Boots launches online doctor service for skin condition diagnosis
Highstreet retailer Boots has launched a new 'Skin Condition Diagnosis' service. This offers patients access to expert advice and diagnosis of common skin conditions, such as psoriasis, eczema, dermatitis, acne and rosacea, without the need for a GP appointment.
Boots Online Doctor skin services have seen a 68% increase in patients year-on-year, as demand for expert dermatological advice continues to soar. According to the British Skin Foundation, over 70% of British people have visible skin conditions or scars that affect their confidence.
The new online Skin Condition Diagnosis service is for patients who may be suffering from a skin condition and are not sure what it is. In three simple steps, patients can get a diagnosis alongside clinical advice and recommended next steps, costing £25 per assessment.
The three steps are as follows:
- Log on to Boots Online Doctor and complete a questionnaire to provide a summary of the skin problem and health history.
- Upload three clear photographs of the skin using the new Boots Photo Diagnosis scanner.
- A Boots Online Doctor clinician will review and be in touch within 24 hours with a diagnosis and advice.
Patients who receive a diagnosis can then access a range of other Boots Online Doctor skin services for further advice and treatment depending on their diagnosed condition or visit their GP.
The new skin services have been developed by Dr Susie Gawler, Clinical Lead for Acne and Skin at Boots Online Doctor.
Gawler, an accredited GP with a Postgraduate Diploma in Clinical Dermatology, said: "We are delighted to introduce these new skin services to Boots Online Doctor, making clinical dermatological advice available quickly and conveniently to everyone. We expect to see many patients seeking a diagnosis or clinical opinion on their skin conditions or coming to us for advice and treatment options. We hope the new services will be convenient for those who face longer waiting times to see their GP or find the cost of a private dermatologist prohibitive."
Building on the breadth of its clinical advice offer, Boots Online Doctor has also launched a new Skin Ageing & Hyperpigmentation service. This allows patients to access advice and prescription treatment for fine lines, texture, hyperpigmentation and acne scarring. The price of the service starts from £16 and includes an online consultation, clinical assessment and prescription medicine.
On top of the new services, Boots is also offering dermatological training to over 4,000 of its pharmacists across the UK. Developed in conjunction with leading dermatologist Dr Justine Hextall, the enhanced training will enable Boots pharmacists to offer advanced clinical skincare advice in-store for free. Over 1,200 Boots Beauty and Healthcare Specialists have received additional skincare training.
To complete the full package, the retailer is now home to over 500 beauty brands including over 100 skincare brands. Recent additions to its portfolio include brands such as Bubble, 47 Skin, Coats Skincare and Dermalogica Clear Start.
