Acne Medication & Treatment

Acne can be self-diagnosed. You do not need to see a doctor to know you have acne. However, you may prefer to seek advice from a medical professional if you are unsure about your symptoms or if you have a severe form acne known as cystic acne. They may also help you decide which treatment works best for you.

Some acne treatments can be purchased over the counter (OTC). OTC treatments do not require a prescription. For treatments that require a prescription, you would usually see a doctor face to face as you cannot buy them in a store. However, at Click2Pharmacy, you can buy acne prescription medication online. You will need to fill out a consultation form first. This is an important step to check if you are suitable to take the medicine. Where appropriate, our prescribing pharmacist can then issue a prescription, and the medication will be delivered straight to your door.

Acne is a condition where spots and pimples develop on the skin when the glands produce too much oil, known as sebum. When too much sebum is produced, it can mix with dead skin cells and block the skin’s pores and hair follicles. This can create blackheads and white heads (or pimples). In addition, if bacteria mix with the plugged hair follicles, this can result in papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts. Acne occurs mainly on the face but can also be present on other parts of the body, such as the chest and back.

Acne can occur at any age. Changes in hormonal levels can cause spots, which is why acne is most common in teenagers. Most spots in teenagers will clear up by the time they reach their mid-twenties, but acne creams and spot treatment may help. Acne treatment for teens is extremely popular due to how common acne is within this age group but may differ from adult acne treatment.

Many acne treatments can be used at home, but the right one depends on the severity of the acne. These range from pimple treatment containing benzoyl peroxide, acne treatments with salicylic acid to antibiotics for hormonal acne.

Rosacea was once called acne rosacea, but this term is no longer used as rosacea is NOT related to acne vulgaris. Rosacea is a type of skin rash that causes redness on the face, where mild papules can also form. Although rosacea and acne are different, some acne vulgaris treatment can be used to treat rosacea. Papule acne treatment containing azelaic acid works for rosacea- for example, Finacea gel (Azelaic Acid) 30g. Oral antibiotics containing lymecycline, such as Tetralysal® 300 mg capsules, can also be effective.

For some people, there is only antibacterial acne treatment for cystic acne; however, both topical and oral antibiotics can be used.

Over the counter (OTC) cystic acne products may not be effective enough if the acne is severe. Cystic acne treatment is usually available on prescription.

Butt acne treatment does not differ from treatments for other parts of the body- suitable treatment is dependent on the type of spots and how severe they are. Zineryt Solution 30ml (Erythromycin) is an antibiotic treatment used for moderate acne.

Scalp acne is not as common as acne on the face, but it can still cause discomfort and problems. Topical antibiotic treatments and oral antibiotics can be used for scalp acne. Medicated shampoos are also an option- they work by washing away excess oil and preventing the build-up of dead skin.

Scarring caused by cystic acne can be removed using laser treatment, microdermabrasion, and chemical peeling. These procedures are not considered “acne removal treatment” since they are used for scarring caused by acne. Cystic acne cannot be removed by these methods.

Benzoyl peroxide treatment can be used for mild chest acne. Moderate to severe acne will require retinoids and antibiotics. An acne solution such as Zineryt Solution 30ml can treat mild acne over a larger area.

No, back acne does not need to be treated any differently. Back acne remedies are dependent on acne symptoms and severity.

Chin acne treatment does not require any special directions- you can use the same products for facial acne. Treatment will depend on the type of acne you have.

The forehead can be prone to acne. One reason for this is that oil from the hairline is deposited onto the forehead, which can clog the pores. Benzoyl peroxide gel for acne is suitable for mild cases.

Some acne treatments, like those containing Benzoyl peroxide, can irritate sensitive skin. It is best to try the lowest strength first and use the product a few times a week, gradually building up to daily use.

Acne can be more prone in women due to hormonal imbalances. Contraceptive pills may be beneficial but can take up to a year before visible results are seen. Antibiotics for hormonal acne can still be used alongside contraceptive medication.

Acne can affect men just as much as other groups of people. There are many products that men can use that provide acne relief. Some men have acne on their back as well as the face. Acne treatments with benzoyl peroxide can help target back acne.