Private Dermatology Services in Harrow

If you are concerned about your skin, hair or nails and are looking for expert dermatologists in the Harrow area, our team of highly experienced dermatologists at The Clementine Churchill Hospital can help.

If you would like to discuss your dermatological concerns in further detail, our consultants can help advise on a full spectrum of treatment options to ensure you have the right one for you.

The Clementine Churchill Hospital is part of Circle Health Group, the leading provider of private healthcare services throughout the UK. Conveniently located in Harrow, North West London, we welcome patients from Harrow, Wembley, Northolt, Ruislip, Pinner, Stanmore and across the capital. We also see patients from further afield who are looking for fast access to expert dermatology care.

Expert assessment and tailored treatment

Your skin is your body’s largest organ and plays a vital role in protecting you from infection, regulating temperature, and supporting overall health. When something doesn’t feel right, whether it’s a persistent rash, acne, eczema, psoriasis, a changing mole, hair loss or a new skin lesion, it can affect both your comfort and confidence.

Our consultant dermatologists are medically qualified specialists with extensive experience in diagnosing and treating conditions affecting the skin, hair and nails. At Clementine Churchill Hospital, we offer:

• Comprehensive skin assessments and mole checks
• Diagnosis and management of inflammatory skin conditions
• Treatment for acne, rosacea and pigmentation concerns
• Assessment of lumps, bumps and suspicious lesions
• Advice and treatment for hair and scalp disorders

We work with many experienced specialists and support teams, ensuring you receive high-quality, personalised care from consultation through to treatment and follow-up.

Fast access to private dermatology care

Choosing private treatment means you can benefit from rapid access to appointments, on-site diagnostic services and the reassurance of continuity of care with the consultant of your choice. Our team will guide you through your options clearly and compassionately, so you can make informed decisions about your health.

If you’re worried about a skin concern or would simply like peace of mind, don’t wait. Book your private dermatology consultation at The Clementine Churchill Hospital today and take the first step towards expert care and confidence in your skin.

Skin lesion removal

A skin lesion is an area of the skin that looks different to the surrounding skin. It can come in the form of a lump, sore, mole, wart or any other area that looks unusual. The procedure for a skin lesion removal will involve either having the area treated with creams, freezing (cryotherapy) or heat treatment, using laser or light therapy, or cutting off the lesion.

You may consider this procedure if the lesion is causing you problems or if it is suspected of being cancerous. If the appearance of your skin lesion(s) is affecting you, this procedure may help you feel more confident.

Skin biopsy

A skin biopsy procedure will involve your consultant cutting and removing a small sample of skin, which will be tested to help diagnose diseases like skin cancer, infections, or other skin conditions.

There are various types of skin biopsy: shave biopsy, excisional biopsy, punch biopsy, and incisional biopsy. It is important to note that while shave biopsies will not usually need stitches, the other types of biopsies may be closed using sutures or steri-strips.

Mole removal

Moles are a form of pigmented lesion. Moles are removed if they have an abnormal growth and are suspected to be cancerous. Non-cancerous moles can simply be left alone. However, if the appearance of your mole is bothering you, then this may be another reason why you may want to consider mole removal.

Mole removal will be done under local anaesthetic, numbing the area around the mole. The mole will then be removed and sent for testing. If the results show the mole to be cancerous, further areas of skin may be removed.

Nail avulsion

Nail avulsion is a procedure where the nail is removed partially or entirely from the nail bed. This procedure can be done on your finger or toenails and may be considered for various reasons, such as treating chronic ingrown toenails, treating long-standing fungal infections of the nail or acute bacterial infections, or to assess the stability of your nail bed after a traumatic nail injury.

It is important to note that after the procedure, you must keep the area covered, and it may need to be cared for for several months while the new nail grows.

The full list of dermatology treatments offered at The Clementine Churchill Hospital includes:

• General dermatology
• Hair loss (alopecia) treatment
• Skin lesion removal
• Skin biopsy
• Mole removal
• Nail avulsion
• Treatment of eczema, psoriasis, acute rashes, acne, rosacea, varicose dermatitis, actinic keratosis and sun damage

When you first meet with your consultant at The Clementine Churchill Hospital, they will take time to understand your skin concern in detail. During your consultation, they will ask about:

• The symptoms you’re experiencing (for example, a new lump that bleeds and doesn’t heal)
• When you first noticed these symptoms
• Whether you’ve already tried any treatments, such as prescribed medication or over-the-counter creams
• Any particular worries you may have (for example, concerns about skin cancer, allergies or ongoing flare-ups)

Your consultant will then carefully examine the affected area and may recommend a full skin examination. In many cases, they will use a dermatoscope (a handheld magnifying device) to closely assess moles and other skin lesions.

Further investigations, if needed

Some skin conditions require additional tests to confirm a diagnosis. These may include:

• Blood tests
• Bacterial skin swabs or mycology tests (fungal analysis)
• Allergy testing to identify specific triggers causing skin reactions
• A biopsy, where a small sample of skin is removed and sent for detailed laboratory analysis

Your dermatologist will arrange any necessary investigations and, once the results are available, will talk you through the findings and recommend the most appropriate treatment plan.

Personalised treatment options

Treatment will depend on your diagnosis and individual needs. This may include:

• Advice on daily skincare and lifestyle adjustments
• Prescribed topical treatments (creams and ointments)
• Oral medication (tablets)
• Cryotherapy (freezing treatment)
• Minor skin surgery

In some cases, such as with a harmless mole, no treatment may be required, and reassurance alone is enough.

