Acne

Acne is one of the most common skin concerns seen in general practice. It can affect teenagers and adults alike, often appearing on the face, chest, shoulders, or back. While many people try over-the-counter products, persistent or inflamed acne often requires medical treatment to prevent scarring and restore healthy skin.

At our clinic, we provide personalised acne care designed to treat the underlying causes of your skin condition and help you achieve clearer, healthier skin.

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Why Acne Happens

Acne develops when pores become blocked with oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria. This can lead to a range of spots, including:

• Blackheads and whiteheads
• Inflamed red spots
• Pus-filled spots (pustules)
• Painful cysts or nodules

Hormonal changes, genetics, stress, certain medications, and skincare products can all contribute to acne flare-ups. Without the right treatment, acne can worsen and sometimes lead to long-term scarring.

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Professional Acne Treatments

A medical assessment allows us to recommend treatments that are safe, effective, and tailored specifically to your skin.

Prescription Topical Treatments

These are applied directly to the skin to reduce inflammation, unclog pores, and control bacteria.

Common options include:

• Topical retinoids to prevent blocked pores
• Benzoyl peroxide to reduce acne-causing bacteria
• Azelaic acid to calm inflammation and improve skin tone
• Prescription antibiotic creams where appropriate

These treatments often form the foundation of a successful acne treatment plan.

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Oral Medications

For moderate or persistent acne, oral medications may be recommended.

These may include:

• Oral antibiotics to reduce inflammation and bacterial growth
• Hormonal treatments where acne is linked to hormonal imbalance
• Isotretinoin for severe or scarring acne that has not responded to other treatments

Your doctor will guide you through the most appropriate options based on your skin type and medical history.

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Steroid Injections for Inflamed Acne

Large, painful cystic spots can sometimes develop suddenly and take weeks to settle. In these cases, a small steroid injection directly into the lesion can rapidly reduce inflammation.

Benefits of this treatment include:

• Quick reduction in swelling and redness
• Faster healing of painful cysts
• Lower risk of long-term scarring
• Improved comfort and appearance within days

This is a simple in-clinic procedure performed by an experienced clinician and is particularly helpful for severe inflammatory acne lesions.

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Supporting Your Skin

Alongside medical treatment, maintaining a good skincare routine can help improve results:

• Use gentle, non-comedogenic skincare products
• Cleanse the skin regularly without over-scrubbing
• Avoid picking or squeezing spots
• Protect your skin with daily SPF

Your clinician can also advise on suitable skincare products to complement your treatment.

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When to Seek Medical Help

You should consider professional treatment if:

• Acne is persistent or worsening
• Over-the-counter products are not working
• Spots are painful, inflamed, or cystic
• Acne is leaving marks or scars
• The condition is affecting your confidence or wellbeing

Early treatment can significantly reduce the risk of scarring and improve long-term skin health.

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Book a Consultation

Clearer skin is achievable with the right treatment plan. A consultation allows us to assess your skin, discuss your concerns, and create a personalised approach to managing your acne.

If you are struggling with acne or experiencing painful flare-ups, booking an appointment is the first step towards healthier, more confident skin. Our team is here to help you find the treatment that works best for you.