Dermatology Clinic

Before booking a skin clinic appointment

A dermatology appointment can assess a skin concern and consider whether advice, treatment or further investigation is needed. Check which conditions and age groups the service sees before booking.

If a mole changes in size, shape or colour, becomes painful or itchy, or starts bleeding or crusting, contact your GP rather than waiting to arrange a routine private skin check. The NHS mole guidance explains changes that should be assessed.

Check the service and clinician

Ask who will assess you and what the first appointment includes. Some pathways use photographs or a remote consultation; others require an examination in person. Do not assume that every initial appointment is with a consultant dermatologist.

When choosing a doctor, check their details on the GMC registers, including relevant specialist registration. Ask about experience with the concern you want assessed.

For NHS access, ask your GP or local service about referral arrangements. Before paying privately, check whether a referral is needed and request separate prices for consultation, tests, procedures and follow-up.

Bring a useful history

Note when the problem began, how it has changed and how it affects you. Bring a list of medicines and the names or containers of skin treatments you have tried, plus any relevant clinic letters. Explain allergies and previous reactions.

Follow your own clinic's preparation instructions, including any guidance about makeup or products on the area being assessed. Ask before changing prescribed treatment. If the team requests photographs, use its approved method and check how the images will be stored.

Understand examinations and possible tests

The clinician may ask about your history and examine the affected area or review images. Ask what needs to be examined and tell the team if you need privacy, a chaperone, communication support or other adjustments.

Some people need a swab, blood test or skin biopsy; others do not. These may be arranged separately from the consultation. If a test is proposed, ask what it is for, how to prepare, what risks or aftercare to discuss and when results are expected.

Ask about the proposed plan

If treatment is suggested, ask how to use it, what effects to look out for and when to seek advice. Check whether prescriptions come from the clinic or your GP and who handles repeat prescriptions.

Before leaving, ask who will explain any results, whether you need another appointment and whom to contact if the plan is unclear. Confirm what to do if your skin concern changes while you are waiting.

A routine appointment does not guarantee a procedure or a particular treatment. Clinical assessment and your discussion with the team determine the next step.

Sources

• NHS: Moles
• Guy's and St Thomas': Community dermatology appointments
• NHS: Biopsy
• NHS: Outpatients and day patients
• GMC: Search the registers