In short: Most rashes, spots and patches of dry skin are common and treatable, but some skin changes, especially a new or changing mole, need prompt medical assessment. A skin check involves a clinician taking a history and examining the skin, then advising on treatment or referral. At Ready Health in Standish, Wigan, private dermatology appointments are available in person without a GP referral.

This guide, reviewed by a Ready Health prescribing pharmacist, explains common skin conditions, warning signs that should not wait, and what happens at a skin consultation.

What skin conditions can be checked at a skin consultation?

A dermatology or skin consultation can look at a wide range of problems. Common examples include:

Acne: blackheads, whiteheads, spots and sometimes deeper cysts, affecting teenagers and many adults.
Eczema (atopic dermatitis): dry, itchy, inflamed skin that tends to flare and settle.
Psoriasis: an immune-related condition causing raised, scaly patches, often on elbows, knees and scalp.
Rosacea: facial flushing, persistent redness and sometimes spots, usually on the cheeks and nose.
Seborrhoeic dermatitis: flaky, greasy-looking patches on the scalp, eyebrows, sides of the nose or chest.
Perioral dermatitis: small red bumps around the mouth or nose, sometimes linked to steroid creams.
Fungal infections such as ringworm (tinea) and pityriasis versicolor, which causes lighter or darker patches on the trunk.
Viral and bacterial skin infections, including cold sores, molluscum contagiosum, impetigo and shingles.
Hives (urticaria): raised, itchy weals that come and go.
Angular cheilitis: sore, cracked corners of the mouth.
Harmless findings such as Fordyce spots and skin tags, where reassurance is often all that is needed.

Some of these, such as cold sores, mild fungal infections and impetigo in England, can often be managed with advice from a community pharmacy. New sores or rashes in the genital area are best assessed by a sexual health clinic.

When is a skin problem urgent?

Seek urgent medical help (NHS 111, or 999 if severe) for:

A rapidly spreading rash with fever or feeling very unwell.
A rash that does not fade when a glass is pressed against it.
Painful, hot, swollen, spreading redness, which may be cellulitis.
Widespread blistering or peeling skin, or skin changes affecting the eyes or mouth.
Hives with swelling of the lips, tongue or throat, or difficulty breathing.
A shingles rash near the eye.

What happens at a skin consultation at Ready Health?

Private skin appointments at our Standish clinic are with independent dermatology specialists on set clinic days. You do not need a GP referral. The clinician will:

Ask about your symptoms, how long you have had them, triggers, and treatments you have already tried.
Examine the affected skin.
Explain the likely diagnosis and options, which may include self-care, a prescription if a prescriber decides it is appropriate, a procedure, or referral for further assessment.

Bringing dated photos showing how a mark or rash has changed can be helpful, but photos do not replace an in-person examination.

Should I get a mole checked?

Most moles are harmless. However, melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer, often shows up as a new mole or a change in an existing one. It is one of the more common cancers in the UK, and finding it early makes treatment more likely to succeed.

The NHS advises getting a mole checked if it is:

Asymmetrical, with two halves that look different.
Irregular or ragged at the Border.
Mixed in Colour, with two or more shades.
Larger in Diameter than about 6mm (though melanomas can be smaller).
Evolving: changing in size, shape or colour, or becoming itchy, crusty or bleeding.

Also get checked for a new lump or sore that does not heal within about four weeks, a shiny or pearly bump, or a scaly patch that keeps bleeding, as these can be signs of non-melanoma skin cancers.

If you are worried about a possible skin cancer, your NHS GP can refer you on an urgent suspected-cancer pathway. A private assessment is an alternative route, and if anything suspicious is found you will be advised on the next step, including onward referral.

How can I lower my risk of skin cancer?

Avoid sunburn: use shade, clothing, a hat and sunglasses, and broad-spectrum sunscreen (at least SPF 30 with good UVA protection).
Avoid sunbeds.
Check your skin every month or so, and ask someone to check areas you cannot see, such as your back.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need a GP referral for a private skin check?

No. You can book a private dermatology appointment at Ready Health directly.

Can I just send a photo instead of attending?

Our dermatology appointments take place in person, because many skin conditions, and especially moles, need to be examined properly. Photos you bring can help show changes over time.

Can a mole be removed on the day?

Sometimes, depending on the clinician's assessment. Any mole that could be cancerous should be removed and sent for laboratory testing, and suspicious lesions may need referral to a specialist service.

Is eczema or psoriasis curable?

They are long-term conditions, but treatments can usually control symptoms and reduce flare-ups.

Key takeaways

Most skin conditions are common and treatable once correctly diagnosed.
Use the ABCDE checklist and get any new or changing mole checked.
Rashes with fever, non-blanching spots or facial swelling need urgent care.
Private dermatology appointments are available in Standish without a referral; your NHS GP remains an option for suspected cancer referral.

Sources and further reading

Last reviewed: October 2026 by Shamir Patel, Independent Prescribing Pharmacist, Ready Health. This article is general information and does not replace advice from your own clinician.

Concerned about a rash, a skin condition or a mole? Book a private dermatology consultation at Ready Health in Standish, Wigan. Where removal is appropriate, find out more about skin lesion removal.