Skin Conditions & Rashes: Expert GP Care
A new rash, flared-up acne, eczema, or psoriasis, and even itchy skin, can be uncomfortable and worrying. Most skin conditions and rashes are treatable once an expert properly assesses them. Dr Faizal offers a same-day, in-person skin assessment so you get a clear diagnosis and the right treatment.
Same-day, in-person skin assessment · No referral needed
What are skin conditions?
Skin conditions are an umbrella term for various problems affecting the skin’s appearance and comfort, and leading to changes over time. Itchy skin, acne, eczema, psoriasis, lichen planus, rosacea, and dermatitis are some common examples.
Some skin conditions clear up on their own, while others flare and settle, which can point to an underlying cause. In that case, it is worth consulting a GP rather than waiting it out or picking creams from the pharmacy shelf. Dr Faizal checks your skin, reviews your medical history, and may arrange diagnostic tests to understand the root cause, so you get appropriate treatment.
Reviewed by Dr Faizal Secretary, MRCGP · GMC 7606534 · CQC Registered · Last updated August 2026
Skin and rash symptoms
Skin symptoms vary widely, but common signs that are worth checking include:
- Redness, itching or a burning feeling
- Dry, flaky, cracked or scaly patches
- Raised bumps, welts or blisters
- Spots, whiteheads or painful cysts
- A rash that spreads, weeps or will not settle
When to worry about a rash in adults
Most rashes are not serious, but some need urgent attention. Seek a same-day GP consultation if a rash comes with any of the following:
- A rash that does not fade when pressed under a glass
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, or difficulty breathing
- A high temperature, feeling very unwell, or a rapidly spreading rash
- Widespread blistering, peeling or skin that is very painful
If you have facial swelling, difficulty breathing, or are seriously unwell, call 999. This page is information, not a substitute for urgent medical assessment or a GP consultation.
Common skin conditions Dr Faizal treats
Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)
A common condition causing dry, itchy, cracked skin that tends to flare and settle. Atopic eczema often starts in childhood. Dr Faizal provides treatment from the right emollients to a long-term routine.
Psoriasis
Flaky, scaly patches caused by skin cells building up too quickly. Psoriasis is long-term but manageable. Dr Faizal can diagnose it, start treatment, and point you to support.
Acne Treatment
Spots, blackheads and cysts are common in teens and adults, on the face, chest and back. Dr Faizal provides treatment for mild to moderate acne, including back acne, plus advice on reducing scarring.
Hives (Urticaria)
Raised, itchy welts that appear suddenly, often as an allergic reaction. Hives usually settle. Dr Faizal can help find triggers and treat persistent cases.
Contact Dermatitis & Allergic Rashes
Red, itchy skin caused by something you have touched or reacted to. Where an allergy is suspected, Dr Faizal can arrange allergy testing to pin down the cause.
Fungal, Bacterial & Viral Rashes
Includes ringworm, athlete’s foot, thrush and viral rashes, which are common and usually respond well to the right treatment once correctly diagnosed.
If you cannot make it to the clinic for a skin condition or rash consultation, our GP can see you via a home visit.
Skin lumps, bumps & nail problems
As well as rashes and inflammatory skin conditions, Dr Faizal assesses and treats common skin lumps and nail problems, arranging safe removal by minor surgery where appropriate. Select a topic to learn more.
How Dr Faizal treats skin conditions
Dr Faizal treats your skin according to your symptoms and diagnosis. He prescribes acute treatment to settle a flare and manages long-term conditions over time.
Assessment & Diagnosis
Dr Faizal examines your skin in line with recognised dermatology guidance and, where helpful, confirms the diagnosis with allergy testing, a full blood count, or other blood tests. Where a skin biopsy or patch testing is needed, he arranges a specialist referral.
First-Line Treatment
Each prescription is tailored to your skin condition, whether acute or preventative. Where appropriate, treatments such as emollients and topical steroids are prescribed in line with NICE guidance. Fungal or bacterial infections are treated with the appropriate antifungal or antibiotic treatment.
Ongoing & Flare Management
For long-term conditions like eczema, psoriasis and acne, the goal is to keep your skin settled between flares. Dr Faizal reviews your triggers, adjusts treatment over time, and supports you as the same doctor each visit.
