Dr Sonia Khorana is a private GP who sees patients at The Oakley Medical Practice in Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham. She has a special interest in dermatology, and has experience in A&E, public health and women’s health. She is also an aesthetic trainer and faculty member for Interface Aesthetics.
Dr Khorana sees patients at our clinic on Tuesdays, so we asked her about skin worries, social media advice and what she enjoys most about general practice.
What sparked your interest in dermatology?
It grew out of her work as a GP.
“My interest in dermatology grew through my work as a GP, where I saw first-hand how skin conditions can affect both confidence and quality of life. I particularly enjoy the combination of clinical assessment, problem-solving and seeing the positive impact treatment can have.”
Dr Khorana developed the interest alongside general practice, which lets her build on the skills she already has in an area she is passionate about.
Which skin concerns do patients worry about unnecessarily?
Dr Khorana puts a lot of it down to social media.
“I think TikTok and social media have played a big role in creating unrealistic expectations around skin. Patients often worry about normal skin texture, pores, pigmentation, fine lines or the occasional blemish because they’re comparing themselves to filtered, edited images and the idea of ‘flawless’ skin.”
“It’s important to remember that healthy skin has texture, pores and imperfections. That’s completely normal.”
Which skin changes are people too quick to ignore?
“I think people can sometimes be too quick to dismiss changes in their skin, particularly new or changing moles, persistent marks or signs of sun damage. Most changes are harmless, but it’s important to get anything that is new, changing, bleeding or not healing properly checked.”
She adds that early assessment is particularly important when it comes to skin cancer.
What skincare myths do you wish people would stop believing?
Dr Khorana sees the same ones regularly.
“There are so many skincare myths online, from the idea that more products always mean better skin, to believing that natural ingredients are automatically safer or that you need an extensive routine to have healthy skin. I also think social media can make people believe that certain products or treatments will completely transform their skin overnight.”
“In reality, good skincare is usually much simpler: consistency, sun protection and using products that are right for your skin.”
How can you tell if skincare advice online is trustworthy?
“I’d always encourage people to look at who is giving the advice and what their qualifications are.”
She also suggests being cautious of advice that:
- promises dramatic results
- promotes a single ‘miracle’ product or treatment
- is mainly based on personal experience rather than evidence
“Social media can be a great source of information, but it’s important to remember that what works for one person’s skin may not work for another.”
Can a skin problem tell you something about your wider health?
“Absolutely. The skin can sometimes provide important clues about what’s happening elsewhere in the body.”
Sonia says changes such as persistent flushing, unusual pigmentation, hair or nail changes and certain rashes can occasionally be linked to underlying hormonal, nutritional, autoimmune or metabolic conditions.
“This is one of the reasons I think it’s important to look at the patient as a whole, rather than treating the skin in isolation.”
What do patients value most from their GP?
Dr Khorana believes patients value continuity, along with the time and space for a one-to-one relationship with their GP.
“It’s about feeling listened to and understood, rather than simply focusing on an individual symptom. Taking a holistic view of someone’s health and understanding the wider context allows us to provide more personalised, thoughtful care.”
What are the biggest misconceptions about seeing a GP?
“I think one of the biggest misconceptions is that you should only see a GP when something is seriously wrong.”
In reality, Dr Khorana says, it is often better to come early with a concern, even if you are not sure it is significant.
“A GP’s role is also about prevention, reassurance and looking at the bigger picture, rather than simply treating illness when it occurs.”
What is the most rewarding part of working in general practice?
“The most rewarding part is the one-to-one connection you build with patients over time. I really value getting to know people and their families, and having the privilege of caring for different generations as families grow and change. That continuity allows you to understand patients in a much deeper way and build relationships based on trust.”
Dr Khorana’s advice for healthy skin is simple: use sun protection, keep your routine consistent and get anything new, changing, bleeding or not healing properly checked.
How can you book an appointment with Dr Sonia Khorana?
Dr Sonia Khorana sees patients at The Oakley Medical Practice in Sutton Coldfield, Birmingham, on Tuesdays from 09:00 to 16:45.
- Contact our reception to discuss your healthcare needs in more detail.
- Book your private GP appointment directly with Dr Khorana using our online booking system.
- Fill out our online enquiry form below, and a member of our team will review your enquiry and get back to you.
