A dermatologist who cares - Dr Peter Hogan in Sydney

Our boy had a severe case of eczema when he was young. As parents, it could be heart breaking to watch. We are grateful to have Dr Hogan treating our boy. 

Dr Peter Hogan was quite unique in his approach as a paediatric dermatologist. He was not only a doctor, but an effective communicator and educator.

I remember our first meeting. Dr Hogan reprimanded me because I booked and cancelled an initial appointment 4 years beforehand, fearing the distance. Earlier intervention could have lessen the severity, he said. I too wished we saw him earlier. Because during that time, his practice moved from Westmead to Penrith. A 45minute drive turned into a day trip for us. 

Dr Hogan got us the result not because he has a long arsenal of steroid creams, but he actually cares about whether parents follow his instructions. He would educate us about how to minimise dust mite (remove carpet. use roller curtain, use dust mite covers, issue with soft toys), some of it is almost like a mini home renovation. Other could be hard to do. For example, washing frequency for different dust mite covers. At the start of every appointment, he would ask about our compliance. I used to have fear and trepidation about the upcoming appointment like a student about to sit in front of examiner for an interview.

He taught us how to administer more complicated techniques, like bleach bath, which was quite effective at keeping the infection under control. 

Some of what he did might even constitute subtle pushing. He gave us a glimpse into the crystal ball of the type of medicine our boy would have to use, if we did not lift our game.  But I am so grateful we went and saw Dr Hogan. Because my child was already on fairly high steroid dosage in the cream form. Any higher we would be looking at biologic/ immune suppressing type of drug which needs to be combined with chemo drug and regular blood test, just for his skin. Fortunately under his strict guidance, our son skin settled down.  

Dr Hogan also suggest there could be potential link with food. Unfortunately this may be an area he felt less certain about, hence his messaging came across far less forceful. As our son entered adolescence and early adulthood, I sometimes wish someone as persuasive as Dr Hogan can educate our son about the importance of eating diverse range of food and avoiding inflammatory food.  This is a topic for another time. 

Dr Hogan apparently retired for a time. However, I recently found out he is practicing in Castle Hill these days. He is only in the clinic one or two days a week. 

Dr Hogan is someone we respect and thankful for having him looked after our son when he was young and had eczema.