A PENARTH independent pharmacy has linked up with a medical software company to offer the diagnosis of skin conditions over the internet.

The Washington Pharmacy, on Stanwell Road, is now offering a service allowing information and images of a customer’s skin complaint to be recorded digitally and then reviewed by a consultant dermatologist. The service covers rashes, itches, moles, hives as well as hair loss and nail conditions, and takes place in the pharmacy’s consulting room. The initial consultation should take no more than 20 minutes, and the customer will receive a consultant dermatologist’s diagnosis and treatment plan, as well as a prescription if appropriate, within two working days. It is a private service for which the patient will pay.

Time for Medicine, based at the Cardiff Medicentre next to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff, is the company behind the service.

Jane Soltys, pharmacist and owner of Washington Pharmacy, said: “We are pleased to add this to our existing range of services provided in our private consultation and treatment rooms. This provides our customers an easily accessible and speedy diagnosis by consultant dermatologists and is an exciting development for us.”

Dr Richard Motley, clinical dermatologist, said: “At a time when hospital resources are stretched, pharmacies have a crucial role to play in providing an alternative source of medical expertise. This new initiative offers customers convenient and timely access to specialised dermatological diagnosis and treatment.”