Skin Conditions and Dermatology Consultations with Private GPs in London

Dealing with a persistent skin rash, acne breakout, or mysterious skin change? Skin conditions affect millions of people in the UK, causing not just physical discomfort but also significant impact on confidence and quality of life. At The Online GP, we provide expert dermatology consultations for London residents, offering fast diagnosis, treatment plans, and specialist referrals when needed.

Why Choose a Private GP for Skin Conditions?

Skin problems rarely follow convenient schedules. Whether it's a sudden rash before an important event, persistent acne affecting your confidence, or a worrying mole that needs assessment, waiting weeks for an NHS appointment isn't always practical. Here's why private GP dermatology consultations make sense:

Same-Day Availability: Our telephone consultations (£49) and video consultations (£150) can be scheduled within hours, not weeks. For visual assessment of skin conditions, video consultations allow our GPs to examine the affected area in detail.

Comprehensive Assessment: We don't just prescribe a cream and send you away. Our consultations include thorough history-taking, assessment of contributing factors (stress, diet, hormones), and personalized treatment plans.

Prescription Authority: If you need prescription medications – whether topical steroids, antibiotics, antifungals, or acne treatments – we can prescribe them immediately during your consultation.

Specialist Referrals: When needed, we can arrange fast-track referrals to consultant dermatologists, ensuring serious conditions are seen promptly by specialists.

What Skin Conditions Can Private GPs Treat?

Our experienced GPs can diagnose and treat a wide range of dermatological conditions:

Acne and Rosacea:

- Mild to moderate acne vulgaris

- Adult acne and hormonal breakouts

- Rosacea management

- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation

- Prescription of topical and oral medications (retinoids, antibiotics, etc.)

Eczema and Dermatitis:

- Atopic eczema (atopic dermatitis)

- Contact dermatitis (allergic and irritant)

- Seborrheic dermatitis

- Hand eczema

- Prescription of appropriate strength topical steroids and emollients

Psoriasis:

- Plaque psoriasis assessment and management

- Scalp psoriasis treatment

- Prescription of topical treatments

- Referral to specialists for severe cases requiring systemic treatment

Fungal Infections:

- Athlete's foot (tinea pedis)

- Ringworm (tinea corporis)

- Nail fungal infections (onychomycosis)

- Yeast infections (candidiasis)

- Prescription of antifungal medications

Skin Rashes and Hives:

- Urticaria (hives) - acute and chronic

- Undiagnosed rashes requiring assessment

- Allergic reactions

- Heat rash and other environmental reactions

Warts and Verrucas:

- Common warts

- Plantar warts (verrucas)

- Treatment advice and prescription options

Hair and Scalp Conditions:

- Alopecia areata (patchy hair loss)

- Telogen effluvium (stress-related hair loss)

- Scalp conditions (dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis)

- Initial assessment with referral options for specialist treatment

Mole Checks and Skin Cancer Concerns:

- Assessment of changing moles

- Skin cancer risk evaluation

- Urgent referrals under 2-week-wait pathways when concerning features are present

- Reassurance consultations for worried patients

How Does a Video Consultation Work for Skin Conditions?

Video consultations (£150) are particularly effective for dermatology as they allow visual assessment:

1. Book Your Appointment: Choose a convenient time, often available same-day or next-day

2. Prepare for the Consultation: Good lighting is essential. Natural daylight near a window works best. Have the affected area accessible and clean.

3. Visual Examination: During the video call, our GP will ask you to show the affected area to your camera. We may ask you to move closer or adjust angles for better visualization.

4. Detailed History: We'll discuss when the condition started, what makes it better or worse, any treatments you've tried, and your medical history.

5. Diagnosis and Treatment Plan: Based on the visual assessment and history, we'll provide a diagnosis (or differential diagnosis) and treatment plan.

6. Prescription Issued: If medication is needed, we'll send your prescription electronically to your chosen pharmacy.

7. Follow-Up Arrangements: We'll schedule follow-up if needed to monitor treatment response.

When to See a GP About Skin Conditions

Many people delay seeking help for skin conditions, assuming they'll resolve on their own. Consider booking a consultation if:

- A rash or skin change persists for more than 2 weeks

- Over-the-counter treatments haven't helped after consistent use

- The condition is spreading or worsening

- You're experiencing significant itching, pain, or discomfort

- The skin condition is affecting your sleep, work, or confidence

- You notice changes to a mole (size, shape, color, bleeding, or irregular borders)

- You have signs of infection (increasing pain, pus, fever, red streaks)

- You're unsure what's causing your skin problem

How Much Do Dermatology Consultations Cost?

We believe in transparent, affordable pricing:

Telephone Consultation: £49 - Suitable for follow-ups or when you already know your diagnosis

Video Consultation: £150 - Recommended for initial assessment of skin conditions requiring visual examination

Prescriptions: Included in consultation fee (you pay standard pharmacy dispensing charges)

Follow-Up Consultations: If needed to monitor treatment progress, available at the same rates

This is significantly more affordable than many private dermatology clinics that charge £200-300+ for initial consultations, and you'll be seen within days rather than waiting weeks.

What About Serious Skin Conditions?

While GPs can manage many skin conditions, some require specialist dermatologist care. We'll refer you to a consultant dermatologist if:

- You have severe acne requiring isotretinoin (Roaccutane)

- Psoriasis needs systemic treatment (biologics, methotrexate)

- Suspected skin cancer requires urgent assessment

- Complex autoimmune skin conditions need specialist diagnosis

- Previous treatments have failed and specialist expertise is needed

Our referrals can often bypass long NHS waiting lists, getting you to a specialist within 1-2 weeks rather than months.

Skin Conditions and Mental Health

We understand that skin conditions affect far more than just your physical health. Conditions like acne, eczema, and psoriasis can significantly impact confidence, social interactions, and mental wellbeing. During consultations, we address both the physical treatment and the psychological impact, ensuring you receive holistic care.

Ready for Clearer, Healthier Skin?

Don't let skin conditions hold you back from feeling confident and comfortable. Whether you're dealing with acne, eczema, a worrying rash, or need a mole check, our experienced GPs are here to help.

WhatsApp us today at [your number] to book your dermatology consultation. Video consultations available same-day for £150, with prescriptions issued immediately. Take the first step toward clearer, healthier skin.