Begin with pharmacy advice.
A few blackheads, whiteheads or small spots may respond to an over-the-counter treatment. A pharmacist can explain how to introduce benzoyl peroxide and manage irritation.
Read NHS benzoyl peroxide adviceHomeTreatmentsAcne
Acne · GP care
Acne can be controlled. Start with the right plan.
Acne is common, but it is not something you simply have to put up with. The right route depends on the types of spots, where they appear, the risk of scarring and how the condition is affecting you.
Acne treatments need consistent use and can irritate the skin at first. Any prescription depends on a clinical assessment, medical history and what is suitable for you.
Choose a suitable route
What level of care fits your acne?
Count alone does not tell the whole story. Painful deep spots, scarring, chest or back involvement and the effect on wellbeing can all move treatment to a different level.
For moderate, severe or persistent acne.
Arrange a review for numerous inflamed spots, painful nodules or cysts, chest or back acne, early scarring, significant distress, or pharmacy treatment that has not worked.
Explore GP appointmentsWhen specialist care may be needed.
Severe acne, painful nodules, scarring or a condition that has not responded to prescription treatment may need referral to a dermatologist.
Explore general medicineDo not wait for permanent scarring before asking for help. Early assessment is particularly important when deep nodules or cysts are developing or acne is having a marked effect on your mood.
Recognise the pattern
Not all spots behave the same.
Acne commonly affects the face, back and chest. Identifying the types of lesions helps a clinician judge severity and scarring risk.
Blackheads & whiteheads
Blocked pores that appear open and dark or closed and pale. Blackheads are not dark because they contain dirt.
Papules & pustules
Inflamed bumps that may feel tender, sometimes with a visible white tip caused by pus.
Nodules & cysts
Large, deep, painful lumps beneath the skin. Cysts carry the greatest risk of permanent scarring.
Marks & scars
Flat colour changes may remain after inflammation, while changes in texture can indicate true scarring.
Acne is not caused by poor hygiene. Hormones, oil production, blocked follicles, inflammation and family tendency all play a part, and acne can begin or continue well beyond the teenage years.
A focused GP assessment
Treat the severity, the skin and the person.
A GP can grade the acne, review previous treatments and build a plan that takes scarring risk, health history, pregnancy considerations and wellbeing into account.
Explore GP appointments01
Map the acne.
The types and number of spots, areas affected, pain, oiliness, post-inflammatory marks and any established or developing scars.
02
Understand the context.
When it began, menstrual or hormonal patterns, current medicines, skincare, previous treatment response and the effect on confidence or mood.
03
Build a stepped plan.
The plan may involve topical treatment, an oral medicine, hormonal treatment where suitable, planned review or dermatology referral.
A treatment ladder
Use enough treatment—not too much.
Acne care is usually stepped according to severity. Starting several active products at once can make irritation harder to understand and manage.
01
Pharmacy treatment
Low-strength benzoyl peroxide is often suggested for mild acne. Start as directed, use it sparingly and remember that it can irritate skin, increase sun sensitivity and bleach hair or fabrics.
02
Prescription skin treatment
Depending on the pattern, a GP may consider a topical retinoid, azelaic acid or an antibiotic-containing combination. Topical retinoids are not suitable during pregnancy.
03
Oral or specialist treatment
More severe acne may need an oral antibiotic alongside topical treatment, a suitable hormonal option, or specialist review. Isotretinoin is reserved for specialist prescribing and monitoring.
Only use combinations recommended by a pharmacist or clinician. Antibiotic treatment is normally paired with a topical treatment, and every medicine choice depends on contraindications, side effects and your individual assessment.
Consistency before complexity
Give a good plan time to work.
Many acne treatments take 2 to 3 months before improvement becomes clear. Use the agreed amount consistently, attend the planned review and do not add extra active products simply because results are not immediate.
Wash affected skin no more than twice daily with a mild cleanser and lukewarm water. Avoid squeezing spots, choose water-based non-comedogenic skincare and sun protection, and remove make-up before bed. If over-the-counter benzoyl peroxide makes acne worse or has not helped after 12 weeks, speak to a pharmacist or GP.
Read NHS acne treatment guidance ↗Good to know
Questions about acne treatment.
Clear answers for starting safely and knowing when to step up care.
Is acne caused by poor hygiene?
No. Washing more often does not clear the blockage inside follicles and can irritate the skin. Cleanse gently no more than twice a day and avoid scrubbing or squeezing.
How quickly should treatment work?
Some benzoyl peroxide benefit may begin within about 4 weeks, but many acne treatments take 2 to 3 months before a clear improvement. Follow the agreed plan and review it at the recommended time.
Can acne be assessed by video?
A remote consultation and clear photographs can often support an initial assessment. An in-person review may be better if the diagnosis is uncertain, deep lesions need examination or scarring is difficult to judge. Explore remote GP formats.
What if I am pregnant or trying for a baby?
Tell the pharmacist or clinician before starting treatment. Some acne medicines, including topical retinoids, are not suitable in pregnancy, and isotretinoin has strict pregnancy-prevention requirements under specialist care.
When might I need a dermatologist?
Referral may be appropriate for severe acne, many inflamed spots across the face, chest or back, painful nodules, scarring or scarring risk, major emotional impact, or acne that has not responded to prescription treatment.
What if treatment irritates my skin?
Mild dryness, stinging or peeling can occur with several topical treatments. Check the instructions and ask a pharmacist or clinician how to adjust use. Call 999 for throat or tongue swelling or breathing difficulty, which may indicate a serious allergic reaction.
Clinical information: NHS acne overviewNHS acne treatmentNHS benzoyl peroxideNHS help for suicidal thoughts. This information is general and does not replace individual medical advice.