What is PUVA therapy?

PUVA, also known as photochemotherapy, stands for psoralen + ultraviolet A (UVA). It is a type of ultraviolet radiation treatment (phototherapy) used in dermatology to treat psoriasis and other skin conditions.

The treatment involves two steps:

1. Psoralen - a medication taken orally or applied topically, which makes the skin more sensitive to light
2. UVA exposure - controlled doses of ultraviolet A light delivered in a special phototherapy chamber

When combined, psoralen and UVA help to:

• Slow down the overactive growth of skin cells that causes thick, scaly patches in psoriasis
• Reduce inflammation and immune system activity in the skin
• Improve the appearance of plaques, leaving skin clearer and more comfortable

PUVA is typically used when other treatments (such as creams, ointments, or systemic medications) have not provided enough relief. It has been shown to bring significant improvement for many patients, often achieving periods of remission.

In addition to psoriasis, PUVA can also be used to treat:

• Palmoplantar psoriasis (affecting the hands and feet)
• Vitiligo (loss of skin pigment)
• Severe eczema
• Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (rare skin condition)

Who can benefit from PUVA therapy?

PUVA may be recommended for patients with:

• Moderate to severe plaque psoriasis - the most common form of psoriasis, marked by raised, red, scaly patches
• Palmoplantar psoriasis - stubborn psoriasis on the hands and feet
• Other skin conditions - such as vitiligo or eczema, when standard treatments have not worked

Symptoms that may prompt a referral include:

• Persistent patches of red, inflamed skin with silvery scales
• Pain, itchiness, or cracking skin
• Psoriasis that affects daily life, sleep, or emotional wellbeing
• Psoriasis covering large body areas or not responding to creams and ointments

“After years of creams that didn’t help, PUVA therapy finally gave me relief. My skin looks clearer, and I feel confident wearing short sleeves again.” - Patient review

Every patient is assessed individually. Your dermatologist will discuss your medical history, previous treatments, and suitability for PUVA to ensure you receive the most appropriate care.

What to expect during treatment

PUVA treatment is delivered as a course of sessions, typically two to three times per week, over several weeks.

Step-by-step process:

1. Preparation with psoralen – you’ll take psoralen either orally (in tablet form) or topically (applied to the skin). This increases the skin’s sensitivity to UVA light
2. UVA exposure – you’ll stand in a specially designed phototherapy chamber where your skin is exposed to controlled doses of UVA light. Treatment time is usually just a few minutes
3. Safety measures – you’ll be given protective eyewear to prevent light damage to the eyes. The dermatology team will carefully calculate your light dose to reduce side effects
4. Aftercare – you may notice mild redness, dryness, or itching initially, but these side effects are temporary. Your skin will be monitored regularly throughout your course

Most people begin to see improvements after several sessions, with plaques becoming less scaly and inflamed. For some, PUVA leads to long-lasting remission of symptoms.

Because treatment is provided in a controlled hospital environment, you can be confident that every session is both safe and effective.

Costs of PUVA psoriasis treatment

The cost of PUVA therapy will depend on the number of sessions required. At The Clementine Churchill Hospital, we offer self-pay packages – with clear pricing and flexible payment plans.

Our private psoriasis clinic offers fast access to appointments, so you can begin treatment without unnecessary delays or long waits.

For personalised pricing, our team will provide a clear cost breakdown at your consultation.

People living in Harrow and the surrounding areas choose The Clementine Churchill Hospital for their skin treatments for many reasons. Some are referred by their GP or another healthcare professional, while others come to us through a recommendation from family and friends. While a GP referral is welcome, you can also self-refer to avoid unnecessary delays and access expert care sooner.

As part of Circle Health Group - the UK’s leading provider of private healthcare - we combine local, personalised care with the reassurance of a national network.

When you choose private dermatology at The Clementine Churchill Hospital, you benefit from:

• Fast access to a skin specialist: See an experienced consultant dermatologist quickly, without long waiting times, so you can start treatment and feel reassured sooner
• Choice and flexibility: Book appointments at a time that suits you, either by phone or online. We welcome patients with private medical insurance as well as those choosing to self-fund
• Personalised treatment plans: Your consultant will take the time to explain your diagnosis, discuss all available treatment options, and tailor a plan specifically to you
• Multidisciplinary expertise: Our dermatologists work closely with specialist nurses, plastic surgeons and other consultants to ensure you receive comprehensive, joined-up care
• Modern facilities in a convenient North West London location: Easily accessible for patients in Harrow, Wembley, Northolt, Pinner, Stanmore, and beyond
• Ongoing support and follow-up: We make it simple to arrange further appointments if you have questions, need reassurance or require additional treatment

Our reputation is built not only on medical excellence, but also on the compassion and reassurance we provide to patients and their families.

At The Clementine Churchill Hospital, you’ll benefit from access to the latest dermatology treatments, modern facilities, and a calm, welcoming environment delivered by a caring and experienced team. We are proud to be a trusted choice for private dermatology care across Harrow and North West London.

“The staff were professional, kind, and explained everything clearly. I finally feel confident about managing my skin condition after years of frustration.” – Patient review

Take control of your skin health today

You don’t have to live with the discomfort, uncertainty or impact of an ongoing skin, hair or nail condition.

If you are looking for expert dermatologists near you, book a private dermatology consultation with us today to discuss your concerns and explore the right treatment options for you.