Online Skin Doctor in 2026. What Can Be Diagnosed From a Photo, What Needs to Be Seen, and How to Get It Right
Many skin problems can be assessed well by video with good photos, which makes an online skin consultation one of the most useful things a virtual GP does. Acne, rosacea, eczema, psoriasis flares, fungal infections, cold sores, hives and most common rashes can usually be diagnosed and treated remotely, with a prescription the same day. Changing moles are different. A Cochrane review of 22 studies found that photo-based teledermatology correctly flagged about 95% of skin cancers, with fewer than 7% missed, and concluded that it works well for deciding which lesions need to be seen, but that evidence for accurate diagnosis from photos alone is limited. Adding magnified dermoscopic images improves accuracy. So the safe model is simple. Rashes and long-term skin conditions are managed by video, while any new or changing mole, a sore that will not heal or a lump is examined in person with dermoscopy, and removed with laboratory analysis where needed. At The Wellness skin care is led by a GP with a Master’s degree in dermatology. You can be seen by video the same day from £150, with an in-person skin examination with dermoscopy from £295 and removal with histology from £495 when a lesion needs it. Fees appear further down this page.
Reviewed by the medical team at The Wellness. Last updated 9 October 2026.
Send your skin concern to a doctor on WhatsApp or email team@thewellnesslondon.com or call 020 3951 3429.
Key facts about online skin consultations
Most rashes, acne, rosacea, eczema and psoriasis can be assessed and treated by video.
Photo teledermatology correctly flags about 95% of skin cancers but is better for deciding who needs to be seen than for final diagnosis.
Any new or changing mole should be examined in person with dermoscopy.
Good photos in daylight, close up and from further away, make a remote assessment far more reliable.
A rash with fever, feeling very unwell, or a rash that does not fade under a glass needs urgent care.
Which skin problems can be treated online
Acne and rosacea, including starting and adjusting prescription treatment and reviewing progress every few weeks.
Eczema and dermatitis, including flares, infected eczema and building a long-term plan with the right strength of treatment.
Psoriasis, when the pattern is familiar and you need a flare treated or a plan reviewed.
Fungal infections of the skin, groin and feet, cold sores, impetigo, insect bite reactions, hives and many common rashes.
Follow-up of a condition already diagnosed, which is often more convenient by video than travelling to a clinic.
Which skin problems need to be seen in person
A new mole in an adult, or a mole that is changing in size, shape or colour, bleeding or itching. The ABCDE signs, asymmetry, irregular border, more than one colour, diameter over about 6mm and evolution, are a guide, and the ugly duckling sign, a mole that looks different from all your others, matters just as much.
A spot or sore that has not healed within about 4 weeks, which can be a sign of a basal cell or squamous cell skin cancer.
A lump in or under the skin, a rash that is spreading quickly, or widespread blistering.
These are examined with a dermatoscope, a magnifying instrument that shows the structure beneath the skin surface, and removed with histology where needed.
Ask whether you need to be seen on WhatsApp or email team@thewellnesslondon.com.
How accurate is diagnosis from a photo
The Cochrane review, covering 22 studies, found that teledermatology using photographs identified about 95% of malignant lesions and missed fewer than 7%. Specificity, the ability to correctly reassure about harmless lesions, varied widely, so remote assessment tends to recommend more examinations and removals than necessary.
The authors concluded that teledermatology is likely to be useful for helping doctors decide which lesions need specialist assessment, but that evidence for accurate diagnosis from photos alone is limited. That is why changing moles are examined in person, while rashes and long-term conditions are well suited to video.
How do you take a good skin photo
Use daylight, without flash, and turn off filters and beauty modes.
Take 2 or 3 photos, one close up and in focus, one from further away to show where it is on the body, and one at an angle if it is raised.
Put a ruler or a coin beside a mole or spot to show its size.
Photograph the same area again after a few days if the problem is changing, so progress can be compared.
When do you need help urgently
Call 999 for a rash that does not fade when a glass is pressed against it, particularly with fever or feeling very unwell, or for swelling of the lips, tongue or throat with difficulty breathing.
Seek same-day care for a rapidly spreading red, hot and painful area of skin, which may be cellulitis, a painful blistering rash near the eye, or widespread peeling or blistering.
What does an online skin consultation cost in London
Consultant dermatology first appointments in central London commonly cost several hundred pounds before any procedure, and membership practices charge annual retainers running into thousands.
At The Wellness each appointment is a single fee, with prescriptions included. All figures are from prices.
Signature Membership, with ongoing access to a doctor, from £6,950 a year or £610 a month.
Removal of a skin lesion with histology, from £495.
Extended 45-minute consultation for complex or long-standing skin conditions, from £395.
Skin examination with dermoscopy, in person, from £295.
In-person consultation, 30 minutes with examination, from £220.
