Acne

What Is It?

Acne  is a very common skin condition that affects most young people in their teenage years. It often causes skin spots that are commonly known as ‘pimples’ and ‘blackheads’. They are not harmful, but may be unpleasant, painful and lead to self-consciousness. 

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What Treatments are Available?

There are many prescribed treatments available for acne, which can significantly improve symptoms. 

• Clinic procedures: peels, lasers and lights can be used to treat acne.

• Prescription creams: Benzyl peroxide and retinoid creams can be used to improve mild to moderate acne.

• Tablets: In some cases, tablets can be used to help to treat acne that is not improving with creams. Some medications that you may have heard of include low-dose antibiotics (such as doxycyline, minocycline), the oral contraceptive pill (for young women only), and isotretinoin (known as Roaccutane or Oratane) for severe cases.