Professor Tess McPherson
Consultant Dermatologist and Associate Professor in Paediatric and Adolescent Dermatology
About Tess McPherson
Professor Tess McPherson is an experienced NHS consultant in all areas of general adult, paediatric and adolescent dermatology at Oxford University Hospitals. She is also Associate Professor in Paediatric and Adolescent Dermatology at the University of Oxford Nuffield Department of Medicine.
Through her research, clinical work and national roles, Professor McPherson is committed to improved services, support and resources for patients and health workers. In Oxford she has established an award-winning service for young people with skin conditions that integrates psychological support.
Alongside her clinical and academic roles, Professor McPherson is active in national and international paediatric and adolescent dermatology, including research, education, monitoring the effects of medications, the psychosocial health impact of skin conditions, patient information and national guidelines.
Her current research includes work into inflammatory skin conditions (including acne, eczema, psoriasis and hidradenitis), efficacy and safety of medications, severe cutaneous drug reactions, psychosocial impact of skin disease, and patient experiences of skin conditions, services and social media. This translational research places a strong emphasis on patient involvement and qualitative methods, enhancing diverse patient voices, public education and clinical implementation. Her work informs evidence-based national and international guidance and improved care for young people with skin conditions.
She is currently president of the Royal Society of Medicine Dermatology Section and chair of the British Association of Dermatology (BAD) social media working party group. She was recently president of the British Society for Paediatric and Adolescent Dermatology and remains on the executive committee. She was lead clinician on an NIHR-funded project developing a web resource for young adults with skin disease on healthtalk.org, and has developed patient information on many conditions, available on the BAD patient portal. She has also led national guidance, including on the management of scabies, severe cutaneous drug reactions and support for the impact on mental health of living with skin conditions.
She works with charities and patient support groups and is regularly invited to share research and ensure public evidence-based information, including through podcasts, The Guardian, ITV and the BBC. She has also written a book, ‘Skin Conditions in Young People: A practical guide on how to be comfortable in your skin’.
Expertise
- Atopic dermatitis (eczema)
- Acne
- Psoriasis
- Hidradenitis suparativa
- Warts
- Scabies
- Dermatitis
- Viral warts
- Atopic dermatisis
- Psychodermatology
- Lichen sclerosus
- Tinea
- Cutaneous fungal
Overview
- Age of patients seen
- All ages
- Qualifications
MA (Cambridge), MBBS(Imperial), MD, FRCP
- Languages spoken
- English, French
- Online profiles
- Research highlights
McPherson, T., Ravenscroft, J., Ali, R…& Baron, S. (2023). British Society for Paediatric & Adolescent Dermatology assessment & support of mental health in children & young people with skin conditions: A multidisciplinary expert consensus statement & recommendations. The British Journal of Dermatology, 189(4), 459–466. link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37291902/
Tan JY, Marlow L, Phillips C, McPherson T. Chronic inflammatory skin conditions in young people and their impact on intimate relationships: a quantitative and qualitative study. Br J Dermatol. 2025 link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40512834/
Phillips C, Russell E, McNiven A, McPherson T (2024) A Qualitative Study of the Psychological Morbidity in Paediatric Survivors of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome and Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis. Br J Dermatol. link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38606681/
McPherson T, Ravenscroft JC, Fazel M. Baron S.(2026) Reframing 'dermatitis artefacta' in children and young people as a functional skin disorder: building trust, improving communication and enhancing recovery. Br J Dermatol. 27;194(2):363 link: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/41159563/
McPherson T, Young people’s skin. A practical guide to how to be comfortable in your skin. The Facts series. Oxford University Press (OUP). September 2021 link:https://www.amazon.co.uk/Skin-conditions-young-people-comfortable/dp/0192895427/
- Professional memberships
Member of the Royal College of Physicians
Member British Association of Dermatology
Member Royal Society of Medicine
Member British Society for Paediatric and Adolescent Dermatology
- Certifications and Awards
2026 Royal Society of Medicine Dermatology Section President
2024 National Clinical Impact award
2024 RSM researcher of the year. Supervised work on impact of severe drug reactions
2023 British Society for Paediatric and Adolescent Dermatology (BSPAD) award for patient impact. Mental health guidance for patients with skin conditions
2021 Dermatology QIC (quality in care) Winner Emotional Support. Quality Services and Support
2021 BSPD Olivia Schofield award for patient impact on management of cutaneous drug reactions
2019 National Clinical Excellence award. Clinical excellence and Research and Innovation
2019 Clinical excellence award level 3 (local)
2018 BSPD award for patient impact (Olivia Schofield award) Young peoples services
2017 BMJ team of the year short listed for Young Persons Dermatology Clinic
Insurers covered
Conditions & symptoms
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.