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Acne

Spots, blackheads, and inflammation. Treatable at almost any severity.

Speak to a GP about acneFrom £79
A doctor consulting about Acne

In short

Acne affects around 95% of people aged 11-30 to some degree. Most cases respond well to treatment, but the right approach depends on severity and type. Early treatment reduces the risk of scarring.

Overview

What is acne?

Acne is a skin condition caused by blocked hair follicles. Hormones, genetics, and bacteria all play a role. It commonly affects the face, back, chest, and shoulders. Severity ranges from mild (whiteheads, blackheads) to severe (cysts, nodules, scarring).

Symptoms

Common symptoms

  • Whiteheads and blackheads
  • Red, inflamed pimples
  • Larger, painful lumps under the skin (cysts or nodules)
  • Oily skin
  • Scarring or dark pigmentation where spots have healed

When to act

When to see a doctor

Book a GP if over-the-counter treatments haven't worked after 6-8 weeks, your acne is persistent or worsening, you're getting scarring, or it's affecting your wellbeing. Adult-onset acne in women is also worth assessing as it can sometimes indicate a hormonal cause.

When to seek urgent help

Seek urgent help if

  • Sudden severe nodular or cystic acne
  • Acne with unusual hair growth, irregular periods, or weight changes (assess for PCOS or other hormonal cause)
  • Severe acne not responding to standard treatments (may need isotretinoin via dermatology)

Call 999 for life-threatening emergencies or NHS 111 for urgent non-emergency advice.

Treatment

How a private GP can help

  • Severity assessment (mild, moderate, severe)
  • A staged treatment plan based on NICE guidance
  • Topical treatments (retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, topical antibiotics, often in combination)
  • Oral antibiotics where appropriate (lymecycline, doxycycline, usually 3-6 months)
  • For women, discussion of combined hormonal contraception if suitable
  • Skincare and lifestyle advice
  • Referral to dermatology for severe or treatment-resistant acne

What we don't do

  • Isotretinoin (Roaccutane) prescribing , requires dermatology specialist due to side effect profile
  • Cosmetic acne scar treatment (chemical peels, laser, microneedling)

Pricing

What it costs

An online consultation about acne starts at £79 for a 20-minute video appointment. In-pharmacy consultations are £129 and home visits are £189. Your consultation includes one private prescription if appropriate, and a sick note for work if needed. You pay the pharmacy separately for any medication.

See full pricing breakdown

FAQ

Common questions about acne

How long does acne treatment take to work?
Most treatments take 6-12 weeks for visible improvement. Continued use is needed to maintain results.
Will antibiotics work long-term?
Oral antibiotics are usually limited to 3-6 months to avoid antibiotic resistance. Topical treatments can continue longer.
Does my diet affect acne?
Evidence is limited for most foods, but high-glycaemic diets and dairy may worsen acne in some people. There's no need to cut out major food groups without good reason.
Can I still wear makeup?
Yes, but choose products labelled non-comedogenic (won't block pores) and remove makeup thoroughly each evening.
See all conditions we can help with

Ready to talk to a GP about acne?

Message Emily on WhatsApp or book online in under 90 seconds. UK-registered doctors, available today.

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