Profile / Publications

I am an experienced Consultant Dermatologist, Dermatological Surgeon and Mohs Surgeon.
I am a specialist in Mohs micrographic surgery for skin cancer having trained with Dr. Neil Swanson and Dr. Ken Lee at Oregon Health and Sciences University, Portland, Oregon, USA.

My private practice is at the Nottingham Woodthorpe Hospital, BMI Park Hospital, Spire Nottingham Hospital and occasionally at the Nottingham NHS Treatment Centre Private Patients.

My base hospital is now the Nottingham NHS Treatment Centre, QMC Campus, Lister Road, Nottingham NG7 2FT.

My expertise is in the early detection of skin cancer.
I specialise in surgical and non-surgical treatments for skin cancer.
I do not undertake any laser treatment.
From 2010 to 2012 I was Section Editor for the British Journal of Dermatology for the skin cancer, skin surgery & lasers section.
My theme of research has been photodynamic therapy (PDT) for basal cell carcinoma, intraepidermal carcinoma (Bowen’s disease) and solar keratoses. As such I have been involved in multicentre international studies on PDT.

Currently I am also involved in a research project which is investigating the automated detection of basal cell carcinoma during Mohs micrographic surgery using Raman spectroscopy. Grants held = 17, 696, 60, 880.

I have published 196 abstracts and manuscripts.

I am a mentor and train a fellow in Mohs micrographic surgery each year.
We are currently training our thirteenth fellow (SO).
Previous fellows (SR, KC, HA-R, ASD, SL, AP, AA, AS, ML, AW, DV, RJJ, SO) then went on to work in Aberdeen, London, Manchester, Sydney, Southampton, Birmingham, St. Helens, Sheffield, Walsall, Leicester and in Nottingham.

I co-founded the Karen Clifford Skin Cancer Charity (SKCIN) and as chairman (2006-8) helped to raise over £33,000 placing this new charity dedicated to skin cancer patients on a sound financial footing.

I am a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and a member of the British Association of Dermatologist and the British Society for Dermatological Surgery.

From 2005 - 2011, I was an executive committee member of the British Society for Dermatological Surgery and in 2006 I organised the largest and most successful annual surgical workshop of the previous 25 years. I was elected Treasurer of the Society from 2009 - 2011.

In 2010 I was awarded the Metal Man / “Surgeon of Steel” award by the Society for inspirational contributions to the Society’s affairs.

In the past I have taught medical students, junior doctors, dentists, nurses and GPs. In the past I have taught in Nottingham, around the UK and have presented at international Dermatology meetings.

I was Lead Clinician for the Nottingham Nurse surgery course 2005 - 2010.

In 2006 my registrar (AB) and I undertook a research paper that was awarded best presentation by the BSDS. In 2019 my Mohs fellow (AW) and I undertook research that was awarded best poster presentation at the BAD annual meeting 2019.

One of my interests is cricket. As such, I have screened Nottinghamshire County Cricket Club for skin cancer and discussion sun protection and skin cancer prevention for the past 18 years

Publications

“The safest thing for a patient is to be in the hands of a man engaged in teaching medicine. In order to be a teacher of medicine the doctor must always be a student”. Charlie Mayo of the Mayo Clinic.

