The right doctor for your skin
Skin problems are common, and plenty of places offer to help with them. But the training of the person you see makes a real difference: to getting the right diagnosis, to spotting skin cancer early, and to being offered the treatments that work.
Our consultant dermatologists are specialists in skin, hair and nails, and many of them also lead NHS hospital dermatology services. Some skin surgery is with our consultant plastic surgeon, and some treatments are with our specialist nurses.
Seeing a consultant at Derma
- Self-paying and insured patients are welcome.
- We see adults and children of all ages, including babies.
- You can book online, call us or email us.
- After your appointment, your consultant will write to you and your GP.
Is your “dermatologist” a consultant dermatologist?
Your GP is often a good place to start with a skin problem. But if you are paying to see a dermatologist privately, check who you will actually see. Some private clinics describe GPs with an interest in skin as "dermatologists". They are not consultant dermatologists, and the difference in expertise is significant.
Consultant dermatologist
- Qualified doctor with at least 8 further years of hospital training
- At least 4 years of specialist training in dermatology alone, and many hold further qualifications
- On the GMC Specialist Register for dermatology
- Diagnoses and treats the full range of skin, hair and nail conditions, including skin cancer
- Can start the strongest treatments for acne, eczema and psoriasis, which only specialist teams can begin
- Many of our consultants also lead NHS hospital dermatology services
"Dermatologist"GP with an interest in skin
- Trained as a GP, covering every area of medicine
- An interest in skin usually means a diploma or short course
- Not on the GMC Specialist Register for dermatology
- Can't start the strongest specialist treatments themselves
- "Dermatologist" or "skin specialist" on its own doesn't tell you which you are seeing
Starting with your GP is often the right first step. If you'd rather see a specialist, or a problem hasn't settled, you can book with one of our consultant dermatologists without a referral.
The road to becoming a consultant dermatologist
- 5–6yearsMedical schoolQualify as a doctor
- 2yearsFoundation trainingHospital medicine and surgery
- 2–3yearsInternal medicinePass the MRCP(UK) exams
- 4+yearsDermatology trainingSkin disease, skin surgery and skin cancer. Many also complete a research degree or further specialist training
- CCTConsultantJoins the GMC Specialist Register
That's at least 13 years from starting medical school.
Look for the tick
The British Association of Dermatologists' tick shows that a doctor is a consultant dermatologist on the GMC Specialist Register. Every consultant dermatologist at Derma has one: you'll find it on each consultant's profile, linked to their GMC entry. You can also check any doctor yourself on the GMC medical register.
What this means for you
The right diagnosis first time
Many skin conditions look alike. A consultant dermatologist sees them every day, so you are more likely to get the right diagnosis, and the right treatment, at your first appointment.
Skin cancer checked properly
Our consultants examine moles and marks with a dermatoscope, a hand-held magnifier that shows detail the eye can't see, and can remove and test anything that needs it.
Specialist treatment sooner
Your consultant can start specialist treatment and arrange any tests or minor procedures you need, without referring you on and adding another wait.
Your GP kept informed
After your appointment, your consultant writes to you and your GP, so everyone involved in your care knows the plan.
How to check who you’re seeing
- Look for "consultant"Ask whether you'll be seeing a consultant dermatologist. "Dermatologist" or "skin specialist" on its own doesn't tell you.
- Look for the tickThe British Association of Dermatologists' tick shows a consultant dermatologist on the GMC Specialist Register. Each of our consultants shows it on their profile.
- Check the GMC registerSearch the doctor's name on the GMC medical register and look for "Specialist Register: Dermatology".
Our consultant dermatologists
Dr Charles Archer
Consultant Dermatologist
General dermatologySkin surgery
Special interests in skin cancer, lasers and complex medical dermatology.
Dr Chris Phillips
Consultant Dermatologist
General dermatologySkin surgery
Special interests in skin lesions, skin cancer surgery and male genital dermatology.
Dr Sanju Arianayagam
Consultant Dermatologist
General dermatologySkin surgery
Leads the specialist photosensitivity clinic in Oxford.
Dr Rima Clayton
Consultant Dermatologist
General dermatologyPaediatric dermatologySkin surgery
Founder of Derma Reading, seeing adults and children, with a particular interest in skin cancer and skin surgery.
Dr Rachel Fisher
Consultant Dermatologist
General dermatologySkin surgery
Specialist interests in skin cancer and vulval dermatology, and clinical lead for dermatology in Reading and West Berkshire.
Dr Sabrina Khan
Consultant Dermatologist
General dermatologySkin surgery
Specialist interest in vulval dermatology, and lead for the Oxford NHS vulval service.
Dr Inge Kreuser-Genis
Consultant Dermatologist
General dermatologyPaediatric dermatologySkin surgery
Specialist interests in paediatric and vulval dermatology.
Dr Antonia Lloyd-Lavery
Consultant Dermatologist
General dermatology
Specialist interests in severe eczema and psoriasis, autoimmune blistering diseases and connective tissue diseases.
Professor Rubeta Matin
Consultant Dermatologist
General dermatology
Specialist interests in skin cancer and moles, skin disease in transplant and immunosuppressed patients, and cutaneous lymphoma.
Dr John Reed
Consultant Dermatologist
General dermatologySkin surgery
Specialist interest in urticaria, angioedema and allergy.
Dr Isabelle Vandormael
Consultant Dermatologist
General dermatologySkin surgery
Particular interest in lasers and cosmetic dermatology.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is a dermatologist the same as a consultant dermatologist?
Not always. A consultant dermatologist has completed full specialist training in dermatology, usually at least 13 years from starting medical school, and is on the GMC Specialist Register for dermatology. Some private clinics use “dermatologist” for GPs with an interest in skin, who don’t have that specialist training.
Should I see my GP first?
For many skin problems, your GP is a good place to start. If a problem hasn’t settled, you’re worried about a mole, or you would like a specialist opinion, you can see one of our consultant dermatologists. If you are paying for yourself, you don’t need a referral.
Are skin clinics run by doctors?
Not always. Some beauty and aesthetic clinics offering skin treatments have no doctor at all. If you have a skin condition, a changing mole or a rash that isn’t clearing, it is worth seeing a doctor who specialises in skin.
Do I need a referral?
No. If you are paying for yourself, you can book directly online or by phone. If you are using health insurance, your insurer will usually ask for a GP referral and an authorisation number.
How much does it cost?
A consultation with a consultant dermatologist is £330, and a follow-up is £270. If you need tests or treatment, your consultant will explain the cost before anything goes ahead. See our price list.
Do you see children?
Yes. We see children of all ages, including babies, as well as adults.