The U.K.'s leading health and beauty retailer Boots has introduced a new Skin Condition Diagnosis service, offering customers access to expert advice and diagnosis of common skin conditions, such as acne, dermatitis,  eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea.

The Skin Condition Diagnosis service, which is part of Boots Online Doctor, aims to provide patients suffering from skin conditions with quick and convenient access to diagnosis and clinical advice. 

Patients can obtain a diagnosis alongside recommended next steps by completing a simple questionnaire and uploading clear photographs of their skin using the new Boots Photo Diagnosis scanner. 

This service costs £25 ($32) per assessment, with patients receiving a response from a Boots Online Doctor clinician within 24 hours.

Developed by Dr. Susie Gawler, clinical lead for acne and skin at Boots Online Doctor, the service offers clinical dermatological advice swiftly and conveniently to all patients. 

Dr. Gawler, an accredited general practitioner with a postgraduate diploma in clinical dermatology, expressed enthusiasm for the new service.

"We expect to see many patients seeking a diagnosis or clinical opinion on their skin conditions or coming to us for advice and treatment options," she said. "We hope the new services will be convenient for those who face longer waiting times to see their GP or find the cost of a private dermatologist prohibitive."

Boots Online Doctor skin services have witnessed a significant 68% increase in patients year-on-year, reflecting the escalating demand for expert dermatological advice. 

According to the British Skin Foundation, over 70% of people in the U.K. have visible skin conditions or scars that affect their confidence.

In addition to the Skin Condition Diagnosis service, Boots launched a Skin Aging and Hyperpigmentation service, providing advice and prescription treatments for fine lines, texture, hyperpigmentation, and acne scarring. 

Prices for this service start from £16 ($20) and include an online consultation, clinical assessment, and prescription medicine.

To complement these new services, Boots is enhancing the skincare expertise of its staff by providing dermatological training to over 4,000 pharmacists and additional skincare training to 1,200 beauty and healthcare specialists across the U.K. 

Moreover, a new Skin Hub has been introduced on Boots.com, which offers free advice and educational content on various skin types and conditions.