1. Varma S, Lanigan SW. Motivation for tattoo removal. Arch Dermatol 1996; 132: 1516.
2. Varma S, Large GA. Patients from coronary care units should be given their electrocardiograms and carry them at all times. BMJ 1997; 314: 1764-1765.
3. Varma S, Lanigan SW. Pseudoporphyria caused by Nabumetone: a case report [published correction appears in Br J Dermatol 1998; 139: 361]. Br J Dermatol 1998; 138: 549-550.
4. Varma S, Lanigan SW. Leg ulceration with associated thrombocytosis: healing of ulceration associated with treatment of the raised platelet count. Br J Dermatol 1999; 140: 188-9.
5. Varma S, Lanigan SW. Reasons for requesting laser removal of unwanted tattoos. Br J Dermatol 1999; 140: 483-485. [Cited in Minerva. BMJ 1999; 318: 1222].
6. Varma S, Lanigan SW. Dermatomyositis-like eruption and leg ulceration caused by hydroxyurea in a patient with psoriasis. Clin Exp Dermatol 1999; 24:164-6.
7. Varma S. Time delay to thrombolytic therapy. Postgrad Med J 1999: 75; 317.
8. Varma S, Feyi-Waboso A, Lane C, Holt PJ. The peripheral corneal melting syndrome and psoriasis: coincidence or association? Br J Dermatol 1999; 141:344-6. [Cited in Editors Choice].
9. Varma S, Roberts DL. Melasma of the arms caused by hormone replacement therapy. Br J Dermatol 1999; 141: 592.
10. Varma S, Logan RA. Exanthematic pityriasis rubra pilaris. Br J Dermatol 1999; 141: 769-741.
11. Varma S, Pegler S, Statham BN. Undeclared constituents in antiscabetic treatments. Br J Dermatol 1999; 141: 1151-2.
12. Holme SA, Varma S. Delicious Dermatology! Arch Dermatol 1999; 135: 1121.
13. Chowdhury MMU, Varma S, Howell S, Holt PJA, Statham BN. Facial cutaneous tuberculosis: an unusual presentation. Clin Exp Dermatol 2000; 25: 48-50
14. Varma S, Holt PJA, Anstey AV. Erythroplasia of Queyrat treated by photodynamic therapy: a cautionary tale. Br J Dermatol 2000; 142: 825-6.
15. Patel GK, Varma S, Finlay AY. Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome in healthy adults Br J Dermatol 2000; 142: 1253-5.
16. Varma S, Blackford S, Statham BN, Blackwell A. Combined contact allergy to tea tree oil and lavender oil complicating chronic vulvovaginitis. Contact Dermatitis 2000: 42; 309-10.
17. Varma S, Lanigan SW. Dermatomyositis-like eruption and leg ulceration caused by hydroxyurea in a patient with psoriasis. Authors’ Reply. Clin Exp Dermatol 2000; 25: 256-7
18. Varma S, Haworth A, Keefe M, Anstey A. Delayed onset of symptoms in erythropoietic protoporphyria Br J Dermatol 2000; 143: 221-3.
19. Varma S, Lanigan SW. Management difficulties posed by co-occurrence of dermatitis herpetiformis and variegate porphyria. Br J Dermatol 2000; 143: 654-5.
20. Varma S, Lanigan SW. Laser therapy of telangiectatic leg veins: clinical evaluation of the 810 nm diode laser. Clin Exp Dermatol 2000; 25: 419-22.
21. Varma S, Wilson H, Kurwa HA, Gambles B, Charman C, Pearse AD, Taylor D, Anstey AV. Bowen’s disease, solar keratoses and superficial basal cell carcinomas treated by photodynamic therapy using a large field incoherent light source. Br J Dermatol 2001; 144: 567-74.
22. Chave T, Varma S, Logan JMJ, Holt PJA. A papillary lesion on the foreskin. Arch Dermatol 2001; 137: 815-20 (off-centre).
23. Varma S, Holt PJA. Severe cutaneous reaction to CS gas. Clin Exp Dermatol 2001: 26; 248-50
24. Chave T, Varma S, Patel GK, Knight AG. Malignant atrophic papulosis (Degos’ disease): Clinicopathological correlations. J Eur Acad Derm Vener 2001: 15; 43-45.
25. Inaloz HS, Chowdhury MMU, Varma S, Holt PJA. Dermoid cyst with unusual basaloid differentiation. J Eur Acad Derm Vener 2001: 15; 268-9.
26. Holme SA, Varma S, Holt PJA. The first case of exophytic pilomatricoma in an Asian male. Pediatric Dermatology 2001; 18: 498-500.
27. Chave T, Varma S, Knight AG. Dystrophic calcinosis cutis in venous ulcers: a cause of treatment failure. Br J Dermatol: 2001: 145; 364-5.
28. Holme SA, Varma S, Chowdhury MMU, Roberts DL. Audit of a Melanoma Screening Day in the UK: Clinical results, participant satisfaction and perceived value. Br J Dermatol 2001: 145; 784-8.
29. Hughes TM, Varma S, Stone NM. Occupational contact dermatitis from garlic and herb mixture. Contact Dermatitis 2002; 47: 48.
30. Varma S, Hughes TM, Stone NM. Allergic contact dermatitis from polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) / 1-triacontene copolymer in a sunscreen Contact Dermatitis 2002; 47: 49.
31. Varma S, Swanson NA, Lee KH. Tattoo ink darkening of a yellow tattoo after Q-switched laser treatment. Clin Exp Dermatol 2002; 27: 461-3.
32. Varma S, Nicolaou N, Blackford S, Blackwell A. Vulval Crohn’s Disease: Report of a case and review of the literature. Clin Exp Dermatol 2002; 27: 535-6.
33. Varma S, Finlay AY. The Woronoff ring in psoriasis. Br J Dermatol 2003; 148: 170
34. Rhodes LE, deRie M, Enström Y, Groves R, Morken T, Goulden V, Wong G, Grob J-J, Varma S, Wolf P. Photodynamic therapy using topical methyl aminolevulinate vs surgery for nodular basal cell carcinoma: results of a multicenter randomized prospective trial. Arch Dermatol 2004; 140: 17-23.
