Tess McPherson

Tess McPherson is a Consultant Dermatologist at Oxford University Hospitals (clinical lead for paediatric and adolescent Dermatology) as well as a Clinical Tutor at the University of Oxford (where she leads undergraduate dermatology teaching).

As one of the few dermatologists actively conducting research on children and young people, Professor Tess McPherson has played a key role in advancing Adolescent Dermatology as an academic speciality. Skin conditions are common in adolescents and can have significant repercussions – both short and long-term – during a critical developmental stage. And yet it’s an area has been largely overlooked in both academic research and in practical, evidence-informed approaches drawn from direct patient care — something Tess has worked to change through her own work and collaboration with colleagues worldwide.

 Tess trained at Cambridge University and Imperial College. She worked in Guyana and the USA for the World Health Organisation, investigating the management of skin conditions in resource poor settings. Tess continued her training as a Walport Clinical Lecturer at the Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, studying immunological responses in patients with eczema/atopic dermatitis (AD). Building on this initial focus, Tess’s work now encompasses all inflammatory skin conditions. Her current research includes studies of the efficacy and safety of medications, severe cutaneous drug reactions, the psychosocial impact of skin disease and patient experiences of skin conditions and services. 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. 

Tess holds many national roles for the British Association of Dermatology (BAD) including recent president of the British Society for Paediatric and Adolescent Dermatology (BSPAD). She leads the undergraduate dermatology teaching in Oxford and holds international roles in dermatology education as well as regular invited lectures. She is regularly involved in media to share research and ensure public evidence-based information including recent work with The Guardian and BBC.

Through her research, clinical work and national roles, Dr McPherson is committed to providing better services and support for young people and improved education for health-workers and public information. In Oxford she has established an award-winning service for young people with skin conditions that integrates psychological support. Her work on acne includes work into the psychological impact of Isotretinoin and was involved in the implementation of MHRA guidance. She was lead author on the British Association of Dermatology (BAD) guidelines for the management of SJS/TEN in paediatrics and adolescents, and has completed qualitative research on the longer term impacts of this condition in children, young people and their families. She has developed patient information on many conditions for the BAD patient portal and the BSPAD website and has recently led guidance on assessment and support for mental health conditions in children and young people with skin conditions. She was lead clinician on an NIHR funded project to develop a web resource for young adults with skin disease on healthtalk.org, works with charities and patient groups to improve resources including the BSPAD website and has written a book; ‘Skin Conditions in Young People: A practical guide on how to be comfortable in your skin’.