Medically reviewed by
Medically reviewed by
Dr Amanda Northridge
GP & Medical Reviewer·MBBS·GMC 2847829
Speak to a GP today about a skin rash — video within 90 minutes, or in-clinic in Manchester the same day if needed. Treatment arranged with your pharmacy if appropriate.
GP appointments from £125 — see full pricing
If any of these apply, please go straight to the service listed. FastTrack is for non-emergency private GP care only.
Most rashes can be assessed from clear photos and a video call. Treatment arranged with your pharmacy if needed.
For cases where a closer look, a swab or a skin scraping is needed — same-day appointments in Manchester.
A qualified GP looks at your skin and reviews your history. Video works well for most rashes — send clear photos in advance.
Your GP tells you what's most likely causing the rash and what will help.
If treatment is the right next step, it's arranged with your pharmacy the same day.
Most rashes are common, harmless, and respond quickly to the right treatment. A GP can usually identify the pattern in a single appointment and either treat it directly or arrange the right test.
Skin rashes have many causes — infections, allergies, reactions to medicines, eczema, psoriasis, heat, or stress. Most clear up on their own, but some need treatment to stop them spreading or getting worse. Common triggers include:
If a rash doesn't fade under a glass, or you have facial swelling or breathing difficulty, call 999.
Skin rashes look alike at first glance but have very different causes. A GP can tell the difference quickly and start the right treatment the same day.
In most cases yes — a GP can identify the common patterns (eczema, contact reaction, fungal, viral, infected) from a careful history and examination. Photos help if you're booking online. If the rash is unusual or doesn't fit a clear pattern, your GP will arrange a swab, blood test or dermatology referral.
For most rashes, no — the diagnosis is clinical. If your GP suspects infection, scabies or a fungal cause, they may take a quick swab or skin scraping; for unexplained widespread rashes a blood test can help. Your GP will explain why and share the timeline at the appointment.
Yes — for most common rashes the treatment (steroid cream, antihistamine, antifungal or antibiotic) is arranged with your pharmacy straight after the consultation. For over-the-counter options your GP will recommend specific products you can pick up immediately.
Video works well for most rashes — clear photos plus a description usually give a GP enough to diagnose and arrange. Book in-clinic if the rash is widespread, painful, or you'd prefer a hands-on examination. We can switch you between formats the same day if needed.
Rashes that spread quickly, blister, come with fever, or affect the eyes, mouth or genitals need urgent review. Book a same-day appointment, or for severe symptoms call 999 or 111.
Most rashes are managed entirely in primary care. Your GP refers to dermatology when the rash is unexplained, hasn't responded to first-line treatment, or you need a procedure (e.g. biopsy). When a referral is needed, your GP arranges it from the appointment.
Video or in-clinic, 15 minutes. Your GP takes a focused history, examines you, and explains what they think is going on.
Blood tests, swabs, urine samples or imaging — your GP arranges what fits and shares the timeline at the appointment.
Treatment arranged with your pharmacy after the call. Sick notes issued at the visit. Specialist referral letters written the same day when needed.
Sources: NHS Contact dermatitis · NICE CKS Dermatitis — contact