Acne
Acne is a common skin condition that causes spots, oily skin and sometimes scarring. Effective treatments are available, so you do not have to put up with it.
Health conditions
Skin conditions
Guides to common long-term skin conditions and the treatments that help.
Eczema
Eczema makes skin itchy, dry and cracked. It often starts in childhood, and with the right skin care most people can keep it under control.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a long-term condition that causes flaky patches of skin. It is not contagious, and there are many treatments that work.
About these conditions
Long-term skin conditions affect millions of people in the UK. They can be itchy, sore and hard to live with, and can affect sleep, confidence and mental health. There are many good treatments, and your GP can refer you to a skin specialist (a dermatologist) if you need one.
Help that applies to many conditions
- Benefits are based on how a condition affects you, not on its name. If you need help with everyday tasks or getting around, try our PIP points self-check, or the Attendance Allowance check if you are over State Pension age.
- If you cannot work because of your health, read about New Style ESA and the Universal Credit health element.
- You may be protected at work. Under the Equality Act 2010, a condition that has a substantial, long-term effect on your daily life can count as a disability, which means your employer must consider reasonable adjustments.
- Help with health costs. Some conditions give you free prescriptions in England, and prescriptions are free for everyone in Wales. Try our NHS health costs check.
- Your GP can review your treatment, refer you to specialists and tell you about local support.