Specialist Referral When Needed
Severe or resistant conditions may need specialist care, such as specialist treatment for severe acne or newer psoriasis therapies. Dr Faizal can arrange a specialist referral during your appointment.
Where a specialist opinion is needed, Dr Faizal arranges a specialist referral during your appointment.
"I'd been putting off a conversation about my blood pressure for months. Dr Secretary gave me 30 minutes and went through everything properly. I left with my prescription and a referral already sorted."
"My son had a high temperature on a Saturday morning. We were seen the same day. The doctor was calm, thorough, and explained everything clearly. At £49, absolutely worth it for the peace of mind alone."
"The doctor didn't make me feel stupid for leaving things. He was straightforward, ran some bloods, and when I needed referring on, the letter was ready before I left the room. No extra charge."
Your GP for skin condition care in Preston
Dr Faizal Secretary is a GMC-registered GP based in Fulwood, Preston. He trained in the UK, holds a medical degree from the University of Manchester, and a BSc with Distinction from Imperial College London. Skin conditions can be uncomfortable and worrying, so Dr Faizal offers careful assessment, clear explanations, and personalised treatment to help you feel confident about your skin health.
BSc (Hons) · MBChB · MRCGP · GMC 7606534 · CQC Registered · Seeing patients in Preston since 2017
Why choose My Private Clinic for skin condition care?
Named GP Every Time
Dr Secretary personally assesses and prescribes. Not a locum, not remote.
CQC-Registered
Independently regulated by the Care Quality Commission.
Same Day Available
Appointments are often available the same day. Call or WhatsApp to check.
Evenings & Weekends
Mon to Thu 5 to 8pm, Friday 9am to 8pm, Saturday 9am to 1pm.
FAQs about skin conditions & rashes
What are hives, and what causes them?
Hives are raised, itchy welts that appear suddenly, usually as an allergic reaction to food, medicines, insect bites, heat or stress. If they keep returning or you cannot find the trigger, Dr Faizal can help identify the cause and treat them.
What is dermatitis?
Dermatitis simply means inflamed skin. The most common types are atopic dermatitis (eczema) and contact dermatitis, where skin reacts to something it has touched. Both cause redness and itching, and both are very treatable once the type and trigger are identified.
When should I worry about a rash as an adult?
Get urgent help if a rash does not fade under a glass, comes with facial swelling or breathing difficulty, a high temperature, or widespread blistering or peeling. Otherwise, any rash that spreads, will not settle, or affects your daily life is worth a GP assessment.
How do I get rid of contact dermatitis fast?
The key is to identify and avoid what is irritating your skin, then treat the inflammation. Dr Faizal can confirm the diagnosis, prescribe treatment such as emollients or a topical steroid where appropriate, and advise on avoiding the trigger so it does not keep returning.
How do I get rid of acne and spots?
Mild acne and spots often improve with the right skincare and over-the-counter treatments. For more stubborn or scarring acne, Dr Faizal can prescribe treatment or refer you for specialist options, so you are not left struggling with it alone.
Will Dr Faizal treat back acne and acne scarring?
Yes, Dr Faizal can assess acne wherever it appears, including on the back and chest, and advise on treatment while guiding you on reducing the risk of acne scarring.
What is fungal acne, and how is it treated?
Fungal acne is not true acne but small, itchy bumps caused by a yeast in the hair follicles, and it needs different treatment from ordinary acne.
Can a rash be caused by a virus or an infection?
Yes, rashes are sometimes caused by viral, bacterial or fungal infections, from chickenpox and other viral rashes to ringworm and thrush. Dr Faizal can identify the cause, often with a simple swab or examination, and prescribe the right treatment.
Can a skin rash be a sign of something serious like lupus?
A rash can sometimes be the first sign of an underlying condition such as lupus, but not in every case. This is why a persistent or unexplained rash is worth assessing, and where needed Dr Faizal can arrange blood tests or a specialist referral.
What treatment is available for skin conditions?
Treatment depends on the diagnosis and can include creams and emollients, topical steroids, antifungal or antibiotic treatment, and lifestyle advice. Dr Faizal tailors the plan to your individual skin condition.
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