Minor Skin Conditions (NHS)

Many common skin problems can be assessed and treated directly by your local pharmacy through NHS services — without needing to wait for a GP appointment.

At The Health Dispensary, we support patients through NHS pathways including the Common Ailments Service (CAS) and Pharmacy Independent Prescribing Services (PIPS), where appropriate.

Our trained pharmacy team can assess a wide range of minor skin conditions, provide advice, and supply treatment under NHS care when suitable.

Skin Conditions We Can Help With

Common skin conditions we regularly assess and manage under NHS services include:

• Eczema and dermatitis
• Acne and spot-prone skin
• Skin infections (including mild bacterial or fungal infections)
• Rashes and inflammatory skin conditions
• Insect bites and stings
• Allergic skin reactions
• Impetigo (where eligible)
• Cold sores
• Shingles (early assessment)

Eligibility for NHS treatment depends on the condition, your age, symptoms, and clinical assessment.

How NHS Skin Assessments Work

Your consultation takes place in a private room and usually involves:

• Discussion of symptoms and how long they’ve been present
• Visual assessment of the affected area
• Review of relevant medical history and current medicines
• Advice on self-care and prevention

Where appropriate, treatment may be supplied under NHS funding, or a prescription may be issued through an NHS prescribing pathway.

Common Ailments Service (CAS)

CAS allows eligible patients to receive advice and treatment for certain minor conditions — including many skin problems — without a GP appointment.

If your condition falls within CAS criteria, treatment may be provided free of charge under the NHS.

Pharmacy Independent Prescribing (PIPS)

For some skin conditions, assessment and treatment may take place under an NHS prescribing service delivered by a pharmacist prescriber.

This allows timely access to treatment for infections and inflammatory skin conditions where prescribing is clinically appropriate.

When to Seek Further Help

Some skin symptoms require urgent or GP review. We will refer you appropriately if needed.

Seek urgent medical advice if you have:

• Rapidly spreading rash
• Signs of severe infection
• Fever or systemic illness
• Severe pain, blistering, or skin breakdown
• Symptoms affecting the face, eyes, or genitals

Book an NHS Skin Consultation

If you have a new or ongoing skin concern and are unsure whether it needs GP care, an NHS pharmacy consultation is often the quickest place to start.

If you’re unsure whether your skin condition is suitable for NHS pharmacy care, our team will guide you to the right service.