First Dermatology Appointment Guide
Your first dermatology appointment lasts 20-30 minutes including medical history review (5-10 minutes), comprehensive skin examination (10-15 minutes), diagnosis discussion and treatment planning (5-10 minutes), requiring preparation by listing current medications, previous treatments tried, family history of skin conditions, photographing affected areas before and during flares, and bringing insurance details, current medications, and questions written in advance to maximize consultation effectiveness.
Most dermatology consultations cost £250-£350 at Harley Street practices and £250-£300 in other London areas, typically covered by Bupa, Axa, and Aviva insurance with pre-authorisation, including prescription at first visit for topical treatments, oral medications, or referrals for procedures if needed.
Before Your Appointment
1. Document Your Skin Concern
Take photographs:
Affected areas in natural daylight
Close-up and full-area views
Track changes over time (before appointment)
Document flares and clear periods
Show patterns (e.g., sun exposure, monthly cycle)
Note symptom patterns:
When did it start?
Has it changed over time?
What makes it better?
What makes it worse?
Any pain, itch, or bleeding?
Track triggers:
Foods that worsen it
Seasonal patterns
Stress relationship
Product reactions
Environmental factors
2. List Previous Treatments
Document everything tried:
Over-the-counter products (names, durations)
GP-prescribed treatments (medications, how long used)
Other specialist treatments
What worked partially
What had no effect
What made it worse
Allergic reactions experienced
3. Gather Medical History
Prepare information about:
Current medications (including contraceptives, supplements)
Medical conditions (especially autoimmune, allergies)
Surgical history
Family history (psoriasis, eczema, skin cancer, melanoma)
Allergies (medications, materials, foods)
Occupation (chemical exposure, sun exposure)
Pregnancy status or plans
4. Prepare Questions
Write down questions in advance:
What is my diagnosis?
What caused this condition?
What treatment options are available?
What results should I expect?
How long until I see improvement?
What are side effects?
Do I need follow-up?
When should I contact you?
View choosing a dermatologist for specialist selection guidance.
What to Bring
Essential Items
Insurance Information:
Insurance card
Policy number
Pre-authorisation reference (if obtained)
Excess payment method
Identification:
Photo ID (passport, driving licence)
Proof of address if required
Medical Documents:
List of current medications
Previous dermatology letters
Relevant test results
GP referral letter (if applicable)
Payment Method:
Credit/debit card for consultation fee
Cash for prescriptions (if paying privately)
Cheque book if preferred
Helpful Items
Photography:
Phone with photos of skin condition
Photos showing progression over time
Pictures of affected areas difficult to show (back, scalp)
Product Information:
Current skincare products (or list of names)
Cosmetics used
Medications tried
Products suspected of causing reactions
Symptom Diary:
Written notes about triggers
Food diary if relevant
Flare pattern documentation
Questions List:
Written questions to ensure nothing forgotten
Priority questions highlighted
Comfort Items:
Child's favourite toy/comfort item
Book or device for waiting
Water bottle
During Your Appointment
Medical History Discussion (5-10 minutes)
The dermatologist will ask about:
Presenting complaint:
What brought you today?
When did it start?
How has it changed?
Previous treatments tried?
Family history of similar?
General health:
Medical conditions
Current medications
Allergies
Recent illnesses
Travel history (if relevant)
Lifestyle factors:
Occupation
Hobbies
Sun exposure
Smoking/alcohol
Stress levels
For specific conditions:
Acne: Menstrual cycle, cosmetics, diet
Eczema: Allergies, asthma, hay fever
Skin cancer: Sun exposure history, tanning bed use, previous skin cancers
Cosmetic concerns: Previous procedures, goals, expectations
Skin Examination (10-15 minutes)
What happens:
Visual inspection of affected areas
Close examination with magnification
Dermoscopy (magnified examination) for moles
Palpation (feeling) of lumps or lesions
Photography for records
Full body skin check (if skin cancer concern)
Privacy and dignity:
Chaperoning available always
Examination gowns provided
Only relevant areas examined
Professional, respectful approach
You can request specific gender dermatologist
Dermoscopy:
Non-invasive magnified examination
Used for moles, skin cancers, rashes
Oil applied to skin for better visualization
Painless procedure
For children:
Parent present throughout
Child-friendly approach
Toys and stickers
Gentle examination
Clear explanations to child and parent
Browse paediatric specialists for child-friendly care.
