Why Skin Problems Are So Common in UK GP Surgeries
How common are skin problems in UK primary care?
Skin conditions are one of the most common reasons people visit their GP in the UK.
Research from NHS and dermatology bodies suggests that around one in four people consult a GP each year for a skin-related issue. That equates to roughly 13 million primary care consultations annually.
Skin complaints are estimated to account for between 15–25% of GP workload, making dermatology one of the largest areas of activity in general practice.
In 2017–18 alone, GP consultations for skin disorders were estimated to cost the NHS approximately £723 million in primary care.
What types of skin problems are most common?
Common GP-managed skin conditions include:
- Atopic eczema
- Contact dermatitis (irritant and allergic)
- Psoriasis
- Acne
- Fungal infections
- Rashes and unexplained irritation
Most of these conditions are managed entirely within primary care and do not require specialist referral.
Can everyday personal care products contribute to irritation?
In some individuals, yes.
Contact dermatitis — particularly the irritant form — can be triggered or worsened by repeated exposure to certain substances. These may include:
- Sodium Lauryl Sulfate (SLS) – a strong foaming agent used in many body washes and shampoos
- Synthetic fragrance (labelled “parfum”) – which may contain multiple fragrance compounds
- Certain preservatives and cleansing agents
These ingredients can disrupt the skin barrier in susceptible people, leading to dryness, itching or flare-ups. However, not everyone reacts, and skin conditions have multiple contributing factors including genetics, environment and overall health.
What we know — and what we don’t
✔ Skin conditions are extremely common in UK general practice.
✔ Contact dermatitis and eczema form a meaningful portion of these consultations.
✔ Some common cleansing ingredients are recognised irritants in dermatology literature.
What we do not have is national data proving that specific ingredients directly account for a defined percentage of GP visits. The relationship is plausible, but not precisely quantified.
So what can you do?
If you experience dryness, itching or recurrent irritation, it may be worth reviewing your daily routine. Many people choose to:
- Switch to SLS-free cleansers
- Avoid synthetic fragrance (“parfum”)
- Use aluminium-free deodorant if preferred
- Choose simpler ingredient lists
At Smelly Men and Smelly Women, we focus on natural soaps and deodorants made in the UK using essential oils rather than synthetic fragrance. The goal isn’t perfection — it’s fewer unnecessary irritants in everyday products.
Given how much NHS time is devoted to skin complaints, even small reductions in preventable irritation would matter — both for individuals and for the wider system.