The NHS is struggling to provide timely treatment for eczema patients, leaving many feeling like they’re in a ‘living hell’. As the number of people affected by the condition continues to rise, experts are calling for reform and innovative solutions to address the shortage of dermatologists.
The Forgotten Many: A Life of Waiting for Eczema Treatment
Living Hell for Skin Patients
Amy Gladwell, a 19-year-old from Devon, describes her experience with eczema as a ‘living hell.‘ She has been waiting up to 18 months for NHS treatments, which has taken a toll on her life. The emotional impact of the condition is even worse than the physical pain and chronic itching.
The Numbers Don’t Lie
One in ten people in the UK have eczema, and one in five children suffer from it. It’s often life-long and incurable. The National Eczema Society states that these patients are ‘the forgotten many.‘ Consultant dermatologist Dr. Toby Nelson agrees, saying that some patients face a living hell due to pressure on services caused by increased urgent skin cancer referrals.
The National Eczema Society is a UK-based charity that provides information, support, and advocacy for people affected by eczema.
Founded in 1975, the organization aims to improve the lives of individuals with eczema through education, research, and community engagement.
The society offers a range of resources, including online forums, helplines, and publications, to help people manage their condition and access treatment options.
According to the National Eczema Society's own statistics, 1 in 5 children in the UK suffer from eczema, making it one of the most common skin conditions among young people.
The Human Cost
Ben Varco, 24, from St Austell in Cornwall, has been suffering from severe acne for over a year. He was referred to dermatology on the NHS in July 2024 but has heard nothing nine months later. Private care has cost him more than £1,000. Liam Garner, 19, also needs help from his family to pay for treatment after a severe eczema flare-up in 2024.
A Mental Health Crisis
Skin disease can impact patients’ mental health, with 98% of those surveyed saying it affects their emotional and psychological wellbeing. Andrew Proctor, chief executive of the National Eczema Society, says that people with eczema and other inflammatory skin conditions are being treated as second-class citizens by the NHS.
A Shortage of Dermatologists
A British Association of Dermatologists workforce report warned of a ‘particularly concerning‘ situation for dermatology services. The report stated that demand for services is outstripping the capacity of the workforce to deliver care. The shortage has led to long waiting times, with 43% of patients waiting longer than the NHS target of 18 weeks at the start of 2025.
A Call to Action
Dr. Carolyn Charman, clinical vice president of BAD, says that the NHS must build on innovative skin cancer diagnostic schemes to relieve pressure. Patients who are suffering while waiting should contact their hospital team and seek advice from reliable sources online. The Royal Cornwall Hospitals Trust has implemented ‘super clinics‘ where one specialist supervises multiple junior doctors and specialist nurses.
Hope for the Forgotten
Katie Mackie, 28, and Maia Gray, 30, are ‘skin positivity influencers‘ who want to help others cope with their skin conditions. They say that things do improve with treatment and support. Their message is simple: tell people what you’re going through, don’t isolate yourself, and continue to live life.
A System in Need of Reform
The NHS is ‘broken,’ according to a Department of Health and Social Care spokesperson. The department has delivered an extra two million appointments sooner than planned, but more work needs to be done to ensure that patients receive the care they need. The Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust faces pressure from high skin cancer rates in the UK.
A New Era for Skin Cancer Diagnosis
The NHS must build on innovative skin cancer diagnostic schemes using digital technology, patient images, and artificial intelligence. Consultant dermatologist Dr. Toby Nelson says that there are ‘real opportunities to counteract the challenges‘ using these methods.