35. Ravenscroft JC, Leach IH, Varma S. Adjacent dermal nodules on the nose. Arch Dermatol 2004; 140: 609-614.
36. Gee B, Morris AD, Kaye PH, Varma S. A rare rapidly growing purple tumor on the cheek. Arch Dermatol 2004; 140: 751-6.
37. Birnie A, Varma S, Holt PJA and Colver GB. Post-operative delayed bleeding from the superficial temporal artery. Clin Exp Dermatol 2004; 29: 492-3.
38. Flower O, Varma S, Leach IH. Asymptomatic preauricular nodule. Arch Dermatol 2005; 141:633-8.
39. Affleck AG, Leach IH, Varma S. Two squamous cell carcinomas arising in a linear epidermal naevus in a 28-year-old female. Clin Exp Dermatol 2005; 30: 382-4.
40. Birnie A, Varma S. Images in clinical medicine. Adenocarcinoma of the breast in a man.  N Engl J Med 2005; 353: 286.
41. Lowe NJ, Ascher B, Heckmann M et al. Double blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, dose-response study of the safety and efficacy of botulinum toxin type A in subjects with crow’s feet. Dermatologic Surgery 2005; 31: 257-62 [SV is author as part of the Botox facial aesthetics study team]
42. AG Affleck AG, Bong JL, Ostroumova MA, Leach IH, Perks AG, Varma S. Eccrine porocarcinoma. Dermatology Online Journal 2006; 12 (1): 17
43. Birnie AJ, Kulkarni K, Varma S. Basal cell carcinoma arising in a tattoo. Clin Exp Dermatol 2006; 31:820-1.
44. Varma S. Skin cancer and surgical margins for basal cell carcinoma. Clinical Medicine 2006; 6: 622-3.
45. Birnie AJ, Thomas KS, Varma S. Should eye protection be worn during dermatological surgery: prospective observational study. Br J Dermatol 2007; 156: 1258-62.
46. Worsnop F, Affleck A, Varma S, English J. Allergic contact dermatitis from mastisol mistaken for cellulitis. Contact Dermatitis 2007; 56: 357-8.
47. Cohen SN, Sidebottom A, Varma S. Intraoral haematoma - a novel complication of dermatologic surgery. Dermatologic Surgery 2007; 33: 1139-41
48. Affleck AG, Varma S. A case of do-it-yourself Mohs' surgery using bloodroot obtained from the internet. British Journal of Dermatology. 157(5):1078-1079, November 2007.
49. Gait R, Affleck AG, Leach IH, Varma S. Panca positive polyarteritis nodosa secondary to minocycline for acne vulgaris. JAAD 2008 58 (5) S123-4
50. Samarasinghe V, Varma S. Eczema Herpeticum. BMJ 2008: 336 check 336 or 331; 1198
51. Birnie A, Varma S. A dermatoscopically diagnosed collision tumour: Malignant melanoma arising within a seborrhoeic keratosis. Clin Exp Dermatol 2008; 33: 512-3.
52. Basset-Seguin N, Ibbotson S, Emtestam L, Tarstedt M, Morton C, Maroti M, Calzavara-Pinton P, Varma S, Roelandts R, Wolf P. Topical methyl aminolaevulinate photodynamic therapy versus cryotherapy for superficial basal cell carcinoma: a 5 year randomized trial. Eur J Dermatol 2008; 18 (5): 547-53
53. Gait R, Affleck AG, Leach IH, Varma S. A painful blue nodule on the leg. Clin Exp Dermatol 2009; 34: 127-8.
54. Sharma M, Varma S. Swimming pool granuloma on the nose. BMJ 2009; 339: 1092
55. Doufekas K, Duncan TJ, Williamson KM, Varma S, Nunns D. Mohs Micrographic Surgery for Dermatofibrosarcoma Protuberans of the Vulva. Obstetrics and Gynecology International 2009
56. Larraona-Puy M. Ghita A, Zoladek A, Perkins W, Varma S, Leach IH, Williams H, Koloydenko AA, Notingher I. Development of Raman microspectroscopy for automated detection and imaging of basal cell carcinoma. Journal of Biomedical Optics 2009; 14 (5); 0540311 1-10.
57. Flohr C, Lee K, Varma S. Merocel® nasal packing with airway: a method to help secure full-thickness skin grafts on the nasal tip. Br J Dermatol 2010; 162:209-10.
58. Affleck A, Varma S. Cock’s Peculiar Tumour. Arch Dermatol 2010; 146: 68
59. Rajpara S, Affleck A, Varma S. Transient Graft Hypertrophy following full-thickness skin graft. British Journal of Dermatology. 2010;163: 658-9
60. Foo SH, Kulkarni K, Varma S. A rare case of misplaced turban. Clin Exp Dermatol 2010; 35: 797-8.
61. Varma S. Portable Video Education for Informed Consent: The shape of things to come? Br J Dermatol 2010; 163: 901
62. Varma S. Mobile teledermatology for skin tumour screening. Br J Dermatol 2011; 164: 939-940.
63. Malik M, Simpson RC, Varma S. Isotretinoin as contraindication. BMJ 2011: 342; 1223.
64. Larraona-Puy, Ghita A, Zoladek A, Perkins W, Varma S, Leach IH, Koloydenko, Williams HC, Notingher I. Discrimination between basal cell carcinoma and hair follicles in skin tissue sections by Raman micro-spectroscopy. J of Molecular Structure 2011; 993: 57-61.
65. Chittari K, Birnie AJ, Kulkarni KR, Perks AG, Varma S: Sarcomatoid carcinoma of the hand: a clinical case with an aggressive and uncommon presentation. Clin Exp Dermatol; 2012; 37: 505-8
66. Rowlands CJ, Varma S, Perkins W, Leach IH, Williams HC, Notingher. Rapid acquisition of Raman spectral maps through minimal sampling: applications in tissue imaging. J. Biophotonics (2012) 3, 220-229.
67. Rajpara S, Foo S, Varma S. managing a basal cell carcinoma overlying a pacemaker. Clin Exp Dermatol 2012; 37: 435-6
68. Baxter J, Patel AN, Varma S. Facial basal cell carcinoma. BMJ 2012.[view free copy] [BMJ impact factor 17.215 ISI Web of Science,October 2012]
    
