Dr Nisha Arujuna Consultant Dermatologist

Dr Nisha Rishi Arujuna

MBBS (Distinction), MRCP (UK), MRCP (Dermatology), IFAAD

Consultant Dermatologist

Dermatological Surgeon

Photodermatologist

GMC 7084425

“Practicing dermatologists are like the woodwind section of the orchestra—small in number… when they play, they must play well.”

Thomas B. Fitzpatrick, MD 1919-2003

Publications

Sunburn Chapter in Dermatology Textbook 2024 – lead author

Skin Diseases In Travelers. Springer Book. Chapter on Sunburn; pages 283-296.

Journal of The American Medical Association (JAMA Impact Factor 63.5) & Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology (JAAD Impactor Factor 12.8) – lead author & co-author

The Perplexing Rash. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, Vol. 79, Issue 3, Supplement, AB290, Published in issue: September, 2018 – lead author
Association of Clinical and Demographic Factors with the Severity of Palmoplantar Pustulosis. JAMA Dermatol. 2020;156(11):1216–1222. - co-author

Dermatologic Surgery (Impact Factor 2.4) – lead author

Dermatologic Surgery and Reconstruction Photograph Booklet as a Tool to Improve Informed Consent Before Skin Surgery. Dermatologic Surgery (2018);44(8):1070-1074.

Clinical & Experimental Dermatology (Impact Factor 4.5) – lead author & co-author

Rickets re-merging: A cautionary tale. Clinical & Experimental Dermatology (2018);43(7):855-857.
A single-centre retrospective review of treatment responses and adverse events of thalidomide in patients with inflammatory skin disease. Clinical & Experimental Dermatology 2024 Jan 25;49(2):168-170.

Photodermatology, Photoimmunology & Photomedicine (Impact Factor 2.5) – co-author

Fibrosis assessment using transient elastography identifies obesity as a risk factor for hepatic fibrosis in erythropoietic protoporphyria. Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed. 2023 Jul;39(4):400-402.

British Journal of Dermatology (Impact Factor 11.1) - lead author & co-author

British Photodermatology Group 2022 – co-author

Optimizing the risk stratification of liver disease in patients with erythropoietic protoporphyria. British Journal of Dermatology 2022 July;187(1):212-220.

Clinical Pathological Correlation 2022 – co-author

A contrasting diagnosis: Iododerma. British Journal of Dermatology 2022 July;187(S1):10-30.

British Photodermatology Group 2019 – co-author

Efficacy and Tolerance Profile of Thalidomide in Photodermatoses: A Retrospective Analysis of 20 patients with Actinic Prurigo and Lupus Erythematosus. British Journal of Dermatology 2019 July;181(S1):97–103.

Letter to the Editor 2016 – lead author

Bimatoprost solution 0.03% topical application to the eyelid margin for the treatment of eyelash hypotrichosis. British Journal of Dermatology 2016 Jun;174(6):1416-7.

BAD Scientific Meeting 2016 – co-author

Order & timing of applying emollients and topical corticosteroids in atopic eczema: A survey of UK patients and healthcare professionals. British Journal of Dermatology 2016;175 (Suppl. S1):pp25–78.

Case Report Publications 2016 – lead author

Generalized telangiectasia macularis eruptiva perstans with atypical restricted diffuse cutaneous mastocytosis in a child. British Journal of Dermatology 2016;175 (Suppl. S1):pp160–175.

Case Report Publications 2015 -- lead author & co-author

1) Warfarin-induced skin necrosis and calciphylaxis: A diagnostic challenge. British Journal of Dermatology 2015;173 (Suppl. S1):pp21–76. – co-author
2) Bullous impetigo secondary to immunosuppression with adalimumab. British Journal of Dermatology 2015;172:ppe17–e25. – lead author

Paediatrics & Child Health (Impact Factor 1.954) – co-author

Hair Loss in Infancy & Childhood. Paediatrics & Child Health (2019); Vol 29, Issue 2, 66 – 73.

Insurance

Yes, we accept insurance

General Dermatology

Mole Checks

I focus on early detection of pre-cancerous and cancerous changes in moles using the dermatoscope and serial imaging.

Full Body Mole Check

I offer this for individuals interested in having a thorough
check of lesions on their skin on a regular basis or as a one-off.

Skin Cancer

I am passionate about treating skin cancer early and ensuring
appropriate follow up is in place depending on individual risk factors.

Actinic Keratoses

I treat sun damaged skin with topicals, photodynamic therapy,
cryotherapy, curettage and excision depending on the indication.

Acne

I use a personalised approach to managing this common but debilitating condition, ensuring you have all the necessary information to choose the most suitable treatment that works for you.

Rosacea

I specialise in understanding the various possible contributing factors to this often very visible condition, ensuring you have all the necessary information to choose the most suitable treatment that works for you.

Folliculitis

This is inflammation of the hair follicles. I explore possible contributing factors for this to tailor treatment accordingly.

Seborrhoeic dermatitis

This inflammatory, greasy and flaky condition can affect all
age groups. I provide long term preventative and acute treatment options for flares to enable better management of this.

