Why is skin care important?
In the UK, more than thirty-five million individuals are affected by various skin conditions, and about one-third of these cases may see improvement through professional medical care.
Some of the most frequently seen skin conditions include acne, eczema, psoriasis, ringworm and rosacea.
There are numerous treatments and products available to address these conditions, such as lotions, creams, and oral medications. Combining these treatments with guidance from a GP, dermatologist or pharmacist can be highly effective in managing skin conditions.
How does our skin scanning service work?
Amiry & Gilbride Pharmacy offers a private skin scanning service, which costs £65 per consultation.
This service provides the opportunity to have a consultant dermatologist examine your skin condition, offering diagnosis, advice, and treatment if necessary. For those who already have a diagnosed skin condition, our service can offer alternative dermatological care options.
While common skin issues like acne, eczema, psoriasis, ringworm and rosacea can typically be managed by your GP or pharmacist, the skin scanning service at Amiry & Gilbride Pharmacy is a private option for individuals seeking dermatology care outside the NHS.
Who is the skin scanning service suitable for?
The skin scanning service at Amiry & Gilbride Pharmacy is available to both adults and children over the age of two. If you are under 16, you will need to attend the appointment at the pharmacy with a parent or guardian, as their consent is required in order for you to access this service.
This service may be helpful for individuals who:
Have a new skin condition that requires diagnosis Are experiencing a worsening of an existing skin condition, such as a flare-up Have an existing skin condition that is not responding to treatment
Please note that we are not able to scan certain areas of the skin, including:
Intimate parts of the body such as genital areas or parts of the breasts that are covered up by a bra Skin that is completely covered with tattoos Skin that is completely covered by hair
If the skin scanning service is not suitable for your needs and you have concerns about your skin, it is advisable to consult your GP. Many skin conditions are very common and can be identified easily. Amiry & Gilbride Pharmacy can offer advice on treating some of these common conditions or advise when it is necessary to see your GP.
Acne
Characterised by oily skin and the presence of spots, acne commonly appears on the face, chest, and back.
Eczema
Eczema manifests as red, dry, cracked, and itchy skin, often appearing in areas such as the creases of the elbows, behind the knees, and on the hands.
Psoriasis
Marked by red, flaky, and crusty patches of skin with silvery scales, psoriasis is frequently found on the elbows, knees, lower back and scalp.
Ringworm
Ringworm typically presents as a red or silver ring-shaped rash, usually on the face, scalp, neck or feet.
Rosacea
Rosacea causes facial redness or flushing and is sometimes accompanied by spots and visible blood vessels.
Further information:
Certain skin rashes can be a sign of an underlying health issue that might need urgent medical care, such as a rash linked to meningitis. If you are uncertain about the severity of a skin condition, it’s always advisable to consult a healthcare professional for guidance.
How does the skin scanning service work?
The skin scanning service is a two-stage process:
Stage 1: Private consultation with an Amiry & Gilbride pharmacist
During this initial stage, you will discuss your skin condition, complete a questionnaire, and sign a consent form. This consultation takes about 30 minutes.
The pharmacist will ask questions about your skin, medical history, and any treatments you have previously tried. This information is essential for our consultant dermatologist to conduct an accurate analysis and medical assessment.
You will need to decide which areas of your skin you want to be scanned, as the pharmacist will not be able to advise you on this.
The pharmacist will then use a dermatoscopic imaging device to scan the chosen areas. This process is painless; the device emits light to illuminate the skin area for scanning. An additional image will be taken to show the location of the skin condition on your body. These images are crucial for the consultant dermatologist to make an informed medical assessment.
All images and information gathered during your consultation are sent securely to our consultant dermatologist for them to review and analyse.
Stage 2: Scan analysis, advice, and possible treatment
Within two working days of your scan, you will be contacted by a member of our team via email or phone to enable you to access your personalised report. This report will contain details about your skin condition, along with useful advice. If applicable, it will also suggest over-the-counter products that may help.
Should prescription medication be deemed appropriate, a member of our team will call you to discuss your treatment options. A private prescription from our consultant dermatologist will be issued, which you can collect from any Amiry & Gilbride Pharmacy (please note that this is subject to an additional charge).
Benefits of the service
Quick turnaround: your scan results are available within two working days.
Price: The skin scanning service is priced at £65 per consultation.
Each consultation covers only one skin concern. Any prescribed treatment will incur an additional charge when you collect it from a participating Amiry & Gilbride Pharmacy. Any products you purchase as a result of this service will also be charged separately.
Availability: To learn more or to book the service, you can either visit the page of your preferred pharmacy or simply call in when it’s convenient for you.
