Who we see
We see adults and children of all ages, including babies from birth.
You can book yourself as a self-paying patient, or be referred by your GP or another doctor or nurse. We also see patients with private medical insurance.
Booking your appointment
You can book online, call us or email us. If this is your first appointment, we will ask for a few further details, which you can give online or over the phone.
If you are insured
Please speak to your insurer before you book. Most insurers need you to have been referred by another doctor. They will give you an authorisation code, which we will need along with your membership number.
Phone and video appointments
Sometimes a consultation can take place by phone or video, but it is best face to face where possible.
Cosmetic treatments
You will always have a consultation before any treatment, including non-surgical cosmetic procedures.
On the day
When you arrive
Please come to reception as soon as you arrive. The consultant may be running early, so you may be seen before your appointment time.
If you do have to wait, our staff will make sure you are comfortable and may offer you a tea or coffee. They cannot answer medical questions, but please ask if there is anything else they can do.
Meeting your consultant
Your consultant will start by asking about your medical history and the skin problem. A consultation usually takes around 15 minutes. You can show them the affected area when you are ready, or wait until they examine you.
Questions they may ask include:
- When did the problem first appear?
- How long has it been a problem?
- Has it always looked or felt the same, or has it changed?
- Have you noticed any triggers, such as a certain food or activity?
- Does it stay about the same, or clear up and come back?
- Do you have other medical problems, such as hay fever, asthma or past bacterial infections?
- Is there a family history of skin conditions?
It can help to bring notes or a diary of your symptoms, especially if something such as a food or the weather seems to set them off.
The examination
Your consultant will then examine your skin, either seated or on the examination couch. You may need to remove some clothing so they can look closely at the area.
If they have concerns about the rest of your skin, they may suggest a full skin check, for which you would undress to your underwear. A chaperone is always available.
They may ask more questions during the examination, to rule out other conditions that can look similar.
Treatment on the day
If treatment is appropriate, it may be possible on the same day, for example for a lump or lesion.
Bringing someone with you
You are welcome to bring someone with you. It is your choice whether they come into the consultation or stay in the waiting room.
After your consultation
Once you are dressed, your consultant will explain the diagnosis and the most effective treatments available, including any side effects, so you can choose the best option for you. Please ask any questions you have.
Depending on the treatment and your condition, you may need further tests or follow-up appointments.
Your letter
After your appointment, your consultant will write to you and your GP with the diagnosis and treatment plan.
Prescriptions
If you need a prescription, your consultant will usually give it to you at your appointment. If it has to be issued afterwards, there is a charge of £25.
You can take your prescription to any pharmacy, and some medicines can be dispensed here at the clinic.
Because it is a private prescription, you pay the pharmacy’s price for the medicine rather than the NHS prescription charge. Prices vary between pharmacies and between medicines, and some medicines can be very expensive.
Questions afterwards
If you have any questions after your appointment, please email admin@derma.co.uk and we will pass them to your consultant.
Fees for consultations and follow-ups are on our price list.
Our consultants
Dr Charles Archer
Consultant Dermatologist
General dermatologySkin surgery
Special interests in skin cancer, lasers and complex medical 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.
Mr Andy Pay
Consultant Plastic Surgeon
Skin surgery
Specialises in skin cancer surgery, including melanoma, and reconstructive surgery.
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.