69. Patel AN, Perkins W, Ravenscroft A, Varma S. Extraordinary reticulate hyperpigmentation occurring after Bier block. Clin Exp Dermatol 2013; 38: 94-95.
70. Patel AN, Varma S, Batchelor JM, Lawton PA. Why aqueous cream should not be used in radiotherapy-induced skin reactions. Clinical Oncology 2012; 25: 272
71. Patel AN, Bedforth N, Varma S. Pain free treatment of carcinoma cuniculatum on the heel with Mohs micrographic surgery and ultrasonography-guided sciatic nerve block. Clin. Exp Dermatol 2013; 38: 569-71.
72. Kong K, Rowlands CJ, Varma S, Perkins W, Leach IH, Koloydenko AA, Williams HC, Notingher I. Diagnosis of tumors during tissue-conserving surgery with integrated autofluorescence and Raman scattering microscopy. Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A., 110 (2013) 15189-15194.PNAS 2013, 110 (38), 15189-15194.
73. Yaakub A, Varma S, Kulkarni K, Batchelor J. A recurrent nodule on the nose. Clin Exp Dermatol 2013; 38: 205-6.
74. Kong K, Rowlands CJ, Varma S, Perkins W, Leach IH, Koloydenko AA, Pitiot A, Williams HC, Notingher I. Increasing the speed of tumour diagnosis during surgery with selective scanning Raman microscopy .J Molec Struct, 2014, 1073, 58-65.
75. Foo S, Cheng S, Varma S, Kulkarni K. Sequestered meningocele within a naevus sebaceous of Jadassohn on the scalp of a child. Clin Exp Dermatol 2014; 39: 304-6.
76. Patel A, Swanson N, Varma S. Ambidexterity in dermatological surgery. BJD.2014; 170: 978-80.
77. Patel A, Perkins W, Leach I, Varma S. Johnsons square procedure for lentigo maligna and lentigo maligna melanoma. Clin Exp Dermatol 2014; 39: 570-6
78. O'Boyle CP, Perkins W, Varma S, Daly J, Perks AG. To mislead or not to mislead? J Plast Reconstr Aesthetic Surg (2014) 67: 1157-58
79. Loghdey MS, Varma S, Rajpara SM, Al-Rawi H, Perks AG, Perkins W. Mohs micrographic surgery for dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP): A single centre series of 76 patients treated by frozen-section Mohs micrographics surgery with a review of the literature. J Plast Reconstr Aesthetic Surg (2014) 67(10):1315-21.
80. Lear JT, Corner C, Dziewulski P, Fife K, Ross GL, Varma S, Harwood CA. Challenges and new horizons in the management of advanced basal cell carcinoma: a UK perspective. Br J Cancer 2014; 111(8): 1476-81.
81. Takamori S, Kong K, Varma S, Leach I, Williams H, Notingher I. Optimization of multimodal spectral imaging for assessment of resection margins during Mohs micrographic surgery of basal cell carcinoma. Biomedical Optics Express 2015;6(1): 98-111
82. Aslam A, Patel A, Varma S. Lymphoepithelioma like skin cancer: an exceedingly rare primary skin cancer. J Clin Investigat Dermatol. 2015, 3 [2]
83. Sinjab F, Kong K, Gibson G, Varma S, Williams H, Padgett M, Notingher I. Tissue diagnosis using power-sharing multifocal Raman micro-spectroscopy and auto-fluorescence imaging. Biomed Opt Express. 2016 Jul 11;7(8):2993-3006
84. Hussain W, Affleck A, Al-Niaimi F, Cooper A, Craythorne E, Fleming C, Ghura V, Langtry J, Lawrence C, Loghdey S, Naysmith L, Oliphant T, Rahim R, Rice S, Sivaramakrishnan M, Stables G, Varma S, Mallipeddi R. Safety, complications and patients' acceptance of Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) under local anaesthesia: results from the U.K. MAPS (Mohs Acceptance and Patient Safety) Collaboration Group. Br J Dermatol 2017; 176: 806-808.
85. Boitor R, Kong K, Shipp D, Varma S, Koloydenko A, Kulkarni K, Elsheikh S, Schut TB, Caspers P, Puppels G, van der Woolf M, Sokolova E, Nijsten TEC, Salence B, Williams HC, Notingher I. Automated multimodal spectral histopathology for quantitative diagnosis of residual tumour during basal cell carcinoma surgery. Biomed Opt Express. 2017; 8(12): 5749-5766.
86. Sharma A, Veitch D, Elshiekh S, Bamford M, McKenna DJ, Varma S. Intravascular basal cell carcinoma: what to do next? Clin Exp Dermatol 2018: 43; 934-5.
87. Varma S. Reply to: Frequency of squamous cell carcinoma in situ (SCCIS) and SCC in re-excisions of biopsy-proven cutaneous SCCIS. Br J Dermatol 2018; 179: 223-224.
88. Patel AN, Wernham AGH, Varma S. Charcoal pocket hand warmers - a rare cause of BCC carcinogenisis?Australasian J Dermatol 2019; 60: 156-7
89. Al Rawi H, Varma S. The use of a hand-held mirror to reduce litigation and improve communication in dermatological surgery. Br J Dermatol 2012; 167: 446-7.
90. Smith H, Olabi B, Lam M, Patel A, Varma S. Ten years experience using the Johnson Square Procedure for Lentigo Maligna. Br J Dermatol 2019; 181: 602-4.
91. Patel AN, Wernham AG, Varma S. Folliculocentric basaloid proliferation co-existing with basal cell carcinoma in Mohs surgery: A potential cause of confusion. Australasian J Dermatol 2019; 60: 333-4.
92. Rajput R, Varma S, Tambe K. Comment on: “Periocular Mohs basal cell carcinoma in the under 40's - is more aggressive treatment warranted. Eye 2019; 181: 602-4.
93. Wernham A, Smith H, Patel A, Varma S, Lam S. Chondroid syringoma of the heel masquerading as a malignant tumour - a potential pitfall in diagnosis. Australasian J Dermatol 2020; 61: 60-61
94. Veitch D, Smith H, Olabi B, Lam M, Patel A, Varma S. Response to "Long term outcomes of imiquimod-treated lentigo maligna". Clin Exp Dermatol 2020; 45: 274.
95. Veitch D, Smith H, Varma S, Abercrombie L, Patel A. Tattoo Regret: Adverse health-care implications of skin tattooing in skin cancer patients. Australasian J Dermatol 2020; 61: 81-82.
96. Veitch D, Wernham A, Varma S. A response to "Transparent Grid System as a novel tool to prevent wrong-site surgery on the back”. J Am Acad Dermatol 2020; jan 7: S0190-9622
97. Wernham AGH, Oliphant T, Veitch D, Naysmith L, Varma S. National survey of U.K. Dermatologists demonstrates significant variation in how to obtain consent for dermatological procedures. Clin Exp Dermatol 2020; 45: 576-9.
98. Wernham AGH, Veitch D, Wood GV, Varma S. A prospective comparative study to identify the optimal skin marker and marking protocol for skin surgery. Clin Exp Dermatol 2020; 45: 623-4.
99. Mann J, Wernham A, Kulkarni K, Varma S. An unexpected lesion on the scalp. Clin Exp Dermatol2020; 45: 922-4.
100. Mohandas P, Lowden M, Varma S. Bowen's disease. BMJ 2020:m813.
101. Varma S , Boitor R, Notingher I. Achieve early complete sections in Mohs surgery or beware of false positives. Dermatol Surg 2021; 47(6): 832.
102. Veitch D, Varma S. A response to “Ariza and colleagues how wide should the excision margins be? Experience with 306 cases. Dermatol Surg 2021; 47(7): 1000-1
103. Veitch D, Varma S. Regarding: “A challenging defect of the nasal ala”. Dermatol Surg 2021; 47(7): 1014-5.
104. Boitor R, de Wolf C, Weesie, Shipp DW, Varma S, Vietch D, Wernham A, Koloydenko A, Puppels G, Nijsten T, Williams HC, Caspers P, Notingher I. Clinical integration of Fast Raman spectroscopy for Mohs micrographic surgery of basal cell carcinoma, Biomed Opt Express 2021; 12(4): 2015-16.
105. Jerrom R, Varma S. Response to: Intraoral Basal Cell Carcinoma discovered during Mohs micrographic surgery. Dermatol Surg 2021; 47(10): 1398-99.
106. Nikookam Y, Varma S, Wernham A. A Response to: ‘A Step Toward Environmental Sustainability in Mohs Surgery’ – Lessons from the UK. A UK Perspective on Environmental Sustainability in Mohs Surgery. Derm Surg 2022 accepted for publication
107. Moledina Z, Nambi A, Sharma A, Varma S. future guidelines should come with a health warning. CED 2022 accepted for publication