Eczema

This common inflammatory skin condition arises from genetic alteration in
skin barriers, and increased inflammatory and allergy responses. I provide long term
preventative and acute treatment options for flares to enable better management of
this.

Psoriasis

This common thickened red patches of skin condition arises from over-activity of the immune system. I provide long term preventative and acute treatment options for flares to enable better management of this.

Urticaria

This common itchy raised red patches of skin condition can be multifactorial. I explore possible contributing factors for this to tailor treatment
accordingly.

Keloid Scars

These scars that are overgrown from the original wound site can be itchy and painful. I treat this with steroid injections at regular intervals to flatten the scar.

Skin Tags

These protruding moles can be easily traumatised especially at body sites prone to abrasion. I treat this with a shave excision under local anaesthetic.

Seborrhoeic keratoses

These benign growths can be easily traumatised especially
at body sites prone to abrasion. I treat large ones with a shave excision under local anaesthetic.

Dermatological Surgery

Excisions

Removal of skin cancers

Excisions

Removal of suspicious moles

Excisions

Removal of irritated moles / skin tags, etc

Cryotherapy

Freezing with liquid nitrogen for sun damaged areas, early forms of skin cancer and early forms of warty growths

Shave excisions

of irritated moles / skin tags, etc

Biopsy

Sample of a skin rash for diagnostic aid

Curettage & Cautery

Gentle scrape and saucerisation for sun damaged areas, early forms of skin cancer and early forms of warty growths

Steroid injection

into keloid scars

What do patients say?

I went to see Dr Arujuna to have a growth checked which was quickly diagnosed as nothing of concern but whilst checking me over she found two moles which I was unaware of which were a concern. These have now been confirmed as one precancerous and the other one at stage 0 melanoma. She came in especially on her day off to go through the results with me and has very quickly set out a treatment plan which I have no doubt will be a complete success. Her thoroughness and keen eye are amazing! I feel so lucky to have had her provide care for me so far. Thank you, Dr Nisha Arujuna!!!

- Stratum Dermatology Clinic Wimbledon

Very caring and thorough and always checks past history and how I am doing currently. Also, really proactive when I have needed further checks and follow up. A really great doctor and lovely person who I would highly recommend.

- Kingston Hospital

Dr Arujuna is a wonderful doctor. Extremely knowledgeable, patient and understanding. She goes above and beyond for people in her care, and I feel lucky to be registered with her.

- Stratum Dermatology Clinic Wimbledon

Dr Nisha was very informative and helpful and gave great advice on how to manage eczema well that I had not heard before. She also listened intently to me and made me feel comfortable. She gave me helpful resources to look at independently and advice on how to use the medication. The medication works well so far.

- Guy's Hospital

Dr Arujuna was thoughtful, considerate and incredibly reassuring and knowledgeable. She listened carefully to my concerns; I never once felt hurried or insignificant. She treated me with dignity and respect. I am so glad to have received consultations and treatment from her and her team.

- Kingston Hospital

Dr Arujuna is a great doctor. She is very expert, totally professional and efficient, and has a very friendly style.

- Stratum Dermatology Clinic Wimbledon

Nisha always listens to me and makes sure I am in no pain or discomfort. She is kind and patient and is willing to go the extra mile. A very efficient doctor. I look forward to my appointments with her.

- Kingston Hospital

Dr Nisha was calm, friendly and really willing to help. You can tell she loves her job and cares about her patients. She totally put me at ease, gave me a quick diagnosis and gave me lots of options and explanations to find the right treatment plan for me. It’s been a massive weight lifted from my shoulders and has really helped manage my anxiety around the issues I was having.

- Stratum Dermatology Clinic Wimbledon

Dr Nisha Arujuna was fantastic from day one. She really helped with diagnosing and treating my skin condition. 2 years later when I was discharged, I felt confident in Dr Arujuna's skills and very grateful for the care I received.

- Kingston Hospital

I've been seeing Nisha since 2018 and I trust her wholeheartedly with my treatment. She listens and gives me appropriate advice.

- Kingston Hospital

Contact us

All you need to know

1. How long is a new appointment?

Dr Arujuna sets aside 30 minutes for a new consultation to ensure all relevant information is shared and there is time to discuss management options.
2. How do I provide information on what it is I would like help with?

If you email through a brief description of the skin issue that you would like help with, we can ensure that you are appropriately booked in. If Dr Arujuna feels that you would benefit from being reviewed by another clinician from the outset, for example, a plastic surgeon, she will advise you accordingly.
3. Can I have the procedure on the same day as my appointment?

Under some circumstances, it is possible to have a procedure on the same day as your appointment depending on theatre, equipment and nursing staff availability. Please let us know in your initial email to us if you have a preference for this from the outset.
4. How do I make a payment if I am self-funding?

A secure payment link will be emailed through to you for the payment to be made ahead of your appointment.
5. How do I make a payment if I am insured?

As long as you have provided our team with your insurance name, membership number and authorization code, we will then be able to direct the billing to the insurance company itself.
6. I am insured and my insurance has paid for the majority of the fee, however I have been informed that I have an excess to pay to Dr Arujuna; how do I do this?

