Boots is set to provide dermatology training for its pharmacists in response to ‘increased demand’ for support for skin concerns.
The training will enable pharmacists across 200 Boots stores to advise on the ‘most common’ skin conditions, including acne, atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, keratosis pilaris, rosacea and hyperpigmentation, with no appointment needed, the company said.
It also covers melanoma, skin structure, skin microbiome and scalp health.
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Approved by the British Association of Dermatologists (BAD), the training has been developed in partnership with L’Oréal Groupe and leading consultant dermatologist, Dr Justine Hextall.
It will initially be available to pharmacists and pharmacy team members in over 200 Boots stores nationwide, with more stores to be added in the coming months.
A new AI-powered skin tool that can screen for over 70 conditions has also been announced by Boots this month.
The Boots Online Doctor SmartSkin Checker uses a photo upload system and AI technology to return up to five possible skin conditions the patient is experiencing including acne, eczema, rosacea, impetigo, and fungal infections.
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Dr Hextall, consultant dermatologist, said: ‘We know that the numbers of people suffering from common skin conditions is rising and, for those affected, it can have a huge impact – from uncomfortable, itchy skin to loss of confidence.
‘Pharmacists are already highly-trained healthcare professionals, and this training allows them to get a deeper understanding of the skin.’
Boots said it wanted to boost its skin support offering as ‘demand for support for skin concerns continues to rise’.
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It pointed to research from No7 which suggested 97% of women in the UK say they have experienced at least one skin issue and from the British Skin Foundation which reports that almost two thirds (60%) of the population currently live or have lived with a skin condition in their lifetime.
Jamie Kerruish, healthcare director at Boots, said: ‘There is a clear need for accessible support for skin concerns and conditions, which is why we are so proud to be launching new technology and upskilling our pharmacy team members in stores.’
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