Meet the Team: Dr Springgay and Dr Altayeb
Welcome our newest members to our expert Dermatology team. We're so excited to welcome Dr Gemma and Dr Alla to our Skin & Hair Experts clinic located in Brighton. With extensive medical expertise, they both bring compassionate dermatology care, dedicated to improve the health and confidence of their patients.
Introducing Dr Gemma Springgay, Dermatologist Skin Specialist
With a strong clinical background and a warm, approachable manner, Gemma specialises in early detection of skin conditions and providing care that boosts self-esteem.
Gemma's journey into medicine began with a desire to do relief work in developing countries, particularly in Africa. After completing a diploma in Tropical Medicine and volunteering in Ghana, she trained as a GP. During her placements, she discovered dermatology - a specialty that combines meticulous clinical skill with the opportunity to make a real difference in patients' lives.
Why choose Experts in Skin & Hair?
I'm so pleased to be part of a Brighton-based expert team that is pioneering a new approach to Dermatology Care. I believe we are one of the very few clinics outside of London who has the latest mole mapping diagnostic technology. I have a special interest in diagnosing and treating skin cancers and performing skin surgery, and wanted to make skin health more accessible across Sussex.
Tell us about a Memorable Patient Story
Sometimes the smallest checks make the biggest difference. Gemma recalls spotting a melanoma on a patient's back while examining a minor concern. Early detection saved time and lives, illustrating the impact of careful attention in-clinic.
How do you create comfort for patients?
For me it's about making sure the consultation rooms are warm and that I explain every step clearly. These small touches help ease anxiety, particularly when patients need to remove clothing for examinations.
What inspires you?
Helping people feel safe and confident in their skin is incredibly rewarding. I value the role dermatology plays in supporting both physical health and emotional well-being.
What do you like doing in your spare time?
Outside of the clinic I love playing beach volleyball and staying active. I enjoy keeping fit and healthy with group workouts, weight training and dance, currently learning to tap dance – a really fun way to stay fit and social.
Dr Gemma brings specialist dermatology expertise and professional, friendly support to help you feel confident in your skin and hair health.
Introducing Dr Alla Altayeb, Consultant Dermatologist Hair Specialist
Dr Alla Altayeb is a Consultant Dermatologist specialising in hair and scalp disorders. She blends clinical precision with compassionate care, helping patients navigate the medical and emotional challenges of skin and hair conditions. Her work spans both NHS and private practice, ensuring comprehensive, evidence-based care.
Alla was drawn to dermatology for its visual nature and diagnostic challenge. Hair and scalp disorders are especially fulfilling because effective treatment can profoundly improve appearance and confidence, addressing both physical and emotional aspects.
Training across Edinburgh, Surrey, and Sussex exposed Alla to diverse clinical approaches, shaping her adaptable, patient-centred practice. These experiences ensure that every patient benefits from well-rounded expertise.
Why choose Experts in Skin & Hair?
Patients often underestimate the scope of dermatology services, especially hair and nail disorders, leading to delays in appropriate care. At Experts in Skin & Hair our Sussex patients can access state-of-the-art diagnostic technology and we're the only clinic outside of London to offer Video Trichoscopy and Tricopat Hair Loss Treatment - a revolutionary, non-invasive therapy to stimulate hair growth and to restore patient confidence.
Tell us how you manage complex hair loss cases?
I begin by taking the necessary time needed to understand the patient's story and when the hair loss began. Exploring both the physical symptoms and the psychological impact that can sometimes occur. Performing necessary biopsies, that allow me to create personalised and evidence-based treatment plans. Seeing patients achieve long-term improvements and a new found confidence is a highlight of my work.
How is technology changing dermatology care?
It's an exciting time to be leading the change in Dermatology Care. With emerging technologies, like AI-assisted mole mapping and high-resolution scalp imaging, enhancing diagnostic accuracy and monitoring. At Exerts in Sin & Hair, we're very proud to be able to offer pioneering technology to complement our face-to-face patient care, improving outcomes and treatment efficiency.
What treatments are transforming patient outcomes?
There are a few to choose from nowadays but Biologics for inflammatory skin conditions and JAK inhibitors for severe alopecia areata are most definitely helping with quick resolutions. There's also advances in hormonal and genetic hair loss research that enable earlier, more effective intervention, making this an exciting and rapidly evolving new chapter in our industry.
What advice do you have for early hair loss?
Early consultation is crucial. Prompt assessment improves outcomes, particularly for scarring conditions, and helps avoid delays caused by commercial or non-evidence-based treatments and misinformation that is now widely available on social media. I always encourage patients to seek evidence-based care from medical specialists and avoid unproven trends to ensure timely diagnosis and effective treatment. At Experts in Skin & Hair, our specialist team are only a call a way to make a big difference
What do you like doing in your spare time?
I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, traveling, and staying active through gym sessions and Latin dance.