HealthInfo Canterbury
Living with acne
Having acne can be difficult to cope with. But there are many things you can do yourself, or that your doctor can help you with, to make it less of an issue in your life.
What can I do?
If you are worried about your skin or about acne, make an appointment with your GP. They will be able to advise you on treatments and check for anything that may be causing your acne.- Manage minor acne yourself using supermarket or pharmacy treatments.
- Avoid irritants, such as pollution and greasy cosmetics.
- Try not to squeeze, scratch, pick, or rub pimples, as this can cause infections and scarring.
- Wash your face twice a day with a gentle non-soap cleaners
- Try to manage your stress levels, as stress can make acne worse.
- Read about treatments for acne, which range from creams or gels that you gently rub on, through to prescribed medicines. If you have bad acne, talk to your GP for advice about these prescribed treatments and whether they would be right for you.
- Learn more by reading these recommended online resources and factsheets about acne.
Who can help?
The following people may be involved in treating your acne.
General practice team
If you need to find a GP, you can search on this map.
Dermatologists
Most GPs can treat moderate, and sometimes severe, acne. Unfortunately, there is only limited access to specialist dermatologists at Christchurch Hospital. They consider referrals on a case-by-case basis but you may not be accepted. Your GP may refer you to another GP with a specialist interest in this area.
If you prefer, you can pay to see a private dermatologist. You can find a private dermatologist on Healthpages or Healthpoint
On the next page: Treatments for mild to moderate acne
Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed March 2017.
Sources
See also:
Review key: HIACN-20774