Published Abstracts

1. Varma S, Lanigan SW. The psychological, social and financial burden of tattoos. Br J Dermatol 1996; 135 (Suppl. 47): 37 - 38.
2. Varma S, Holt PJ, Anstey A. Treatment of Bowen’s disease of the glans penis by photodynamic therapy. Journal of Dermatological Treatment. 1998; 9(4): 270.
3. Varma S, Lanigan SW. Dermatomyositis-like eruption and leg ulceration caused by long term hydroxyurea treatment in a patient with psoriasis. Journal of Dermatological Treatment. 1998; 9(4): 270.
4. Varma S, Anstey A, Wilson H, Kurwa HA, Charman C, Marks R. Photodynamic therapy for the treatment of Bowen’s disease, solar keratoses, and superficial basal cell carcinomas: 12 months experience with a novel light source. Br J Dermatol 1998; 139 (Suppl. 51): 19. 
5. Varma S, Feyi-Waboso A, Lane C, Holt PJ. Is corneal melting an ocular manifestation of psoriasis? Br J Dermatol 1998; 139 (Suppl. 51): 60-61.
6. Varma S, Finlay AY. Setting standards for in-patient care and services: audit can help. Br J Dermatol  1998; 139 (Suppl. 51): 62.
7. Patel G, Varma S, Finlay AY. Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome in immunocompetent adults: Don’t miss it! Br J Dermatol 1998; 139 (Suppl. 51): 68.
8. Bamujally AJA, Judodihardjo H, Gonzalez M, Varma S, Wilson H, Marks R, Anstey A. Treatment of chronic plaque psoriasis with photodynamic therapy. Br J Dermatol 1998; 139(Suppl. 51): 96-97.
9. Clark SM, Inaloz HS, Chowdhury MMU, Varma S, Finlay AY. A case of lymphomatoid papulosis with oral involvement. J Eur Acad Derm Vener 1998; 11(Suppl. 2): S310.
10. Varma S, Haworth A, Keefe M, Anstey A. Delayed onset of symptoms in erythropoietic protoporphyria Br J Dermatol 1999; 141 (Suppl. 55): 65-6.
11. Varma S, Lanigan SW. Difficulties posed by simultaneous occurrence of dermatitis herpetiformis and variegate porphyria. Br J Dermatol 1999; 141 (Suppl. 55): 66.
12. Varma S, Wilson H, Kurwa HA, Charman C, Gambles B, Anstey A. One year relapse rates for Bowen’s disease, basal cell carcinomas and solar keratoses treated by photodynamic therapy: analysis of 189 lesions. Br J Dermatol 1999; 141 (Suppl. 55): 114.
13. Varma S, Blackford S, Chowdhury MMU, Das K, Statham BN, Roberts DL. Malignant melanoma Monday - madness or miracle. Br J Dermatol 1999; 141 (Suppl. 55): 116-7
14. Varma S, Blackford S, Kingham J, Williams S, Blackwell A. Vulval Crohn’s disease. J Eur Acad Derm Vener 1999; 12 (Suppl. 2): S179.
15. Chowdhury MMU, Varma S, Williams S, Holt PJA, Statham BN. Facial cutaneous tuberculosis: an unusual presentation. J Eur Acad Derm Vener 1999; 12 (Suppl. 2): S243.
16. Varma S, Blackford S, Statham BN, Blackwell A. Tea tree oil and lavender oil allergy masquerading as chronic vulvovaginitis. J Eur Acad Derm Vener 1999; 12 (Suppl. 2): S192-3.
17. Varma S, Lanigan SW. A preliminary study of the 810 nm diode laser in the treatment of telangiectatic leg veins. J Eur Acad Derm Vener 1999; 12 (Suppl. 2): S202.
18. Goodwin RG, Varma S, Knight AG. Erythematous facial nodules in association with erythema nodosum of the lower legs. J Eur Acad Derm Vener 1999; 12 (Suppl. 2): S170.
19. Varma S, Chave T, Patel GK, Knight AG. Malignant atrophic papulosis (Degos’ disease): Clinico-pathological correlations. Br J Dermatol 2000; 143 (Suppl. 57): 98-9.
20. Chowdhury MMU, Varma S, Roberts DL, Motley RJ. Audit of patient satisfaction with surgical services. Br J Dermatol 2000; 143 (Suppl.57): 107-8.
21. Chave T, Varma S, Knight AG. Venous ulceration complicated by dystrophic calcinosis cutis: a cause of treatment failure. J Eur Acad Derm Vener 2000; 14 (Suppl. 1): 302-3.
22. Basset-Seguin N, Ibbotson S, Emtestam L, Tarstedt M, Morton C, Maroti M, Calzavara-Pinton P, Varma S, Roelandts R, Wolf P, Saksela O, Rosdahl I. Photodynamic therapy using Metvix is as efficacious as cryotherapy in BCC, with better cosmetic results. J Eur Acad Derm Vener 2001; 15 (Suppl. 2): p22-16.
23. Holme SA, Varma S, Chowdhury MMU, Roberts DL. Audit of a Melanoma Screening Day in the UK: Clinical Results, Participant Satisfaction and Perceived Value. J Eur Acad Derm Vener 2001; 15 (Suppl. 2): p 12-8.
24. Varma S, Lee KK. Naevus of Ota provoked by pregnancy. J Eur Acad Derm Vener 2002; 16 (Suppl. 1): 273.
25. Varma S, Mills CM. Granuloma annulare of the antihelix in a 9-year-old boy.  J Eur Acad Derm Vener 2002; 16 (Suppl. 1): 266-7.
26. Varma S, Nicolau N, Gambles B, Pearse AD, Anstey AV. Does disseminated superficial actinic porokeratosis respond to photodynamic therapy? J Eur Acad Derm Vener 2002; 16 (Suppl. 1): 338.
27. Varma S, Gambles B, Pearse AD, Chowdhury MMU, Anstey AV. Pain in photodynamic therapy: a patient questionnaire based survey J Eur Acad Derm Vener 2002; 16 (Suppl. 1): 154 .
28. Basset-Seguin N, Ibbotson S, Emtestam L, Tarstedt M, Morton C, Maroti M, Calzavara-Pinton P, Varma S, Roelandts R, Wolf P, Saksela O, Rosdahl I. Photodynamic therapy using methyl aminolaevulinate is as efficacious as cryotherapy in basal cell carcinoma, with better cosmetic results. Br J Dermatol 2003; 149 (Suppl. 64): 46.
29. Rhodes LE, deRie M, Enström Y, Groves R, Morken T, Goulden V, Wong G, Grob J.J, Varma S, Wolf P. A randomized comparison of excision surgery and photodynamic therapy using methyl aminolaevulinate in nodular basal cell carcinoma. Br J Dermatol 2003; 149 (Suppl. 64): 47.
30. Gee BC, Morris AD, Varma S. Nonselective beta blockade and adrenaline interaction: an investigation into experience, knowledge and current practice of dermatological surgeons in the UK. Br J Dermatol 2003; 149 (Suppl. 64): 107-8.
31. Rhodes LE, deRie M, Enström Y, Groves R, Morken T, Goulden V, Wong G, Grob J.J, Varma S, Wolf P. A randomized European comparison of excision surgery and MAL-PDT in nodular basal cell carcinoma. Journal of Dermatological Treatment 2004;15: 266.