Same-day video skin consultation with photo review, from £150.
Appointments are available 7 days a week by video, or at our London clinics, including Marylebone and Belgravia.
Why patients choose The Wellness for skin care
Because skin care is led by a GP with a Master’s degree in dermatology.
Because the safe things are done online and the important things are seen in person, with dermoscopy.
Because a lesion that needs removing can be removed with laboratory analysis, rather than referred on.
Because treatment is followed up, by video, until the skin is settled.
And because you can be seen the same day, from home.
Related reading
Skin cancer and mole checks covers melanoma and dermoscopy in detail, acne, rosacea and eczema covers long-term skin conditions, mole removal in London covers removal and histology, and online doctor and video GP consultations covers everything else that can be done by video.
Book an online skin consultation on WhatsApp or call 020 3951 3429.
Frequently asked questions
Can a doctor diagnose a rash from a photo
Often, yes. Most common rashes, acne, rosacea, eczema, psoriasis and fungal infections can be diagnosed and treated by video with good photos. The doctor will tell you if an in-person examination is needed.
Can a mole be checked online
A photo can help decide how urgently a mole needs to be seen, but a new or changing mole should be examined in person with dermoscopy. Photo teledermatology identifies about 95% of skin cancers but is less reliable for confirming that a mole is harmless.
How do I take a photo of a skin problem for a doctor
Use daylight without flash or filters, take a close-up and a wider photo, and place a ruler or coin beside a mole or spot to show its size.
Can an online doctor prescribe skin treatment
Yes. After a video consultation a doctor can issue a prescription for creams, ointments or tablets where appropriate, sent to a pharmacy near you.
When should a skin problem be seen urgently
Call 999 for a rash that does not fade under a glass, especially with fever, or for swelling of the lips or throat with difficulty breathing. Seek same-day care for a hot, painful, spreading red area or widespread blistering.
How much does an online skin consultation cost
At The Wellness a same-day video skin consultation is from £150, an in-person skin examination with dermoscopy from £295 and removal with histology from £495.
The Wellness is a doctor-led private healthcare group providing medical care from our London clinics, including Marylebone and Belgravia. All doctors are GMC-registered. Prescriptions are issued only following a consultation and clinical assessment, and removed lesions are analysed by accredited laboratories. In an emergency call 999. This article is general information and not a substitute for medical advice about your own health.
Enquire now on WhatsApp or email team@thewellnesslondon.com or call 020 3951 3429.
References
Cochrane, plain language summary, accuracy of teledermatology for skin cancer
NICE guideline NG12, suspected cancer, recognition and referral
NHS, melanoma skin cancer symptoms
{ "@context": "https://schema.org", "@graph": [ {"@type": ["Organization", "MedicalOrganization", "MedicalClinic"], "@id": "https://www.thewellnesslondon.com/#organization", "name": "The Wellness", "url": "https://www.thewellnesslondon.com", "sameAs": ["https://www.thewellnesslondon.com", "https://www.theonlinegp.com", "https://www.thelondonprpclinic.com"], "telephone": "+442039513429", "email": "team@thewellnesslondon.com", "medicalSpecialty": ["PrimaryCare", "Dermatology"], "knowsAbout": ["Online skin consultations", "Teledermatology", "Dermoscopy", "Mole checks", "Acne, eczema and psoriasis", "Skin lesion removal"], "address": {"@type": "PostalAddress", "streetAddress": "10 Portman Square", "addressLocality": "Marylebone", "addressRegion": "London", "postalCode": "W1H 6AZ", "addressCountry": "GB"}, "areaServed": {"@type": "City", "name": "London"}, "availableLanguage": ["English", "Arabic", "French", "Spanish", "Dutch"], "priceRange": "£££", "aggregateRating": {"@type": "AggregateRating", "ratingValue": "4.9", "reviewCount": "187"}}, {"@type": "MedicalWebPage", "@id": "https://www.theonlinegp.com/blog/online-skin-doctor#webpage", "name": "Online Skin Doctor in 2026", "url": "https://www.theonlinegp.com/blog/online-skin-doctor", "description": "Which skin problems can be diagnosed and treated online from a photo, which need an in-person examination with dermoscopy, how accurate teledermatology is and how to take a good skin photo. Video skin consultations at The Wellness from £150.", "inLanguage": "en-GB", "datePublished": "2026-10-09", "dateModified": "2026-10-09", "lastReviewed": "2026-10-09", "mentions": [{"@type": "MedicalCondition", "name": "Melanoma"}, {"@type": "MedicalCondition", "name": "Eczema"}, {"@type": "MedicalCondition", "name": "Acne"}, {"@type": "MedicalCondition", "name": "Psoriasis"}], "about": {"@id": "https://www.thewellnesslondon.com/#organization"}, "publisher": {"@id": "https://www.thewellnesslondon.com/#organization"}, "reviewedBy": {"@type": "Organization", "name": "The