. It had two rooms: one was for the UVA machine, and the other was a consultation room. When I started UVA treatment, it was 1984. I remember it well as I was going to Queensland for a holiday that Christmas, and my plaque psoriasis covered my entire back. Dr Lobel suggested UVA treatment and the psoriasis completely disappeared in three months. It was completely gone. I couldn’t believe it; I was relieved and ready for my beach holiday!

It was really interesting as, prior to 1979, I hadn’t ever had any skin conditions at all. Then suddenly, I had plaque psoriasis, which had a negative effect on my life. I’ve found that food and stress definitely triggered the development of my psoriasis.

These days, I see other dermatologists when I visit The Skin Hospital as Dr Lobel now specialises in Contact & Occupational Dermatology, however, my friendship with Dr Lobel has lasted for over 46 years. I am very loyal to Dr Lobel as he has been a great supporter and has guided me through my journey. He is an absolute gentleman and I’m very lucky to have him. He has the knowledge, experience and trains other doctors. Why would I go elsewhere? You can’t go wrong at The Skin Hospital, I’ve never had a reason to go anywhere else.

In my opinion, The Skin Hospital has perfected the UV treatment. They go to extremes to perfect the phototherapy treatment and they are still striving for advancements. As far as I’m concerned, they are at the leading edge of psoriasis and phototherapy, and that’s a good reason to stay. The treatment used to take approximately three months and now it’s only  approximately six weeks. Well done to The Skin Hospital.

It’s funny to think back to the early 80’s and how much things have changed when visiting The Skin Hospital in comparison to these days. Back then, of course, there were no laptops or mobile phones and definitely no booking confirmations via text message. I’ve even known Dr Lobel longer than my wife, Nicole of 33 years!

My psoriasis gets worse during the winter months when it’s under clothing. I remember, when my kids were younger I always wanted to make sure that I could be at the beach without bad skin. That was important to me.

These days, I tend to visit The Skin Hospital approximately once a year. This is normally in September or October for UVB treatment to ensure my skin is clear, ready for the warmer months ahead.

I love the outdoor lifestyle, the sun, the surf and connecting with communities. It was through the community, volunteering my time at The Skin Check Champions’ pop-up, that I  realised something was wrong. All volunteers get a check and, before I knew it, they came across a suspect spot on my nose, smaller than a pimple.

So, I went for a biopsy with my GP and then from there I found it was a BCC (basal cell carcinoma). My GP then referred me to The Skin Hospital for a Mohs procedure.

I worked as a physical education (PE) teacher at a high school for 20 years and, as a result, I was out in the sun a lot. Sun safety as a kid, at university and even in the early days of teaching was minimal and it was a different mindset back in the 80’s. Who didn’t love the smell of coconut oil? A baseball cap was the biggest hat I owned, a v-neck polo shirt and netball skirt and 20 years of being in the sun. Yes, we wore block out, and I’m sure most of that ran down my skin in perspiration. Did I re-apply? Obviously not enough.

When I went to The Skin Hospital for my Mohs procedure in 2020, I remember it being very well organised. I found that reassuring. I received a lot of information about what was going to happen. I found out that I was having a Mohs procedure, which I hadn’t heard of before, but I learnt it was the most effective procedure to remove my BCC. I have had my fair share of different surgeries; I found The Skin Hospital relaxing. I felt comfortable asking questions. I was put at ease knowing a Mohs procedure was more precise and I was not going to lose a bigger proportion of my nose than was necessary. It is better to be patient so the specialist can test to make sure they have excised what is needed.

The staff at The Skin Hospital were fabulous. The nurses kept coming in and out and kept a close eye on me to ensure I was well looked after. The Doctor was terrific too. I’m very  grateful for the care I have received at The Skin Hospital. I’m now keen to share my experience and tell people about Mohs procedures so they understand what it is. Many people still haven’t heard about it.

I am thankful for the early advice I received and the time I spent listening and learning about what The Skin Hospital had to offer. Previously, I had no idea  melanoma could occur in any part of the body. One of the hardest parts of any procedure is the waiting, but after 20 years of skin damage, a couple of hours while it is repaired is time well spent. I am so glad I didn’t avoid it or put it off. During the process, (from reception, to the nurses and the dermatologist), the staff were helpful and caring. They were mindful  about my journey. I wasn’t just a patient number.