--- title: "Skin and hair Guides — Doctor-Reviewed | HealthAnswers" description: "Trusted guides to skin and hair conditions, including eczema, psoriasis, acne and hair loss — how to spot them, treat them at home and when to see a GP." url: https://healthanswers.co.uk/topics/skin-and-hair/ robots: noindex --- # Skin and hair Guides — Doctor-Reviewed | HealthAnswers Health topic Most skin and hair conditions are common, manageable and not a sign of anything serious. These guides help you recognise what you are dealing with, treat it at home or with pharmacy advice, and know when to see a GP — including changes to moles that should always be checked. ## Conditions - [Acne](https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/acne/) A plain-English guide to acne — causes, treatments and when to see a GP or pharmacist. - [Alopecia areata](https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/alopecia-areata/) Alopecia areata — patchy hair loss causes, who it affects, NHS treatments including topical steroids and immunotherapy, and emotional support. - [Athlete's foot](https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/athletes-foot/) A plain-English guide to athlete's foot — symptoms, treatment and prevention. - [Cellulitis](https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/cellulitis/) A plain-English guide to cellulitis — a bacterial skin infection, symptoms, treatment with antibiotics, and when to seek urgent help. - [Cold sores](https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/cold-sores/) Cold sores (herpes simplex on the lips) — triggers, treatment with aciclovir cream, when they are contagious, and difference from genital herpes. - [Contact dermatitis](https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/contact-dermatitis/) A plain-English guide to contact dermatitis — causes, treatment and when to see a GP. - [Eczema](https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/eczema/) Atopic eczema is dry, itchy skin that flares. Use this UK guide for emollients, steroid creams as directed, infection warning signs, and how it looks on darker skin. - [Hair loss](https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/hair-loss/) Hair loss has many causes — from pattern baldness to thyroid problems. Learn what helps, what the NHS offers, and when to see a GP. Reviewed by UK doctors. - [Head lice](https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/head-lice/) Head lice spread by head-to-head contact, not dirty hair. Wet combing or pharmacy products treat them. There is no need to stay off school once treated. - [Hives (urticaria)](https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/hives/) A plain-English guide to hives — what causes them, how to ease them, and when to seek urgent help. - [Impetigo](https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/impetigo/) Impetigo is a contagious golden-crust skin infection. A pharmacist can treat many cases. Stay off until crusted or 48 hours into treatment, as NHS advises. - [Melanoma skin cancer](https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/melanoma/) Melanoma — dangerous skin cancer from moles, ABCDE warning signs, diagnosis, and NHS treatment including surgery and immunotherapy. - [Non-melanoma skin cancer](https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/non-melanoma-skin-cancer/) Basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma — warning signs, diagnosis, NHS treatment, and sun protection to reduce risk. - [Psoriasis](https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/psoriasis/) Psoriasis causes red scaly skin patches that flare and settle — common triggers, pharmacy and prescription treatments, and when to see a GP. - [Ringworm](https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/ringworm/) A plain-English guide to ringworm — a common fungal infection — its treatment and prevention. - [Rosacea](https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/rosacea/) Rosacea causes facial redness, flushing and sometimes spots — how to spot triggers, what treatments help, and when eye symptoms need a GP. - [Scabies](https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/scabies/) A plain-English guide to scabies — symptoms, treatment, and treating the whole household. - [Shingles](https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/shingles/) Shingles is a painful one-sided blister rash. Antivirals work best if started early. A rash near the eye is urgent. Pharmacy First can assess some adults. - [Verrucas](https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/verrucas/) What verrucas are, how to treat warts on the feet at home, and when to see a GP or podiatrist. - [Vitiligo](https://healthanswers.co.uk/conditions/vitiligo/) Vitiligo — causes of white skin patches, who it affects, NHS treatments including topical steroids and phototherapy, and living with the condition. ## Symptoms - [Hair loss](https://healthanswers.co.uk/symptoms/hair-loss-symptom/) Hair loss is most often due to genetic pattern baldness or temporary shedding after stress or illness — patchy loss or a scarring scalp needs GP assessment. - [Itchy skin](https://healthanswers.co.uk/symptoms/itchy-skin/) Itchy skin is usually caused by dry skin, eczema or hives, but persistent whole-body itching can signal liver, kidney or thyroid problems needing tests. - [Mole changes](https://healthanswers.co.uk/symptoms/mole-changes/) A changing mole can be a sign of melanoma — use the ABCDE guide and see a GP urgently for any mole that changes shape, colour or size, or bleeds. - [Rash](https://healthanswers.co.uk/symptoms/rash/) What a rash can mean — common causes, how to soothe itchy skin, and when to seek urgent medical help. - [Rashes in babies and children](https://healthanswers.co.uk/symptoms/rashes-in-children/) Most rashes in babies and children are caused by viral infections, eczema or irritation and clear on their own. Call 999 if a rash does not fade when pressed. ## Treatments and medicines - [Aciclovir and antivirals](https://healthanswers.co.uk/treatments/aciclovir-and-antivirals/) Aciclovir, valaciclovir and famciclovir — treating cold sores, genital herpes, and shingles on the NHS: doses, side effects, and when to start. - [Antifungal medicines](https://healthanswers.co.uk/treatments/antifungal-medicines/) Antifungal medicines treat fungal infections like athlete's foot, ringworm and thrush, available as creams, sprays, tablets and pessaries from pharmacies. - [Antihistamines](https://healthanswers.co.uk/treatments/antihistamines/) Antihistamines are medicines that relieve allergy symptoms such as sneezing and itching by blocking histamine, with drowsy and non-drowsy types available. - [Hair loss treatments](https://healthanswers.co.uk/treatments/hair-loss-treatments/) Minoxidil and finasteride are the main hair loss treatments, slowing pattern baldness and prompting regrowth, though benefits reverse if you stop. - [Shingles vaccine](https://healthanswers.co.uk/treatments/shingles-vaccine/) Who should have the shingles vaccine in the UK, how it prevents shingles, and what to expect after vaccination. - [Steroid creams (topical corticosteroids)](https://healthanswers.co.uk/treatments/topical-steroids/) What steroid creams are, what they treat, and how to use them safely on the skin.