Diagnosis & Treatment Planning (5-10 minutes)
Diagnosis explanation:
What the condition is
What causes it
Expected course (will it improve, worsen, stay same)
Prognosis (long-term outlook)
Treatment discussion:
First-line treatment options
Pros and cons of each
Expected timeline for results
Potential side effects
Alternative options if first-line fails
Cost implications
Shared decision-making:
Your preferences matter
Lifestyle considerations
Treatment goals
Risk tolerance
Budget constraints
Prescriptions:
Medications explained
How to use correctly
What to expect
Side effects to watch for
When to contact doctor
Follow-up arrangements:
When to return
What to monitor
When improvement expected
Emergency contact information
Questions to Ask Your Dermatologist
About Diagnosis
What is my diagnosis?
What caused this condition?
Is it permanent or temporary?
Will it get better, worse, or stay the same?
Is it contagious?
Can it be prevented from returning?
Are there any serious complications I should watch for?
About Treatment
What are my treatment options?
Which do you recommend and why?
How long will treatment take?
When should I expect to see results?
What if this treatment doesn't work?
Are there any side effects I should know about?
How will this affect my daily life?
Can I continue my normal activities?
Are there any foods, drinks, or medications to avoid?
Do I need to avoid sun exposure?
About Follow-up
When should I come back?
What symptoms should prompt me to contact you sooner?
Can I send photos for review between appointments?
Do you offer video consultations for follow-ups?
What happens if I have an urgent concern?
Who do I contact outside office hours?
About Costs
What is the total cost of treatment?
Does insurance cover this?
Do I need pre-authorisation?
Are there less expensive alternatives?
What is your cancellation policy?
About Lifestyle
Can I exercise normally?
Is swimming okay?
Can I use makeup?
What about pregnancy or breastfeeding?
Are there dietary changes that would help?
Can stress make this worse?
After Your Appointment
Understanding Your Treatment Plan
Review provided information:
Read written instructions carefully
Check prescription details
Note follow-up appointment date
Understand emergency contact details
If unclear:
Contact reception for clarification
Request written information
Ask for demonstration of application
Request treatment summary letter
Starting Treatment
Following instructions:
Apply medications exactly as directed
Don't skip doses
Continue even if improving (unless told to stop)
Set reminders if helpful
Track response
Managing expectations:
Most treatments take weeks to work
Acne treatments: 6-12 weeks
Eczema treatments: 1-2 weeks for steroids, longer for maintenance
Skin cancer treatment: Variable depending on type
Cosmetic procedures: Results develop over weeks-months
Monitoring response:
Take weekly photos
Note improvements
Track side effects
Record questions for follow-up
When to Contact Your Dermatologist
Contact promptly if:
Severe reaction to medication
Worsening despite treatment
New symptoms develop
Unable to tolerate treatment
Concerns about side effects
Questions about treatment plan
Emergency contact if:
Severe allergic reaction (difficulty breathing, swelling)
Suspected eczema herpeticum (painful blisters on eczema)
Rapid spreading of rash with fever
Severe reaction to medication
Prescription Collection
Private prescriptions:
Take to any pharmacy
Cost typically £8-£50 per item
Some clinics have pharmacy on-site
Home delivery services available
Insurance prescriptions:
Check if prescription costs covered
May need to use specific pharmacy network
Submit claims according to policy
Follow-up Booking
Schedule before leaving if:
Follow-up date given
Monitoring required (isotretinoin, immunosuppressants)
Procedure follow-up needed
Typical follow-up times:
Acne on isotretinoin: Monthly
Eczema severe: 4-6 weeks
Skin cancer post-surgery: 2-4 weeks
Routine monitoring: 3-6 months
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is a dermatology consultation?
Initial dermatology consultations last 20-30 minutes typically allowing thorough medical history review, complete skin examination, diagnosis discussion, and treatment planning with time for questions. Complex cases may require 30-45 minutes. Follow-up consultations last 15-20 minutes focusing on treatment response and plan adjustment. Video consultations typically 15-20 minutes with limited examination capability. Quality dermatologists allocate adequate time rather than rushing appointments. Consultations under 15 minutes rarely provide comprehensive assessment except for very simple issues.
What should I wear to my dermatology appointment?
