Acne Treatments
Acne treatments only available on prescription can now be purchased through us using our online doctor service. Dalacin Solution (Antibiotic), Differin Cream and Gel, Duac Gel, Minocin MR Capsules (Antibiotic), Oxytetracycline Tablets (Antibiotic), Skinoren Cream.
>> Click here to view products and prices.
Why would you use this service?:
- Convenience. - Complete the online questions now.
- Speed. - The treatment could be with you as soon as tomorrow.
- Discount for every repeat order.
- Secure, discreet packaging.
- Trustworthy partnership of Totalpharmacy.co.uk and Pharmadoctor.co.uk
Acne is a skin problem that occurs mainly on the face, back and chest.
It affects a high proportion of both male and female, most commonly between the ages of 14 and 20, although it can last well into adulthood or even occur for the first time in adults. The early stages of acne often involve blackheads and whiteheads (doctors refer to these as 'comedones').
These can develop into angry, red or inflamed pimples or spots ('papules') which often contain pus (so-called 'pustules'). In a few extreme cases, groups of spots may become very inflamed and form cysts.
Acne is a very common skin complaint, affecting about 70% of teenagers. Whether you have just a few spots, or a hundred, it tends to be regarded as acne.
Acne is not caused by eating too many sweets, chocolate or fatty foods (although healthy eating and a healthy lifestyle can help to alleviate it). Neither is it caused by not washing properly (although good personal hygiene is an important part of treatment). The exact cause of acne is not fully understood, but we do know that it involves the hair follicles in our skin and their associated oil-producing glands (the so-called pilosebaceous units). Often around the onset of puberty, hormones stimulate increased production of sebum (oil) by these glands. Although normally this sebum flows out to lubricate the skin, when too much of it is produced it can become trapped within the pilosebaceous units where it forms a dark coloured plug or 'blackhead' where the opening is wide, or a light coloured plug or 'whitehead' where the opening is narrow.
Inflammatory acne begins when a common type of skin bacteria called P. acnes - which is normally harmless - starts to break down the trapped sebum. This process releases chemicals that causeswelling in the surrounding skin, and leads to redness and the formation of 'angry' or inflamed-looking pimples and spots. These feel sore and tender,often contain pus and eventually burst open onto the skin before settling down. If the inflammation is deep in the hair duct, or if the spot is squeezed too early or aggressively, the pus can rupture into the skin and cause even more inflammation, and in extreme cases can even cause scarring.
Important tips when treating acne:
Take care to cleanse your skin thoroughly and regularly, but try not to clean too aggressively as this can make matters worse.
Many acne patients find their skin becomes excessively dry. If this happens, ask your doctor or a pharmacist about suitable skin moisturisers.
Carefully follow the instructions supplied with any medication you are using, as this will give you the best chance of clearing your condition.
When using treatments applied to the skin, you will need to treat all the involved skin area, not just each individual spot.
Try to avoid picking or severely squeezing your spots because this can make matters worse and lead to scarring.
Persevere with treatment because it can take several weeks for the skin's normal repair process to work.
Benzoyl peroxide has anti-bacterial activity against P. acnes, the organism implicated in acne vulgaris. It has keratolytic activity and is sebostatic, counteracting the hyperkeratinisation and excessive sebum production associated with acne. Start off with a lower strength product eg 2.5 or 5.
For further independent help and advice contact the Acne Support Group (Tel: 0870 870 2263)
For much more information click ACNE or go to NHSDirect at www.nhs.uk BUT DON'T FORGET TO COME BACK TO US.
