Introduction

The Guidelines have been produced by the Department of Dermatology of Medway PCT and has been adapted for use in Bolton by the Department of Dermatology of Bolton Hospitals NHS Trust, in conjunction with Bolton Primary Care Trust.

This document offers recommendations of first line treatment for common skin conditions and useful guidelines, for the practice of Dermatology in Primary Care and defines the point at which tier 2 and Secondary Care may give additional benefit. This information is intended to be used as a source of reference by General Practitioners in order to become familiar with the most common skin diseases encountered in General Practice and to boost confidence in dealing with them.

It is impossible to define exactly the stage at which referrals should be made and frequently the problems at the edge of our definitions are the most challenging.

These treatment recommendations should be followed prior to consideration of referral to the Consultant Dermatologists. Criteria for referral to the tier 2 service and consultants are clearly stated at the end of each section.