Acne at a glance
Acne causes blackheads, whiteheads and inflamed spots, usually on the face, chest or back. It starts when oil and dead skin cells block pores. Hormones, genetics and inflammation play a part — it is not caused by poor hygiene.
- Mild to moderate acne
- Often suitable for online assessment.
- 6–8 weeks
- Most treatments take time to start working.
- 12-week course
- Your doctor reviews progress and next steps.
Get urgent help if…
Call 999 or go to A&E
Swelling of the lips, face or throat, or difficulty breathing after a skin treatment may be a serious allergic reaction.
Contact NHS 111 or seek urgent medical advice
Sudden severe acne with painful, bleeding or crusted sores and fever or aching joints needs urgent assessment. Hot, swollen or spreading red skin, especially with fever, also needs urgent help. Redness can be harder to see on brown and black skin. Do not wait for an online reply.
If you feel unable to cope or have thoughts of self-harm
Contact NHS 111 or your GP, or call Samaritans on 116 123 (free, 24 hours). In an emergency, call 999.
Symptoms and signs
- Blackheads and whiteheads
- Red, tender or pus-filled spots
- Deep, painful nodules or cysts
- Oily or shiny skin
- Dark marks after spots settle
- Pitted or raised scars
Deep painful lumps, cysts or scarring need an in-person specialist assessment.
Management and treatment
The right treatment depends on your skin, past treatments and pregnancy plans. These are general options, not a recommendation for you personally.
- 1
Everyday skin care
Use a gentle cleanser twice a day, oil-free products and sunscreen. Avoid scrubbing, picking or squeezing spots.
- 2
Doctor-reviewed treatment
If pharmacy products have not helped, a doctor may suggest a 12-week prescription course suited to you.
- 3
Specialist care in person
Severe, nodular, cystic or scarring acne, or acne that has not responded to treatment, may need a referral through your GP.
Prescription treatment options
Topical retinoids
Adapalene or tretinoin help unblock pores. They are often combined with benzoyl peroxide or clindamycin.
Benzoyl peroxide & azelaic acid
Options for reducing inflammation. Azelaic acid may also help dark marks; benzoyl peroxide can bleach fabrics.
Antibiotic tablets
Lymecycline or doxycycline may be considered for inflammatory acne, always with suitable topical treatment and a review at 12 weeks.
Hormonal options
A combined contraceptive pill may suit some women. Spironolactone is sometimes used off-licence for acne in the UK. Your doctor checks suitability.
Antibiotics are not used alone. Oral antibiotics are not combined with a topical antibiotic, to reduce antibiotic resistance.
Isotretinoin: a specialist-only treatment
ChatDoc does not start or prescribe isotretinoin online. It is considered for severe acne after other treatments have not worked and must be started in person by a specialist. Strict MHRA safeguards include a Pregnancy Prevention Programme and monitoring of mental health and sexual function.
Your online acne assessment
- 1
Tell us about your skin
Share symptoms, past treatments, medicines and relevant health information.
- 2
Upload clear photos
Use daylight, no make-up or filters. Show the front and both sides, plus chest or back if affected.
- 3
Doctor reviews your case
Technology helps organise your answers, but every assessment and prescription decision is made by a doctor, who may message you if they need more information.
- 4
Get your personalised plan
A personalised prescription is issued if treatment is clinically appropriate.
Follow-up and your treatment plan
Review progress at around 12 weeks, or sooner if you have side effects or concerns. Your doctor may adjust treatment or advise specialist care. Some people need maintenance treatment; repeat prescriptions always need a doctor’s review.
When in-person care is safer
See your GP for severe or scarring acne, significant distress, an uncertain diagnosis, or sudden acne with irregular periods or new excess hair. If your photos or information are not enough for a safe assessment, we will explain the next steps.
Complete care. One simple price.
£24.99
Includes clinician review, live doctor chat & prescription
One payment. No subscription. Any prescription depends on clinical suitability.
Start your consultationFrequently asked questions
Can I get acne treatment online in the UK and EU?
Yes, if you are 16 or over and your acne is mild to moderate. You answer a questionnaire and upload photos, and a doctor reviews them. If treatment is appropriate, you get a personalised plan, which may include a prescription. If online care isn't right for you, we'll tell you where to go instead.
How long does acne treatment take to work?
Most treatments take 6 to 8 weeks to start working, and a course usually lasts 12 weeks. Some creams and gels cause dryness or irritation at first. Your doctor will review your progress at around 12 weeks.
Do I need to send photos of my acne?
Yes. Clear photos help the doctor judge the type and severity of your acne and check for scarring or dark marks. Use daylight, no make-up or filters, and show the front and both sides of your face, plus your chest or back if affected.
Can you treat severe or scarring acne online?
Usually not. Severe acne, deep painful lumps (nodules or cysts) and acne that is scarring need a face-to-face assessment by a consultant dermatologist-led team. Specialist treatments such as isotretinoin can only be started after an in-person appointment with a specialist. We'll explain why and help you arrange a referral through your GP.
Can I get isotretinoin online?
No. We do not start or prescribe isotretinoin online. UK medicines safety rules (MHRA) say it must be started by a specialist with expertise in isotretinoin, usually a consultant dermatologist or a clinician working within a consultant dermatologist-led pathway, and the first appointment must be in person. It is used for severe acne, or acne at risk of scarring, that hasn't improved with other treatments, including antibiotic tablets. Anyone who could get pregnant must follow a Pregnancy Prevention Programme, and mood and mental health are checked before and during treatment. If isotretinoin might be right for you, we can explain the options and help you arrange a referral through your GP.
Is my acne caused by my diet?
There is not enough evidence that any specific diet causes or treats acne, although a balanced diet is good for your general health. Acne is mainly caused by hormone-sensitive oil glands, blocked pores and inflammation, not by poor hygiene or particular foods.
Can I use acne treatment if I am pregnant, breastfeeding or trying to get pregnant?
Some acne treatments must not be used in pregnancy. Topical retinoids (adapalene and tretinoin) and tetracycline-class antibiotic tablets (lymecycline and doxycycline) are not used during pregnancy or when planning a pregnancy, and isotretinoin can seriously harm an unborn baby. Some treatments are also not suitable while breastfeeding. Always tell us if you are pregnant, could be pregnant, are breastfeeding or are planning a pregnancy. The doctor will only suggest suitable options, or will advise you to see your GP or midwife.
Will my GP be told about my consultation?
With your consent, we can share a summary of your consultation and any prescription with your NHS GP, which helps keep your medical record complete and safe. If you choose not to share, we'll explain any safety implications.
What happens if my acne treatment does not work?
Your doctor will review your photos and symptoms and may change your treatment. If acne hasn't improved after two full courses, or after treatment that included antibiotic tablets, we'll recommend a referral to a specialist dermatology team.
Related conditions
General medical information, not a substitute for individual medical advice. For ages 16 and over. ChatDoc is not an emergency service.