Acne

Acne is caused when tiny holes in the skin, known as hair follicles, become blocked. Sebaceous glands are tiny glands found near the surface of your skin. The glands are attached to hair follicles, which are small holes in your skin that an individual hair grows out of. Sebaceous glands lubricate the hair and the skin to stop it drying out. They do this by producing an oily substance called sebum. In acne, the glands begin to produce too much sebum. The excess sebum mixes with dead skin cells and both substances form a plug in the follicle. If the plugged follicle is close to the surface of the skin, it bulges outwards, creating a whitehead. Alternatively, the plugged follicle can be open to the skin, creating a blackhead. Normally harmless bacteria that live on the skin can then contaminate and infect the plugged follicles, causing papules, pustules, nodules or cysts.

Treatment for acne depends on how severe it is. It can take several months of treatment before acne symptoms improve. If you just have a few blackheads, whiteheads and spots, a pharmacist should be able to advise you on how to treat them successfully with over-the-counter gels or creams (topical treatments) that contain benzoyl peroxide. Acne tends to affect everyone differently, so it is best to speak with your healthcare provider to find the best solution for you.

Acne presents itself in a few different ways that may change over time. Acne is a common skin condition that causes black, white or red spots, usually on the face. It can also affect the back and the top of the chest. It can be caused by a wide variety of factors, such as increased hormone levels and stress.

There are several treatments available for acne. For mild acne, over the counter creams and washes can be used. If these do not work prescription acne treatments are available. Prescription treatments come in gel, cream and tablet form. They are very effective at eliminating acne.

Like with all prescription medication, there are side effects you need to be aware of. Acne gel and cream products can dry the skin out, making it essential to moisturise regularly. Most of the prescription treatments take a few weeks to start working, therefore you must persevere with the treatment. Oral antibiotic capsules can cause stomach discomfort and diarrhoea. This typically goes away with time, but you need to stop the medication if it becomes severe.

At e-Surgery our UK based prescribers can provide you with a private prescription online for your Acne treatment.

Your Acne treatment will be sent from our UK based private pharmacy and sent via the Royal Mail to a delivery location of your choice in plain, discreet packaging.