If you have been informed by your insurance company that you have an excess to pay, our team will also be informed of the same. We will email you the relevant bank details to make the excess payment.
7. What is your cancellation policy?

We kindly require 48 hours’ notice for all cancellations, to enable the appointment slot to then be freed up for another patient in need.
8. Who do I contact regarding a wound issue following surgery?

The hospital/clinic site at which you had your surgery would be the best contact point, so for example, if Dr Arujuna carried out your surgery at the Raynes Park Health Centre (Stratum Clinics), please ring the nursing team there directly and they will be able to assist you from Monday to Saturday.
9. How do I arrange a follow up?

The best way to organise for a further review is by emailing us your preference in terms of the time frame you would like to be seen during; we will do our best to accommodate you based on Dr Arujuna’s availability.
10. Where can I leave feedback?

You can leave us feedback via the following links; i) https://www.iwantgreatcare.org/doctors/dr-nisha-rishi-arujuna ii) Google Reviews

Photodermatology

Polymorphic light eruption

This is the commonest rash caused by UV light. I provide a range of treatment options to enable better management of this long term.

Solar urticaria

This is a relatively rare type of rash caused by UV light. I provide a range of treatment options to enable better management of this long term.

Photoaggravated eczema / other dermatoses

This is a type of eczema that worsens from UV light. I provide a range of treatment options to enable better management of this long term.

Chronic actinic dermatitis

This is a rare type of sun induced eczema where the skin is exquisitely sensitive to UV light. I provide a range of treatment options to enable better management of this long term.

Actinic folliculitis

This is a rare type of sun induced development of small, raised, red-yellow bumps. I provide a range of treatment options to enable better management of this long term.

Cutaneous Lupus

This is a chronic autoimmune disease that can cause inflammation in the skin. I provide a range of treatment options to enable better management of this long term.

Photoprotection

Sun protection is important not only for the above outlined
light sensitive skin conditions, but for skin cancer prevention and minimising photoageing. I provide comprehensive advice on various means of photoprotection.

About

Dr Nisha Rishi Arujuna is a Consultant Dermatologist at Kingston Hospital NHS Foundation Trust and is also an Honorary Consultant Dermatologist at the St John’s Institute of Dermatology, Guy’s & St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust.

Clinical Interests

Nisha is passionate about work related to skin cancer. She is a core member of the Skin Cancer Multi-Disciplinary Team (MDT) weekly meetings at Kingston Hospital. She performs dermatological surgery and also enjoys the management of medical dermatological cases. Her special interest is in photodermatology; through her leadership as Phototherapy Lead at Kingston Hospital, she has developed phototherapy services and photodermatoses management locally, collaborating with the photodermatology team at the St John’s Institute of Dermatology in Guy’s Hospital. Her enthusiasm for teaching has been corroborated by her being awarded as Teacher of the Year. She continues to regularly lecture on skin cancer and photodermatology.

Nisha is an active member of the British Association of Dermatologists, has presented regularly at their annual national conferences and also participates in the American Academy of Dermatologists meetings. She is also a member of the British Photodermatology Group, raising awareness on light sensitive disorders and photoprotection. She has authored several international publications in her specialty field in peer-reviewed journals.

Academic Accomplishments

Nisha graduated with a distinction from King’s College London School of Medicine (KCLSoM) in 2010. She has since completed her dermatology training in Sussex, at the Western Sussex Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and the Brighton and Sussex University Hospitals NHS Trust. During this time, she was awarded a travel fellowship to undertake a period of study in photodermatology at the St John’s Institute of Dermatology at the Guy’s & St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust.

Nisha was awarded the John Henry Wignall Prize in 2006 for outstanding achievement in medicine and the KCLSoM Elective Travel Award in 2009 to work at the Mount Sinai Hospital in New York and the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Borneo. In 2016, Nisha won the prestigious Ashley Cooper Award presented by the British Society of Dermatological Surgery for presenting the novel concept of introducing a dermatology surgery consent photo booklet. In 2018, Nisha became the Phototherapy Lead for Kingston Hospital and remains within this role. In 2021-2024, she received the Clinical Excellence Award for her services.

Professional Affiliations

British Association of Dermatologists, 17615 – 2011 onwards

American Academy of Dermatology, 363214 – 2018 onwards

British PhotoDermatology Group – 2016 onwards

St John’s Dermatological Society – 2014 onwards

British Society of Medical Dermatology – 2014-2019

British Society for Dermatological Surgery – 2014-2019

Dowling Club Group – 2016-2019

Royal Society of Medicine, 00706601 – 2014-2019

Royal College of Physicians, 163605 – 2013 onwards

Medical Defence Union, 507999C – 2010 onwards

General Medical Council, 7084425 – 2010 onwards

Alumni of King’s College London School of Medicine – 2010 onwards

Medical Qualifications

MBBS (Distinction)

MRCP (UK)

MRCP (London)

MRCP (Dermatology)

IFAAD (International Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology)

Awards

2016 Ashley Cooper Award

2021/2022 Clinical Excellence Award

2022/2023 Clinical Excellence Award

2023/2024 Clinical Excellence Award