Dr Sarah Smithson is a specialist dermatologist and Fellow of the Australasian College of Dermatologists, with particular expertise in vulval dermatology. She is known for her thorough, compassionate care and her commitment to improving quality of life for women living with sensitive and often complex vulval skin conditions.
Originally from the UK, Dr Smithson completed her medical degree with distinction before moving to Australia to undertake dermatology training in Melbourne. Her specialist training included placements at leading tertiary hospitals, including The Royal Melbourne Hospital, The Alfred, The Royal Children’s Hospital, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre and the Royal Women’s Hospital. She also completed advanced training at the National Skin Centre in Singapore, where she was awarded the President’s Medal for excellence.
At Skindepth Dermatology, Dr Smithson offers a dedicated service for the diagnosis, treatment and long-term management of vulval skin disorders, including:
- Lichen sclerosus
- Lichen planus
- Vulvodynia and chronic vulval pain
- Recurrent thrush and dermatitis
- Vulval irritation, itching or burning with no clear cause
Dr Smithson uses a range of treatment approaches including gentle topical therapies, skin-directed pain management, and biopsy when needed to assist with diagnosis or monitoring. She supports her patients with clear education and long-term care plans, including ongoing surveillance for women at risk of vulval cancer or scarring.
She also consults at the Royal Women’s Hospital Vulval Clinic and Jean Hailes for Women’s Health, where she manages complex and multidisciplinary vulval conditions alongside gynaecologists, pain specialists and physiotherapists.
In addition to her clinical work, Dr Smithson holds appointments at The Alfred Hospital and The Skin Health Institute, where she is actively involved in teaching and dermatology research.
Whether addressing new or longstanding vulval skin concerns, Dr Smithson takes the time to listen and provide personalised, respectful, and evidence-based care in a comfortable and supportive setting.