Wear comfortable, easy-to-remove clothing enabling quick examination of affected areas. For full body skin checks wear or bring underwear you're comfortable being examined in. Avoid makeup if facial skin concern so dermatologist can examine clearly. Avoid nail polish if nail concern preventing proper examination. Remove jewellery from affected areas. For scalp examinations wear hair down enabling easy inspection. Children should wear comfortable clothes easy for parent to help remove. Gowns provided if needed for examination preserving dignity and privacy.
Can I bring someone with me?
You can and should bring someone if desired for support, note-taking, helping remember information, or decision-making assistance especially for major treatment discussions. Parents must accompany minors throughout appointment. Partners welcome for cosmetic consultations discussing shared decisions. Bring interpreter if English not first language. Chaperones available always regardless of accompanying person. Some prefer bringing support person for anxiety management. Inform reception when booking if additional person attending.
Do I need to remove my makeup?
Remove makeup from affected areas before appointment enabling clear skin examination. Dermatologists cannot properly assess acne, rosacea, pigmentation, or rashes under makeup foundation. Consider arriving makeup-free or bring makeup wipes for removal before examination. Makeup removal facilities available at clinics typically. If concerned about appearance traveling without makeup, remove just before examination. For cosmetic consultations, dermatologists often want to see your usual makeup routine so arrive with typical makeup then discuss routine with specialist.
Will the dermatologist perform procedures at the first visit?
Simple procedures may happen at first visit if appropriate including cryotherapy for warts, skin tags, or actinic keratosis, steroid injections for cysts or keloids, and skin biopsies for diagnosis requiring histology. Most procedures schedule separately after initial consultation including mole removal, skin cancer excision, laser treatments, and cosmetic procedures. This allows informed consent, procedure preparation, and appropriate scheduling. Emergency procedures for suspected skin cancer may expedite. Always ask at consultation if same-day treatment possible if desired.
What if I don't understand the diagnosis?
Ask for clarification immediately saying "I don't understand, could you explain differently?" Quality dermatologists welcome questions ensuring you understand completely. Request diagrams, pictures, or written information helping comprehension. Ask dermatologist to draw or show images explaining condition. Record consultation on phone if offered enabling later review. Bring support person helping remember information and ask additional questions. Request treatment summary letter explaining diagnosis and plan. Look up information after appointment but discuss any concerns with dermatologist before changing treatment.
Can I get a second opinion?
You can seek second opinion at any time without needing permission or providing reasons. Quality dermatologists welcome second opinions especially for major treatment decisions including isotretinoin, surgery, or expensive procedures. Request medical records from current dermatologist legally required to provide within 30 days usually free or small admin fee. Inform new dermatologist you're seeking second opinion enabling focused consultation. Second opinions valuable for unclear diagnoses, treatment not working, or significant cost involved. Choose different dermatologist for truly independent opinion.
What if I need to cancel my appointment?
Contact clinic immediately if needing to cancel giving maximum notice possible. Most clinics require 24-48 hours notice avoiding cancellation fees. Cancellation fees typically 50-100% of consultation cost if insufficient notice. Late cancellations prevent other patients accessing appointment slots. Legitimate emergencies understood but notify as soon as possible. Some clinics offer flexible rescheduling for genuine reasons. Insurance may not cover cancellation fees. Check cancellation policy when booking.
Will my GP be informed about my visit?
Private dermatologists send summary letters to GPs with your consent ensuring continuity of care and medical record completeness. Summary includes diagnosis, treatment plan, medications prescribed, and follow-up arrangements. Letters sent within 1-2 weeks typically. You receive copy of letter for records. Inform dermatologist if you don't want GP involved though generally recommended for coordination. GP involvement important if ongoing prescriptions needed, emergency care required, or other health conditions affect treatment. You can request letter before it's sent to GP.
How do I prepare my child for their first appointment?
Explain appointment age-appropriately saying "We're visiting a special doctor who helps with skin problems." Emphasize it won't hurt describing examination as "the doctor will look at your skin carefully." Bring comfort items including favourite toy, book, or blanket. Consider visiting location beforehand familiarizing child with building. Read children's books about doctor visits. Don't promise no procedures unless certain as trust important. Praise cooperation during appointment. Reward afterwards with special activity. Browse paediatric specialists for child-friendly dermatologists experienced with anxious children.
Next Steps
Book Your Appointment
Contact top London dermatologists:
Dr. Justine Kluk - Acne specialist
Dr. Anjali Mahto - Medical & cosmetic
Dr. Shaaira Nasir - General & paediatric