Dr Sarah Wakelin
Consultant Dermatologist
About Sarah Wakelin
Specialist in: medical dermatology, skin allergies and eczema
Suitable for patients with: unexplained or suspected allergic rashes, eczema needing specialist assessment, or a skin reaction thought to be caused by a medication, cosmetic, or workplace substance (occupational allergy)
Tests offered: skin allergy patch testing for adults and children aged 14 and over, specialist diagnosis and management of allergic contact dermatitis and eczema; skin prick testing to airborne allergens
Available at: Dermatology at Welbeck, 1 Welbeck Street, Marylebone, London
Also: Honorary consultant at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust, where she led the Cutaneous Allergy service from 1999-2025; regional representative for the British Society for Cutaneous Allergy; former President of the St John's Dermatology Society and past member of the British Association of Dermatologists' Therapeutics and Guidelines committee; author and editor of Your Guide to Eczema, A Colour Handbook of Dermatology and the Handbook of Systemic Drug Treatment in Dermatology; Dermatology expert witness for medicolegal claims (solicitor instruction required)
Dr Sarah Wakelin is a consultant dermatologist at Dermatology at Welbeck. She is an honorary consultant at Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust London, where she led the Cutaneous Allergy service from 1999-2025.
She is a regional representative for the British Society for Cutaneous Allergy and lectures regularly at educational updates. She has also served on the Therapeutics and Guidelines committee of the British Association of Dermatologists and is a former President of the St John's Dermatology Society.
As well as treating adults, Dr Wakelin carries out skin allergy patch tests for children aged 14 and over.
Dr Sarah Wakelin has authored and edited many texts and journals including Your Guide to Eczema, a Colour Handbook of Dermatology and she devised and edits the Handbook of Systemic Drug Treatment in Dermatology which is published globally. She has also acted as an advisor for pharmaceutical and dermo-cosmetic companies.
Dr Sarah Wakelin qualified as doctor at King's College, London in 1988 and spent three years working in general medicine before specialising in dermatology, completing higher specialist training in dermatology in 1998. She gained further experience as Senior Registrar at the Institute of Dermatology, St John's Hospital in London where she developed her expertise in allergic skin diseases in the Contact Dermatitis and Occupational Skin Disease Department.
She also acts as a dermatology expert witness for medicolegal claims.
Expertise
- Skin Contact Allergies
- Facial Rashes
- Medical Dermatology
- Eczema
- Dermatitis
- Acne
- Benign Skin Lesion Surgery
- Mole Checks and Mole Mapping
- Dermoscopy
- Skin Biopsy
- Patch Testing
- Delayed Allergy to Drugs
Overview
- Age of patients seen
- 14+
- Qualifications
BSc Pharmacology
MBBP
MRCP
FRCP
- Languages spoken
- English
- Research highlights
Dr Sarah Wakelin has authored and co-authored many articles including:
Editor of Handbook of Systemic Drug Treatment in Dermatology
Author of Colour Handbook of Dermatology
Chapter author – Seborrhoeic Dermatitis- Rook’s Textbook of Dermatology 9E
- Professional memberships
British Association of Dermatologists
British Society for Cutaneous Allergy
European Society of Contact Dermatitis
Royal College of Physicians
- Certifications and Awards
President of St John’s Dermatological Society 2004-5
Insurers covered
Tests & treatments
Locations
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, but only for certain services. Some consultations, assessments, and treatments can be booked directly, while others require a GP or specialist referral. Please check the relevant service page for guidance, and contact the centre if you’re unsure.
We aim to offer appointments as quickly as possible, and many services have same-day or next-day availability. Waiting times vary depending on the appointment type, specialty, and consultant availability, but our team will always offer the earliest suitable appointment.
Yes. You can arrange an appointment for a family member, or someone you care for, just let us know when you get in touch. We’ll need their details and consent to complete the booking, unless you're their legal guardian or have power of attorney.
Your first consultation includes a detailed discussion of your symptoms, medical history, and lifestyle factors, followed by a thorough examination. It’s helpful if you can bring the results of any previous investigations with you, as well as a list of your current medications. Come with a comfortably full bladder so you can provide a urine sample if requested.
Frequently asked questions
Patch testing is a diagnostic procedure where small amounts of common allergens are applied to the skin under adhesive patches, usually on the back, and left for 48 hours before being read. Dr Wakelin is a recognised specialist in cutaneous allergy and contact dermatitis, with extensive experience diagnosing delayed allergies to metals, fragrances, preservatives, and other everyday substances. This testing can pinpoint the exact cause of persistent eczema or dermatitis that has not responded to standard treatments.
Yes. Dr Wakelin has a specialist interest in delayed drug and vaccine allergies and their skin manifestations. She can carry out a thorough clinical assessment, arrange patch testing where appropriate, and advise on safe alternative medications. Her background in pharmacology and decades of NHS dermatology experience make her well placed to manage complex drug allergy cases.
Facial hyperpigmentation can have many causes, including sun damage, melasma, and post-inflammatory changes. Dr Wakelin treats skin pigment disorders and can carry out a detailed assessment using dermoscopy to determine the underlying cause. She will then recommend a tailored treatment plan, which may include topical therapies or procedural options, based on your skin type and condition.
Dr Wakelin offers full-body 360-degree mole mapping using advanced imaging to record and monitor moles over time. This is particularly recommended if you have a large number of moles, a family history of melanoma, or have noticed a mole that has changed in size, shape, or colour. Any suspicious moles can be examined with dermoscopy and biopsied or excised on the same visit if needed.
Eczema is a broad term for inflamed, itchy skin, while contact dermatitis is a specific type triggered by direct contact with an allergen or irritant. Dr Wakelin uses a combination of detailed clinical history, skin examination, and patch testing to identify whether a contact allergen is responsible for your symptoms. Accurate diagnosis is important because contact dermatitis can often be resolved completely once the trigger substance is identified and avoided.