32. Basset-Seguin N, Ibbotson S, Emtestam L, Tarstedt M, Morton C, Maroti M, Calzavara-Pinton P, Varma S, Roelandts R, Wolf P, Saksela O, Rosdahl I. Photodynamic therapy using methylaminolaevulinate  is as efficacious as cryotherapy in superficial basal cell carcinoma, with better cosmetic results: results of a European, randomized, multicenter study. Journal of Dermatological Treatment 2004;15: 266.
33. Basset-Seguin N, Ibbotson S, Emtestam L, Tarstedt M, Morton C, Maroti M, Calzavara-Pinton P, Varma S, Roelandts R, Wolf P, Saksela O, Rosdahl I. MAL-PDT vs. cryotherapy in primary sBCC; results of 36 months follow-up. J Eur Acad Derm Vener 2004; 18 (Suppl. 2): p412.
34. Rhodes LE, deRie M, Enström Y, Groves R, Morken T, Goulden V, Wong G, Grob J.J, Varma S, Wolf P. A randomized European comparison of MAL-PDT and excision surgery in nodular basal cell carcinoma. J Eur Acad Derm Vener 2004; 18 (Suppl. 2): p413.
35. Rhodes LE, deRie M, Enström Y, Groves R, Morken T, Goulden V, Wong G, Grob J.J, Varma S, Wolf P. A randomized European comparison of MAL-PDT and excision surgery in nodular basal cell carcinoma. Br J Dermatol 2005; 153(Suppl. 1): 28-9.
36. Basset-Seguin N, Ibbotson S, Emtestam L, Tarstedt M, Morton C, Maroti M, Calzavara-Pinton P, Varma S, Roelandts R, Wolf P, Saksela O, Rosdahl I. Methylaminolaevulinate photodynamic therapy vs. cryotherapy in primary superficial basal cell carcinoma; results of 36 months follow-up. Br J Dermatol 2005; 153(Suppl. 1): 29.
37. Cohen SN, Varma S. Intra-oral haematoma - a peculiar and previously unreported complication of dermatological surgery. JEADV 2005; 19 (Suppl 2): 64-5.
38. Rhodes LE, deRie M, Enström Y, Groves R, Morken T, Goulden V, Wong G, Grob J.J, Varma S, Wolf P. A randomized European comparison of excision surgery and MAL-PDT in nodular basal cell carcinoma; results from a 36-month follow-up. JEADV 2005; 19 (Suppl 2): 236.
39. Basset-Seguin N, Ibbotson S, Emtestam L, Tarstedt M, Morton C, Maroti M, Calzavara-Pinton P, Varma S, Roelandts R, Wolf P, Saksela O, Rosdahl I. MAL-PDT vs. cryotherapy in primary sBCC: results of 48-month follow-up. JEADV 2005; 19 (Suppl 2): 237.
40. Affleck A, Varma S, Leach I. Perinuclear antineutrophilic cytoplasmic antibody- positive cutaneous polyarteritis nodosa secondary to minocycline therapy for acne vulgaris (abstract). J Am Acad Dermatol 2006; 54 (3): AB1
41. Basset-Seguin N, Ibbotson S, Emtestam L, Tarstedt M, Morton C, Maroti M, Calzavara-Pinton P, Varma S, Roelandts R, Wolf P. photodynamic therapy using topical methyl aminolaevulinate versus cryotherapy for treatment of primary superficial basal cell carcinoma: results of a five-year rospective randomised trial. Br J Dermatol 2006; 155(Suppl. 1): 57.
42. Birnie A, Thomas K, Skelton L, Varma S. Blood splashes to the face during dermatological surgery. Br J Dermatol 2006; 155(Suppl. 1): 97.
43. Rhodes LE, deRie M, Enström Y, Groves R, Morken T, Goulden V, Wong G, Grob J.J, Varma S, Wolf P. A randomized European comparison of MAL-PDT and excision surgery in nodular basal cell carcinoma: results from a 60 month follow-up study. JID 2006; 126 (Suppl 2): S34.
44. Basset-Seguin N, Ibbotson S, Emtestam L, Tarstedt M, Morton C, Maroti M, Calzavara-Pinton P, Varma S, Roelandts R, Wolf P, O Saksela, I Rosadahl.  MAL-PDT versus cryotherapy for treatment of primary superficial basal cell carcinoma: results of a five-year prospective randomized trial. JID 2006; 126 (Suppl 2): S34.
45. Affleck A, Varma S, Graham P, Guevara C. Edward Cock (1805-1892) and his peculiar tumour. Br J Dermatol 2007; 157(Suppl 1):76
46. Tewary M, Affleck A, Varma S. Time taken for dermatological surgery: a prospective audit. Br J Dermatol 2007; 157(Suppl 1):108
47. Affleck A, Varma S. “Chewing gum” hypertrophy complication of a full thickness skin graft on the nose: spontaneous resolution over 4 weeks.  Br J Dermatol 2007; 157(Suppl 1):111
48. Affleck A, Varma S. A case of DIY Mohs surgery using bloodroot obtained from the internet. Br J Dermatol 2007; 157(Suppl 1):111-112
49. Stanway A, Bassi N, Williams H, Varma S, Ravenscroft J. Results of survey of British Association of Dermatologists (BAD) and British Society for Paediatric Dermatology (BSPD) members regarding treatment of infantile haemangiomas. Br J Dermatol 2007; 157(Suppl 1):119.
50. Cheng frances lee sv kulkarni – nv seb + meningocele BJD 2009
51. Cheng S, Leach IH, Varma S. Porokeratosis of Mibelli in a child.  Br J Dermatol 2010; 162: 1166
52. Chittari K, Leach I, Perkins W, Varma S. Toludine blue in Mohs surgery: another indication and its advantage in a case of a primary morphoeic basal cell carcinoma coexisting with B-cell marginal zone lymphoma. Br J Dermatol 2010; 163 (Suppl 1): 115.
53. Rajpara S, Varma S, Perks G, Perkins W. Mohs micrographic surgery for dermatofibrosarcoma protruberans. Br J Dermatol 2010; 163 (Suppl 1): 108.
54. Simpson R, Varma S. Isotretinoin and laser eye surgery: time to see the problem. Br J Dermatol 2011; 165 (Suppl 1):
55. Patel A, Varma S, Ravenscroft A. Extraordinary reticulate hyperpigmentation following Bier’s Block. Br J Dermatol 2011; 165 (Suppl 1):
56. Al-Rawi H, Cohen SN, Varma S. Axillary Web Syndrome (Mondor Disease) – a rare complication from simple cutaneous surgery. Br J Dermatol 2011; 165 (Suppl 1):
57. Al-Rawi H, Steel T, Abercrombie LC, Varma S. The bandage contact lens – a simple way to protect the cornea in periocular post-Mohs defects. Br J Dermatol 2011; 165 (Suppl 1):
58. Al-Rawi H, Varma S. The beaver blade – a surgical tip for the Mohs surgeon in tackling anatomically challenging sites. Br J Dermatol 2011; 165 (Suppl 1):