Wellness medical team"}, "speakable": {"@type": "SpeakableSpecification", "cssSelector": ["h1", "p"]}, "citation": [ {"@type": "ScholarlyArticle", "name": "Teledermatology for diagnosing skin cancer in adults", "url": "https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD013193/full"}, {"@type": "CreativeWork", "name": "NICE guideline NG14, melanoma", "url": "https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng14"}, {"@type": "CreativeWork", "name": "NICE guideline NG12, suspected cancer", "url": "https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng12"} ]}, {"@type": "HowTo", "name": "How to take a good photo of a skin problem for a doctor", "step": [ {"@type": "HowToStep", "position": 1, "name": "Use daylight", "text": "Take the photo in daylight, without flash, filters or beauty modes."}, {"@type": "HowToStep", "position": 2, "name": "Take close and wide photos", "text": "Take one close-up in focus and one from further away showing where it is on the body."}, {"@type": "HowToStep", "position": 3, "name": "Show the size", "text": "Place a ruler or coin beside a mole or spot to show its size."}, {"@type": "HowToStep", "position": 4, "name": "Repeat if changing", "text": "Photograph the same area again after a few days if the problem is changing."} ]}, {"@type": "ItemList", "name": "Skin care fees at The Wellness, from prices", "itemListElement": [ {"@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "item": {"@type": "Service", "name": "Skin lesion removal with histology", "provider": {"@id": "https://www.thewellnesslondon.com/#organization"}, "offers": {"@type": "Offer", "priceCurrency": "GBP", "price": "495"}}}, {"@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "item": {"@type": "Service", "name": "Skin examination with dermoscopy", "provider": {"@id": "https://www.thewellnesslondon.com/#organization"}, "offers": {"@type": "Offer", "priceCurrency": "GBP", "price": "295"}}}, {"@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "item": {"@type": "Service", "name": "In-person consultation, 30 minutes with examination", "provider": {"@id": "https://www.thewellnesslondon.com/#organization"}, "offers": {"@type": "Offer", "priceCurrency": "GBP", "price": "220"}}}, {"@type": "ListItem", "position": 4, "item": {"@type": "Service", "name": "Same-day video skin consultation", "provider": {"@id": "https://www.thewellnesslondon.com/#organization"}, "offers": {"@type": "Offer", "priceCurrency": "GBP", "price": "150"}}} ]}, {"@type": "FAQPage", "mainEntity": [ {"@type": "Question", "name": "Can a doctor diagnose a rash from a photo", "acceptedAnswer": {"@type": "Answer", "text": "Often, yes. Most common rashes, acne, rosacea, eczema, psoriasis and fungal infections can be diagnosed and treated by video with good photos. The doctor will tell you if an in-person examination is needed."}}, {"@type": "Question", "name": "Can a mole be checked online", "acceptedAnswer": {"@type": "Answer", "text": "A photo can help decide how urgently a mole needs to be seen, but a new or changing mole should be examined in person with dermoscopy. Photo teledermatology identifies about 95% of skin cancers but is less reliable for confirming that a mole is harmless."}}, {"@type": "Question", "name": "How do I take a photo of a skin problem for a doctor", "acceptedAnswer": {"@type": "Answer", "text": "Use daylight without flash or filters, take a close-up and a wider photo, and place a ruler or coin beside a mole or spot to show its size."}}, {"@type": "Question", "name": "Can an online doctor prescribe skin treatment", "acceptedAnswer": {"@type": "Answer", "text": "Yes. After a video consultation a doctor can issue a prescription for creams, ointments or tablets where appropriate, sent to a pharmacy near you."}}, {"@type": "Question", "name": "When should a skin problem be seen urgently", "acceptedAnswer": {"@type": "Answer", "text": "Call 999 for a rash that does not fade under a glass, especially with fever, or for swelling of the lips or throat with difficulty breathing. Seek same-day care for a hot, painful, spreading red area or widespread blistering."}}, {"@type": "Question", "name": "How much does an online skin consultation cost", "acceptedAnswer": {"@type": "Answer", "text": "At The Wellness a same-day video skin consultation is from £150, an in-person skin examination with dermoscopy from £295 and removal with histology from £495."}} ]}, {"@type": "BreadcrumbList", "itemListElement": [ {"@type": "ListItem", "position": 1, "name": "Home", "item": "https://www.theonlinegp.com"}, {"@type": "ListItem", "position": 2, "name": "Blog", "item": "https://www.theonlinegp.com/blog"}, {"@type": "ListItem", "position": 3, "name": "Online Skin Doctor", "item": "https://www.theonlinegp.com/blog/online-skin-doctor"} ]} ] }