Same-Day Skin & Soft-Tissue Care
Same-day private assessment for cellulitis, abscesses, rashes, infected skin, eczema flares, and ingrown toenails. Antibiotic decisions per NICE NG141, on-site drainage of suitable abscesses, and advice on treatment that actually works. Adults and children aged 1 and over.
Adult consultation £110 · child consultation £95 (ages 1–15) · drainage, dressings, and prescriptions charged additionally. For suspected sepsis, rapidly spreading severe infection, or non-blanching rash — call 999or attend A&E.
When We Can Help
Skin infections progress quickly — same-day assessment matters. Common presentations:
Spreading skin infection — assessment, antibiotic decision per NICE NG141, marking the edge to track progress, and clear advice on what should bring you back urgently.
Painful localised collection — examination and incision-and-drainage on site for suitable cases, antibiotic decision based on size, location, and systemic signs.
Itchy, inflamed, weeping skin not responding to your usual treatment — examination, prescription-strength topical treatment, and advice on triggers.
An older cut or scratch turning red, warm, painful, or discharging — assessment and antibiotic decision per BNF guidance.
Common viral rashes, hand-foot-and-mouth, chickenpox — examination, reassurance, and screening for the rashes that need urgent attention.
Painful, red toenail or fingernail with surrounding infection — assessment, drainage where indicated, antibiotic if needed, advice on recurrence prevention.
Important Safety Information
Some skin infections progress to sepsis. Call 999 or attend A&E directly if any of these apply:
Cellulitis treatment follows NICE NG141. Antibiotic decisions follow BNF guidance. If you’re unsure, call NHS 111.
Call 999Your Visit
When the symptoms started, how they’ve changed, what you’ve tried, and your medical history (especially diabetes, immunocompromise, recent procedures or wounds). Examination of the affected area for size, depth, fluctuance, lymphadenopathy, and systemic signs.
Bacterial cellulitis vs viral rash vs fungal vs allergic vs inflammatory — clinical diagnosis informs treatment. For cellulitis we mark the edge with a pen so you can monitor for spread.
Transparent Pricing
Consultation fee: £110 adult / £95 child — covers assessment.
Abscess drainage (if performed on site): drainage materials, local anaesthetic, dressings — charged at cost.
Antibiotic prescription (if needed): private prescription via on-site pharmacy.
Time on site: 30–45 minutes for routine assessment, longer if drainage is performed.
Insurance: detailed receipts provided.
After Your Visit
Common Questions
For simple, accessible abscesses — yes. We perform incision and drainage under local anaesthetic on site. For larger, deeper, or anatomically difficult abscesses (face, hand spaces, breast), we'll often recommend onward referral to general or specialist surgery. The doctor will assess and explain what's right for your specific case.
Most cellulitis responds to oral antibiotics, taken for 5-7 days. IV antibiotics are reserved for severe or rapidly progressing cellulitis, or when oral treatment has failed. If your cellulitis is severe enough to need IV treatment, we'd refer you straight to hospital, where the assessment and treatment are best delivered.
We mark the edge of the infection with a pen during your visit and ask you to monitor for spread beyond that line. Other signs of worsening: increased pain, swelling, fever, new red streaks toward your trunk or armpit/groin, feeling generally unwell. If any of these develop, that's a same-day return visit or A&E call.
We assess and treat the acute infection — local drainage if needed, antibiotic decision, dressing, and pain management. For recurrent ingrown toenails that need partial nail removal as a permanent fix, we'd usually refer to a podiatrist or surgeon — the in-clinic acute treatment buys you time and resolves the immediate infection.
Acute infected cysts (incised and drained) — yes. Elective removal of stable cysts, moles, or skin lesions is a planned procedure best done in a dermatology or minor surgery clinic, not urgent care. We can refer you via Centennial for that, but it's not an urgent care service.
Adult consultation £110 / child £95 covers the assessment. Drainage materials, dressings, and any prescription medication are charged additionally at cost. The doctor will explain the total before proceeding so there are no surprises.
Walk In or Book Online
GMC-registered emergency medicine doctors. CQC registered, part of Centennial Medical Care.
Open seven days: Mon–Fri 8am–8pm · Sat–Sun 9am–6pm
Centennial Park, Centennial Ave, Elstree, Borehamwood WD6 3FG · Free parking
Last reviewed: 5 May 2026
Walk in 7 days a week or book online. Payment taken securely at the time of booking.
