Skin Scanning Service

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Diagnostic Services

Why should I look after my skin?

Your skin is the body’s largest organ and plays a vital role in protecting your overall health. Maintaining good skin health is about more than appearance; it can be an early warning sign of underlying conditions. Across the UK, more than thirty-five million people live with recognised skin conditions, and around a third of them could benefit from professional treatment or expert advice.

Some of the most common conditions include acne, eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, and fungal infections such as ringworm. In addition, skin cancer affects thousands each year, with early detection being one of the most important factors in successful treatment. The ABCDE rule (Asymmetry, Border, Colour, Diameter, Evolving) is often used to assess changes in a mole or patch of skin that might suggest melanoma.

Everyday management can involve over-the-counter skincare products, prescription medicines, or specialist therapies. Creams, tablets, lotions and lifestyle changes can help with issues such as oily skin, wrinkles, and pigmentation problems. However, the first step in finding the right solution is a proper consultation and accurate diagnosis from a qualified doctor or dermatologist.

How does our skin scanning service work?

The Skin Scanning Service at Dears Pharmacy is designed to provide quick, professional access to skin analysis without the long waits often associated with the NHS. 

Using advanced technology such as dermatoscopic imaging and secure data transfer, your scan is sent for review by a consultant dermatologist. This allows for an assessment that combines professional knowledge with modern AI skin analysis powered by artificial intelligence and advanced machine learning.

The process has two simple stages:

Stage 1: Private skin consultation

  • You’ll meet with a Dears pharmacist for a private skin consultation lasting around 30 minutes.
  • During this consultation, you’ll complete a questionnaire and consent form, and the pharmacist will discuss your medical history, treatments you’ve tried, and the areas of skin concern you’d like assessed.
  • The device used for the scan is placed over the chosen area of skin, emitting light to capture detailed images. This process is painless and non-invasive.
  • Areas we cannot scan include intimate parts of the body (such as breasts covered by a bra), areas with an excessive amount of hair, or tattoo-covered skin.

Stage 2: Analysis and personalised report

  • The images and information are securely shared with a consultant dermatologist.
  • Within one week, you’ll receive a detailed report with your diagnosis, treatment recommendations, and suggested next steps.
  • The report may include advice on skincare products, over-the-counter solutions, or a private prescription if required.
  • If medication is prescribed, you’ll be contacted by phone to discuss collection and any additional costs

This process ensures an accurate diagnosis and professional dermatology support, helping you find the right solution for your skin concern quickly and efficiently.

Who is the skin scanning service suitable for?

The service is available to both adults and children over the age of two. If the person being seen is under 16, a parent or guardian must attend to provide consent.

The skin scanning service is particularly useful for:

  • A new skin concern requiring diagnosis
  • An existing condition that has become worse, such as an eczema flare-up
  • A condition that has not responded to previous treatment
  • Monitoring a mole or lesion for changes that might indicate melanoma or dysplastic nevus development

If the service is not suitable for your needs, your pharmacist may recommend visiting your GP for further testing.

Common skin conditions we assess

  • Acne – typically seen in teenagers and adults with oily skin, characterised by spots on the face, chest, and back.
  • Psoriasis – thick, flaky patches of skin often on elbows, knees, and scalp.
  • Eczema – dry, itchy, and inflamed areas often linked to sensitivity or allergies.
  • Rosacea – redness, flushing, and visible blood vessels on the face.
  • Ringworm – a fungal infection presenting as a circular rash.

We can also help identify early signs of melanoma or other cancers. The ABCDE rule and AI skin analysis make it possible to detect suspicious changes more effectively.

Benefits of Choosing Dears Pharmacy

  • Access to a consultant dermatologist without NHS waiting times
  • Professional skin analysis combining human expertise and AI insights
  • Results available within one week
  • Discreet and private consultation environment
  • Clear next steps and tailored treatment recommendations
  • Support with skincare advice to achieve the best results

The benefits of this private service include convenience, speed, and reassurance. By acting quickly, you can detect problems early, slow progress, and prevent issues from becoming more painful or difficult to manage.

The role of AI and technology

Our ai skin analysis tools use artificial intelligence to compare your images against vast medical databases. This supports the consultant dermatologist in spotting patterns that may not be visible to the naked eye. The technology helps with early detection of abnormalities, ensuring customers receive a more thorough assessment.

While AI cannot replace the judgment of a qualified doctor, it offers an additional layer of security when monitoring moles, pigmentation changes, or unusual texture in the skin. This combined approach ensures that customers receive the most accurate and personalised solution..

Price and availability

The service is available at selected Dears Pharmacy locations. Costs vary depending on the treatment required. Your report will clearly explain all charges, and any prescribed treatment will be charged separately.

You can book online, contact your local pharmacy, or simply walk in.

Many customers find that booking a consultation is the quickest way to access dermatology support and start their journey toward healthier skin and improved quality of life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Skin scanning is a process that uses a special imaging device to take close-up images of your skin. These are then reviewed by a consultant dermatologist to help identify any skin conditions, moles, or areas of concern.

The main signs often linked to skin cancer include:

  • A new growth on the skin
  • A sore that doesn’t heal
  • Changes in the shape or colour of a mole
  • A mole that grows or spreads beyond its border
  • Itching, tenderness, or becoming painful
  • Redness or swelling around a spot
  • Changes picked up using the ABCDE rule (Asymmetry, Border, Colour, Diameter, Evolving)

A skin scanner helps with early detection, gives an accurate diagnosis, and provides fast assessment. It combines technology and dermatology expertise so you get quick answers and clear next steps for your skin concern.

Yes. A skin scanning service can check suspicious moles or lesions. The ai skin analysis tools help detect signs linked to melanoma or other cancers. While the scan itself cannot replace a doctor, it supports a professional diagnosis and treatment plan.

Yes. A skin scanning service can check suspicious moles or lesions. The ai skin analysis tools help detect signs linked to melanoma or other cancers. While the scan itself cannot replace a doctor, it supports a professional diagnosis and treatment plan.

Adults and children over two years old can use the service. Anyone under 16 must attend with a parent or guardian who signs the consent form.

You’ll usually receive your personalised report within one week. This includes the analysis, possible treatment options, and clear advice on your next steps.

The skin scanning service can help with common skin conditions such as acne, eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, and fungal infections like ringworm. It can also be used to assess moles, rashes, or unusual textures on the skin.

After your scan, a consultant dermatologist reviews the images and sends you a report. If a prescription is needed, you’ll be contacted by phone to discuss treatment, which you can then collect from the pharmacy.

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