PrivateDoc
Skin Clinic
Your skin is an important part of your body and at PrivateDoc we understand how you can feel when you have issues with your skin that are uncomfortable or unsightly.
Your skin is your body’s biggest organ and your skin is put through a lot of different circumstances as you live your daily life. For some people skin issues are infrequent, whilst for others skin irritation can be common occurrences that require treatment.
It is no surprise that sometimes your skin reacts to circumstances in ways that you are not expecting, so you need fast, effective treatment.
Often we do not know know what is wrong with our skin or how to treat issues when they arise, so it is important to get the right treatment and support.
Skin rashes
The catch all name for irritated or swollen skin is the term rash and this affects the skin. Whilst this is a general term there are many different causes of rashes that all require different forms of treatment.
Some rashes are a consequence of an infection, whilst other rashes are caused by an underlying medical condition or an allergic reaction.
Common rashes such as Rosacea, Eczema and Psoriasis are recurring conditions that require monitoring, treatment and interim management between flareups.
If you haven't experienced a particular condition before, or a rash has worsened, then it is important to get the right advice and use the right treatment to manage the condition. Healthy skin routines, between flare ups, are essentially to promote healthy skin in an attempt to manage the severity of future occurrences.
Ingrown hairs
For men, shaving can create uncomfortable issues on the face with ingrown hairs being particularly problematic. Raised, red and itchy spots on the skin are sometimes a sign that there are ingrown hairs that are growing back into the skin rather than extruding from the follicle.
For men with coarse or curly hair the occurrence of ingrown hairs can be more common and can lead to infections in the skin that if left untreated can lead to scarring.
Folliculitis is a bacterial or fungal infection of the skin condition which can arise from ingrown hairs, where the hair follicles become inflamed, creating a noticeable lump in the skin, often with a white-headed pimple. Folliculitis can spread across the face, leading to crusty sores that do not heal. Extreme cases will require prescription medicine to treat to alleviate the symptoms of Folliculitis.
To prevent ingrown hairs and the potential for folliculitis and healthy skin routine should be maintained that encourages exfoliation through washing with a gentle skin cleanser for the appropriate skin type.
Shaving should be done with care and with the best shaving habits to prevent damage to the skin. Typically shaving less and only shaving with a sharp razor produce better results. Cleansing and applying a good amount of shaving lotion before shaving also protect the skin. After shaving the skin should be rinsed and patted dry with a clean fresh towel. Shared razors and towels should be avoided to prevent the transmission of disease and bacteria.
If you have widespread ingrown hairs and folliculitis and the symptoms do not clear after a few days then you should consult a doctor. At PrivateDoc we can assess your condition and advise on treatment to control the condition.
Severe insect bites
Insect bites are never a welcome thing to experience. In most cases an insect bite may create some discomfort that passes after a couple of days, but in some instances your body can create an acute reaction to the bite that can lead to extreme discomfort, swelling and infection.
When an insect bites, it releases saliva that can cause a reaction in the skin. Typically this appears as a red swollen and itchy raised patch of skin. Insects bite to feed, breaking the skin and ingesting blood or tissue fluid present in the Dermis layer of the skin.
When an insect stings venom is released and most insects sting as a defence so the venom is designed to cause an immediate painful reaction. Typically a sting will result in the same reaction as bites, although in some cases it can cause a severe reaction.
If you have recently been stung you should wash the effected area with soap and water and then apply a cold compress (a flannel or cloth soaked in cold water) over the area to reduce swelling.
If pain relief is required, painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen are appropriate.
Scratching is not advised as this can lead to broken skin, increase the degree of irritation and lead to further inflammation and infection.
If you have an infected insect bite you can expect there to be swelling and inflammation, redness and pain. In stings or bite to the arms and legs this may affect the joints and make normal function more difficult, with the potential for cellulitis that spreads beyond the affected area.
PrivateDoc Skin clinic
PrivateDoc’s skin clinic is a convenient way for patients to access medical support for most skin complaints. Our simple consultation first process enables you to complete a consultation with a doctor, submitting photos of the affected skin and answering a set of questions that will enable a diagnosis where possible.
If treatment is appropriate, a prescription will be issued by the doctor for you to access and receive via our next day delivery service (Monday - Friday).
It all starts with a consultation, you will complete the consultation and this will be submitted to our team of doctors. Once your consultation is complete you will receive feedback and an invitation to access your prescription treatment where appropriate. Prescription items are available at an additional cost to the consultation fee.
Important Note : PrivateDoc is not an emergency service and treatment for open wounds is not accessible via our remote service.
In some instances we will recommend you attend an appointment with your own GP and this will be your responsibility to follow up with.
Find out more about specific skin conditions
How it works
We'll provide you with a tailored treatment plan from a UK registered doctor
Receive genuine medication shipped discreetly to your door
Digital health clinic for most skin complaints
Skincare blog posts
Maskne: How to treat and avoid acne from face masks
Discover how to prevent and treat maskne (acne from face masks) with these helpful tips from our clinical team. Start a skin care consultation today.
Tips for skin care in the sun
Tips for skin care in the sun from our GPs. Look after your skin this summer with our help.
What are Emollients and Why Should You Use Them
Understand what Emollients are, and how the right ones can benefit you when used correctly.
How to Build a Skincare Routine
Discover how to build a good skincare routine to ensure that you look and feel your best, every day.
The PrivateDoc Skin Clinic
Do you have a skin condition but are unsure what it is. We can help.