Who we are

The British Skin Foundation are the only UK charity that raises money to fund research into all types of skin diseases, including skin cancer.

Sixty percent of British people currently suffer from or have suffered with a skin disease at some point during their lifetime. Whilst some skin conditions are manageable, others are severe enough to kill.

We are here to help change that by raising money for vital research to help find cures and treatments for common skin conditions like eczema or acne, through to potential killers like malignant melanoma.

Founded in 1996, the British Skin Foundation has supported 400 research projects and awarded £16,000,000 in funding across all skin diseases.

Whilst we are dedicated to raising money for research, we also aim to raise awareness of skin diseases in the wider community. We're committed to educating people about the different skin conditions, helping to reduce stigma and promote understanding.

The British Skin Foundation receives no statutory funding and relies on completely on donations. Find out more about our research here.

Matthew Patey, Chief Executive Officer

Latest

Recognising lichen sclerosus

Clare Baumhauer bravely shares her lichen sclerosus journey.
BL DermSoc - BATTLE OF THE DERMSOCS

BSF is the only charity in the UK funding cutting edge research into skin diseases.

As a society we understand that when suffering from a skin disease, not only do you suffer from the disease itself but also from the psychological consequences of having visible disease. The skin is of course, the body's largest and most visible organ. It is for this reason that we will be fundraising as much as we can this year for BSF, to try find treatments and cures to these often common and debilita
The impact of psoriasis

Gemma Boak discusses the impact of psoriasis
University of Birmingham DermSoc Fundraising for the British Skin Foundation

The BSF is a great charity that raises money to support research which will hopefully lead to improvements being made to the lives of those who suffer with skin disease and skin cancer. From acne, to psoriasis and melanoma, to date, the BSF has awarded £16,000,000 in funding since 1996!

Impetigo

Impetigo is a bacterial infection of the surface of the skin. In the UK, it is the most common skin infection seen in young children, but may be seen in people of any age.
Basal Cell Carcinoma

A basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is a type of non-melanoma skin cancer. BCC is the most common type of all skin cancer in the UK.
Shingles (herpes zoster)

Shingles is a painful blistering rash caused by the same virus that causes chickenpox, known as the varicella (chickenpox) zoster (shingles) virus.
Alopecia Areata

Alopecia is a general term for hair loss. Alopecia areata is a common cause of non-scarring hair loss that can occur at any age.
Scabies

Scabies is a common and very itchy skin condition caused by a tiny mite called Sarcoptes Scabiei. It can affect people of any age but is most common in the young and the elderly.
Eczema

Atopic eczema is a very common skin condition due to skin inflammation. It may start at any age but the onset is often in childhood.
Melasma

Melasma, also called ‘chloasma’ and ‘pregnancy mask’, is a common skin condition of adults in which brown or greyish patches of pigmentation (colour) develop, usually on the face.
Keratosis pilaris

Keratosis pilaris (KP) is a very common and may be present in half the population. It is a completely harmless skin condition. It affects 50-70% of adolescents and approximately 40% of adults.
Rosacea

Rosacea is a common rash, usually occurring on the face, which predominantly affects middle-aged (age range 40 to 60 years old) and fair-skinned people. It is more common in women, but tends to be more severe in men. It is a chronic condition and, in any individual, the severity tends to come and go.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma

A squamous cell carcinoma is a type of skin cancer. There are two main types of skin cancer: melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancer. Squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is a non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC), and the second most common type of skin cancer in the UK.

Help us fight skin disease and skin cancer

By donating to the British Skin Foundation you will be helping to fund research into all kinds of skin diseases, including skin cancer. Our unwavering commitment to funding quality research means we won’t stop until we’ve found cures for common skin problems like eczema and acne through to potential killers like malignant melanoma. Read more

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