59. Al-Rawi H, Chittari K, Leach I, Perkins W, Varma S. A microscopically controlled technique for excision of in-situ malignant melanoma using the “Square Procedure”. Br J Dermatol 2011; 165 (Suppl 1):
60. Al-Rawi H, Varma S. A simple method of harvesting split thickness skin grafts using the SG3 skin graft blade. Br J Dermatol 2012; x (suppl 1):xx
61. A. Patel, E. Burden-Teh, M. Lam, P. Akram, R. Farley and S. Varma. Do display monitors and 'tablet' screens emit sufficient UVA or UVB to affect photosensitive patients? BrJ Dermatol 2013; 169 (suppl.1): 64.
62. WS Hussain, A Affleck, F Al-Niami, A Cooper, E Craythorne, C Fleming, V Ghura, J Langtry, C Lawrence, S Loghdey, R Mallipeddi, L Naysmith, T Oliphant, R Rahim, S Rice, M Sivaramkrishan, G Stables, S Varma. Safety, complications and patients' acceptance of Mohs micrographic surgery under local anaesthesia: results from the U.K. Mohs Acceptance and Patient Safety Collaboration Group.BrJ Dermatol 2013; 169 (suppl.1): 66.
63. A. Patel, W. Perkins, I. Leach and S. Varma. Five-year experience of the Johnson square procedure for lentigo maligna and lentigo maligna melanoma: the Nottingham experience of 15 cases. BrJ Dermatol 2013; 169 (suppl.1): 69.
64. A. Patel, N. Bedforth and S. Varma. Carcinoma cuniculatum on the heel treated pain free with Mohs micrographic surgery using ultrasound-guided sciatic nerve block. BrJ Dermatol 2013; 169 (suppl.1): 78.
65. Jerrom R , Jackson D, Patel AN, Varma S. From ancient indian potters to WWII pilots: the elaborate history of skin grafting. Br J Dermatol 2014; 171 (suppl 1): 141.
66. Patel AN, Varma S. The history of local anaesthesia. Br J Dermatol 2014; 171 (suppl 1): 145
67. Patel AN, Varma S. Castroviejo needle holder: a surgical tip for suturing at difficult anatomical sites. Br J Dermatol 2014; 171 (suppl 1): 173-74.
68. Sharma A and Varma S. Cochlear implants: should monopolar diathermy be avoided? Br J Dermatol 2017; 177 (suppl 1): 107-8.
69. Sharma A and Varma S.Parotid fistula: Management of a rare complication . Br J Dermatol 2017; 177 (suppl 1): 120.
70. Sharma A and Varma S. intravascular basal cell carcinoma: what to do next?. Br J Dermatol 2017; 177 (suppl 1): 121.
71. Sharma A and Varma S. Electronic cigarettes: what the dermatological surgeon needs to know. Br J Dermatol 2017; (suppl 1): 122-23.
72. Sharma A, Srinivasan D, Elsheikh S and Varma S. Carcinosarcoma with rhabdomyosarcomatous differentiation: an extremely rare nodule on the cheek. Br J Dermatol 2017; 177 (suppl 1): 131.
73. Smith H, Olabi B,Patel AN, Varma S, Lam M. Ten years experience of the Johnson square procedure for lentigo maligna and lentigo maligna melanoma. Br J Dermatol 2018; 179 (Suppl1): 106.
74. Olabi B, Smith H, Panthagani A, Ratib S, Lam M, Varma S. No relationship found between serum Vitamin D levels and prognostic indices of malignant melanoma, in contrast to previous studies. Br J Dermatol 2018; 179 (Suppl1): 106-7.
75. Lam M, Varma S. Novel benefits of intraoperative intranasal packaging (Merocel) to the dermatological surgeon. Br J Dermatol 2018; 179 (Suppl1): 117.
76. Lam M, Varma S. A 'Never' event in skin surgery - using the wrong pack: survey of BSDS members use of Mohs packs. Br J Dermatol 2018; 179 (Suppl1): 118-19.
77. Sharma A, Varma S. A unique case of Inoperable basal cell carcinoma due to the presence of a cochlear implant. Br J Dermatol 2018; 179 (Suppl1): 126.
78. O'Neill H, Lam M, Pollock J, Varma S. Mohs surgery for buccal mucosa basal cell carcinoma. Br J Dermatol 2018; 179 (Suppl1): 128-9.
79. Boitor R, Wernham A, Williams H, Notingher I, Varma S. Application of a fast Raman device to assess basal cell carcinoma margin clearance during Mohs micrographic surgery. Br J Dermatol 2019; 181 (Suppl S1): 107.
80. Wernham A, Patel A, Sharma A, Varma S. Environmental impact of Mohs surgery and measures to reduce our carbon footprint in dermatological surgery. Br J Dermatol 2019; 181 (Suppl S1): 109.
81. Wernham A, Varma S. Can we finally eliminate wrong-site skin surgery in dermatological surgery? Development of a transparent grid to identify con dently the correct site of facial skin lesions prior to skin surgery. Br J Dermatol 2019; 181 (Suppl S1): 110.
82. Wernham A, Wood G, Varma S. A prospective comparative study to identify the optimal skin marker and marking protocol for skin surgery. Br J Dermatol 2019; 181 (Suppl S1): 111.
83. Wernham A, Sharma A, Varma S. Nasal alarotomy is a useful technique for Mohs surgeons for difficult-to-access nasal columella, vestibule and septal basal cell carcinoma. Wernham A, Sharma A, Varma S. Br J Dermatol 2019; 181 (Suppl S1): 112.
84. An analysis of changing patterns in U.K. Google trend data for dermatological surgery and a regional assessment of patient internet use prior to attending for surgical procedures. Wernham A, Varma S. Br J Dermatol 2019; 181 (Suppl S1): 115-6.
85. The bifid O-to-L flap repair: a novel approach to reconstruction of defects crossing the junction of facial cosmetic units. Wernham A, Varma S. Br J Dermatol 2019; 181 (Suppl S1): 116.
86. Wernham AGH, Oliohant T, Veitch D, Naysmith L, Varma S. National survey of U.K. Dermatologists demonstrates significant variation in how to obtain consent for dermatological procedures. accepted for oral presentation BAD annual meeting 2020
87. Roberts E, Varma S. Polydactylous nail bed squamous cell carcinomas: occupational, infective or habitual. accepted for oral presentation BAD annual meeting 2020
88. Boitor R, Veitch D, Notingher I, Williams HC, Varma S. accepted for oral presentation BAD annual meeting 2020
89. Jerrom R, Varma S. Tissue processing in Mohs micrograph surgery: What is current UK practice? BAD Annual meeting 2021

