Dr David Nicholls is a dermatologist who specialises in all disorders of the skin, hair and nails.
Much of his work involves assessing moles and removing skin cancers. Among other conditions,
he is also able to assist those suffering from acne, achieving permanent, visible improvement in
significant numbers of patients.

Dr Nicholls qualified in medicine from Otago University Medical School in 1977, where he was
the top student in dermatology. After graduation, he spent several years studying internal medicine
before turning to dermatology. He undertook dermatology training in Dunedin, Auckland and London.
In London he worked at the prestigious St John’s Hospital for Diseases of the Skin,
St Thomas’ Hospital and the Hospital for Sick Children at Great Ormond Street. He also did research
in tropical diseases while in London. He was the first New Zealander in over 30 years to be given the
post of Overseas Registrar at St John’s Hospital for Diseases of the Skin.

Dr Nicholls returned to New Zealand at the end of 1989 to practice dermatology in Christchurch.
He worked both in private practice and as a consultant dermatologist at Christchurch Hospital,
until 2003. He has lectured in dermatology at the Christchurch Clinical School. In recent years he has
held the post of Senior Clinical Lecturer in pathology at the Christchurch Clinical School.

He has written on dermatology for both the public and doctors, and has published numerous papers
in peer reviewed medical journals.

Besides general dermatology, Dr Nicholls has a number of interests within the field including:

• Dermatological surgery
• Skin cancer diagnosis and treatment
• Specialist assessment of moles, including early detection and surgery for melanoma
• Acne treatment
• Botulinum toxin for frown lines and wrinkles