Acne consultation

You understand that it often takes 8 weeks before positive results are noted and that you must see your usual GP if your acne gets worse or starts to cause scarring.

You understand that this medication will make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. You should avoid exposure to strong sunlight or artificial UV light. You should use sun protection products and wear protective clothing over the treated areas.

You aware that you should NOT USE more than one of the SAME TYPE of topical treatments at the SAME TIME.

Zineryt - antibiotic

Differin - retinoid

Epiduo - anti-inflammatory with retinoid

Duac - antibiotic with peeling agent (benzoyl peroxide)

For Topical Antibiotics:

You understand that topical antibiotic acne treatments should not normally be used for more than 3 months continuously as it can increase the risk of antibiotic resistance.

You understand that you should not use oral acne antibiotics (eg, lymecycline, doxycycline or erythromycin) whilst using topical antibiotics (eg, Zineryt or Duac).
Lymecycline can be taken whilst using Differin and Epiduo.

You understand this medication will often cause the skin to become a little red, feel dry and peel. This is normal during the first few weeks of treatment. You can use an oil-free moisturiser to ease irritation, reduce how often you apply this medication to your skin, or stop using this treatment for a short period while your skin recovers.

For Topical Retinoids:

You understand that you MUST be on contraception if you are sexually active as this treatment can cause birth defects if used during pregnancy.

You understand this medication will often cause the skin to become a little red, feel dry and peel. This is normal during the first few weeks of treatment. You can use an oil-free moisturiser to ease irritation, reduce how often you apply this medication to your skin, or stop using this treatment for a short period while your skin recovers.

For Oral Antibiotics:

You understand that Lymecycline and Tetralysal tablets are best used with topical Differin, Epiduo, or over-the-counter benzoyl peroxide at the same time as this reduces the chance of antibiotic resistance.

Lymecycline SHOULD NOT be taken continuously for more than 6 months as it can cause liver toxicity.

You aware that if acne has cleared-up, treatment should be stopped or reduced after 4-6 months.

You understand that the use of tetracycline (lymecycline, doxycycline) in children under 12 years old can cause yellow, gray, or brown discoloration of the teeth, as well as enamel hypoplasia, which is a condition where the enamel does not develop properly, resulting in weaker and more porous teeth.

This can occur even if the drug is given to the mother during pregnancy, as tetracycline can cross the placenta and be deposited in fetal teeth.

You understand and confirm that requesting treatment through this service does not guarantee a prescription. If treatment is not suitable, you will be fully refunded and signposted to another point of care. The decision about the treatment is for both the patient and the prescriber to consider, however, the final decision will always lie with the prescriber.