Why should I look after my skin?

There are over 2,000 recognised skin conditions affecting over 35 million people in the UK, around a third of which could benefit from professional medical treatment.*

Some of the most common types of skin conditions include acne, psoriasis, eczema, rosacea and ringworm.

There are a wide range of products and treatments available for all sorts of skin conditions, such as creams, lotions and tablets. The use of these treatments – along with advice from a GP, pharmacist or dermatologist – can help to manage your condition.

What is the Skin Scanning Service? 

The Skin Scanning Service at Boots is a private service, which costs £65 per consultation (see the "Price" section below for more details). It gives you the option to have a consultant dermatologist review your skin condition and give you a diagnosis, advice and treatment if needed. If you’ve already been diagnosed with a skin condition, the service can provide alternative dermatology care.

Common skin conditions such as acne, psoriasis, eczema, rosacea and ringworm, can be cared for by your GP, pharmacist or both. The Skin Scanning Service at Boots is a private pay option for people looking for dermatology care outside of the NHS (exclusions and charges apply).

The Skin Scanning Service at Boots is run by ScreenCancer** in selected pharmacies, with the help of Boots pharmacists. ScreenCancer are responsible for the operation of this service, which includes the diagnosis and a private prescription for treatment if appropriate. ScreenCancer provide high quality medical services for the diagnosis and care of skin conditions. They already provide the Mole Scanning Service in a number of Boots pharmacies. 

Who is the Skin Scanning Service suitable for? 

The Skin Scanning Service at Boots is suitable for adults and children (aged two and above). If you are aged under 16, you’ll need to come to the in-store appointment with a person with parental responsibility as they will need to give their consent for you to access the service.

The Skin Scanning Service at Boots could benefit those:

• With a new skin condition to diagnose

• With a current skin condition which has got worse (such as an eczema ‘flare up’)

• With a current skin condition not responding to treatment

We’ll be unable to scan any areas of skin that are:

• An intimate part of the body (such as genitals or areas of the breasts covered by a bra)

• Completely covered by a tattoo

• Covered by an excessive amount of hair

If the service isn't suitable and you're concerned about your skin, talk to your GP.

Which stores offer the Skin Scanning Service?

Find your nearest Boots pharmacy offering the Skin Scanning Service.

How does the Skin Scanning Service work?

There are two stages to the Skin Scanning Service.

Stage 1: Private consultation with your Boots pharmacist

This involves discussing your skin condition, filling out a questionnaire and consent form, and takes around 30 minutes.

• A Boots pharmacist will ask some questions about your skin, your medical history and any previous treatments you may have tried, so we can give a ScreenCancer consultant dermatologist the information they need for the analysis and medical assessment

• You’ll be asked to choose the area(s) of skin that you would like to be scanned – your Boots pharmacist will be unable to advise you on which areas to scan

• Your Boots pharmacist will scan the area(s) of skin by placing a dermatoscopic imaging device over the skin. The scan is painless and the device will emit light to illuminate the area of skin you wish to be scanned. Another image will be taken using the device to identify the part of the body where the skin condition is located. The images help a ScreenCancer consultant dermatologist to make their medical assessment

• The images and information collected during your consultation are sent securely and electronically to a ScreenCancer consultant dermatologist for review and analysis

Stage 2: Scan analysis, advice and possible treatment

ScreenCancer will contact you by phone or email within two working days of your scan to provide you with access to your personalised report. The report will include details on your condition and helpful advice, as well as any over-the-counter product recommendations you could try, if appropriate. If a prescription medication is suitable, ScreenCancer will get in touch with you by phone to discuss the treatment option. A private prescription from the consultant dermatologist will then be prepared for you to collect from your participating Boots pharmacy.***

Benefits of the service

• Speed: Receive your scan results within two working days

• Convenient: Book an appointment online

Price

The Skin Scanning Service costs £65 per consultation.

The fee you pay for this service will be paid to ScreenCancer.

Please note that only one skin concern can be assessed per consultation. Any treatment prescribed will be charged separately at the time of collection from a participating Boots store. Any products purchased as a result of this service will also be charged separately. Treatments prescribed or recommended are subject to availability.

Collect 4 points for every £1 you spend with Boots Advantage Card.

^{*British Association of Dermatologists}

^{**ScreenCancer UK are a private limited company registered at Innovation House, Ramsgate Road, Sandwich, Kent, CT13 9FF}

^{***Prescription medication will be charged separately at the time of collection from a participating Boots pharmacy. Any over-the-counter products as a result of this service will also be charged separately. Treatments prescribed or purchased are subject to availability.}