Non-Peer reviewed publications

Matthews L, Varma S. Naevoid basal cell carcinoma syndrome (Gorlin’s syndrome)
Dermatology In Practice, Volume 11, Number 2.

Varma S. Therapeutic uses for topically applied imiquimod. Dermatology In Practice, Volume 13, Number 4.

Jacoby R, Crane J, Martin F, Varma S. Naevi and melanoma. Dermatology In Practice, Volume 15, Number 1.

Varma S. Treating actinic keratoses with Efudix® cream. Dermatology In Practice, Volume 15, Number 2.

Jacoby R, Crane J, Martin F, Varma S. Non-melanoma skin cancer. Dermatology In Practice, Volume 15, Number 3.

Radcliffe R, Varma S. A guide to cutaneous horns and their basal pathologies
Dermatology In Practice, Volume 17, Number 1.

Aslam A, Patel A, Varma S. What I tell my patients about Mohs surgery. Dermatology in Practice.

Panthagani A, Varma S. A practical guide to basal cell carcinoma. Dermatology in Practice 2017; 23(2): 46-50.

Panthagani A, Varma S. A practical guide to squamous cell carcinoma and other non-melanoma skin cancers. Dermatology in Practice 2018; 24(2): 32-38.

My current theme of research is the fast and automated detection of basal cell carcinoma by Raman Spectroscopy.

The current project builds on two recent i4i projects and one NIHR New and Emerging Technologies project (NEAT).

1. The New and Emerging Technologies project (NEAT) FSG004 project (2007-2008) was blue-sky research that demonstrated the feasibility of using Raman spectroscopy for discrimination of basal cell carcinoma (BCC) from healthy skin tissue. Outcomes: 1 patent filed, which has since been granted in Australia (AU 2010247132 (B2)) and progressing through the examination process within Europe (EP2430429 (A1)); 1 research paper (62 citations).
2. i4i II-AR-0209-10012 (2009-2013): developed a sampling technique based on autofluoresce imaging that allowed whole surgical tissue specimens (2 cm in size) to be analysed by Raman spectroscopy within 20-40 minutes, and achieve >95% sensitivity/specificity. Outcomes: 1 new patent progressing through examination within Europe (EP 2976001(A1), US ( US14/778,546), and Australia (AU 2014234022(A1)); 6 papers, including one paper in a high-impact journal (PNAS 2013, 60 citations).
3. II-LA-0813-20001 (2014-2016): designed and built a fully automated 1st generation prototype “Fast Raman Device” that can be used by clinical users to demonstrate clinical validity (reliability, diagnosis performance, add-on value). Outcomes: a fully functioning prototype device, ready for clinical validation.
4. 20.7.18 - Research for Patient Benefit RfPB - NIHR Assessing the feasibility of implementing the Fast Raman Device for testing tumour clearance during Mohs micrographic surgery of basal cell carcinoma (249 on 20.7.18)