Private Dermatology Clinic GP
Private Dermatology
At Dr Helen Medical we are able to diagnose and treat a range of dermatological conditions, including eczema, acne, and rashes in both adults and children.
We understand that skin conditions can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life and are able to offer timely access to an assessment and treatment plan.
We also offer mole checks for any moles you are concerned about, and general skin checks, which are important for early detection of skin cancers.
Dermatology Team
Our in-house dermatology team at Dr Helen Medical includes Dr Simon and specialist nurse Odette.
Dr Simon is a GP with 15 years of experience, the last decade of which has been focussed on dermatology. He has worked in both hospital dermatology departments and community clinics, developing broad expertise across a range of skin conditions.
Odette, our specialist nurse, brings extensive experience in dermatology and childhood allergy.
With over thirty years of combined experience, our team offers expert assessment and management, and can arrange further investigations or onward referral when needed.
Private Dermatology Assessments
Your first appointment will be either a 30-minute consultation with Dr Simon, or a 60-minute consultation with nurse Odette.
The assessment typically begins with a thorough medical history review where you will be asked about your skin concerns, personal health history, family history of skin conditions, and any medications you’re currently taking. Following that, a visual skin examination will be carried out, which may include using a dermatoscope (a magnifying tool) to examine the skin in more detail.
Based on the assessment, we will consider a diagnosis and discuss potential treatment options tailored to your specific needs. If cryotherapy is a suitable treatment option, it will be performed on the same day (there will be an additional cost for this).
Sometimes further tests may be recommended, such as a biopsy to look at a rash or skin lesion in microscopic detail. We will arrange this by referring you on to our partner service locally.
Occasionally onward referral to a specialist consultant or hospital services may be required. Examples include a suspected skin cancer when a fast-track NHS referral would be required, or more severe rashes which might require hospital-based treatments and monitoring. We can make these referrals for you.
Pricing for further investigations and treatments such as blood investigations, biopsies and cryotherapy will depend upon your needs and will be made clear to you at the time of the appointment.
Dr Simon Platt
GP With Specialist Interest in Dermatology
Dr Simon is a highly experienced medical doctor with over 20 years in clinical practice, and more than a decade dedicated to dermatology. He began his medical career as a GP in Ringwood, working extensively across the New Forest, Winchester, and Southampton. His early interest in dermatology was sparked during medical school, where he received a prestigious Wolfson scholarship to research psoriasis—an experience that highlighted the often-overlooked impact of skin conditions on patients’ lives.
In 2015, Dr Simon joined the dermatology department at Winchester Hospital and went on to complete postgraduate training in Practical Dermatology through Cardiff University, graduating with distinction. Since then, he has held dermatology roles in both hospital and community settings, including positions at the Royal Hampshire County Hospital in Winchester, the Christchurch Dermatology Department, and the Solent Medical Services Community Clinic in Southampton.
Dr Simon has a broad experience in general dermatology and skin cancer clinics. At Dr Helen Medical, he offers consultations for a range of skin concerns including eczema, acne, rashes, mole checks, and other skin lesions. His approach is compassionate, patient-focused, and committed to improving access to quality dermatological care.
Away from work, Dr Simon enjoys time with his wife and two sons, particularly in the outdoors. His hobbies include walking, running, tennis, and sailing. He values an active, healthy lifestyle and has a keen interest in lifestyle medicine, recently completing a qualification in health and nutrition coaching.
Odette Rodda
Paediatric Dermatology and Allergy Nurse Specialist
Odette is an Advanced Nurse Specialist for Children and Young People in Dermatology and Allergy at University Hospital Dorset, where she has been a pivotal part of the dermatology team since 2009. She initially joined to lead and develop the children’s dermatology service, and soon recognised that enhancing her expertise in allergy care would greatly benefit the families she supported.
Services Price
Please choose either an appointment with Dr Simon (adults and children), or Specialist Nurse Odette (children only).
Frequently Asked Questions
Have questions about our dermatology services, appointments, or treatments? Here are some common questions and answers to help you get the information you need.
What is dermatology, and why is it important?
Dermatology is the branch of medicine that focuses on the health of the skin, hair and nails. Skin conditions are often visible and can cause discomfort, embarrassment and affect a person’s confidence and day-to-day life. In some cases, changes in the skin may also signal more serious conditions, such as skin cancer. Skin specialists play an important role in recognising and supporting people through these concerns.
What types of skin conditions can be treated by a dermatologist?
At Dr Helen Medical, we can treat a wide range of skin conditions, including eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, acne, rashes and hair loss.
We can assess moles, areas of sun damage, and other skin lesions that you may be worried about.
We can also examine non-cancerous moles, skin tags, or other lumps, bumps and cysts that may be bothering you. Following assessment, suitable lesions can be referred directly for removal to our partner service locally.
Cryotherapy can be performed in the clinic when appropriate, for example, treating certain types of sun damage or warts.
If you are concerned about a particular rash, mole or skin condition, please book a 30-minute assessment. For a full skin check, please book a 60-minute assessment.
Please note we do not offer patch testing at Dr Helen Medical.
How do I know if I need to see a dermatologist?
You should see consider an appointment with our dermatology team if you notice any unusual changes in your skin such as new or changing moles, persistent rashes, unexplained hair loss, or other signs of skin cancer (like sores that don’t heal). You can book to see us at any stage, whether it is as soon as you notice the condition, you have tried over-the-counter treatments and they haven’t worked, or you have seen your GP and want a further opinion. You should also book regular skin checks, to spot any signs of skin cancer as early as possible.
What treatments are available for acne?
Acne treatments vary depending on the severity and type of acne. The dermatology team at Dr Helen Medical will assess your skin and recommend a treatment plan tailored to your needs. This may include topical treatments like creams or gels, or oral medications. For severe acne that doesn’t respond to these treatments, other options may be helpful. We can advise if isotretinoin may be appropriate, and in these cases recommend an onward referral.
How can I prevent skin cancer?
The best advice for preventing skin cancer is to protect your skin from too much sun exposure, by using suncream with high SPF with both UVB and UVA protection, wearing clothing that covers the skin, and keeping out of the midday sun. Regular skin checks are important to spot any signs of skin cancer as early as possible.
What is a skin check, and how is it done?
A skin check is a thorough examination of your skin to look for sun damage, unusual moles and signs of skin cancer. During the check, your skin will be looked at to identify any suspicious moles. After completing the skin check, we will talk to you about what you need to look out for in future. If any moles look suspicious, an onward referral will be made to the NHS fast-track cancer pathway.
How much will minor surgical procedures cost?
Prices for surgical treatments vary depending on what is required. As a guide, costs for lesion removal range from £250 for a simple skin tag removal, to up to £550 for excision of a lesion with histopathology.
