Medically reviewed by
Medically reviewed by
Dr Amanda Northridge
GP & Medical Reviewer·MBBS·GMC 2847829
Speak to a GP today about acne — video within 90 minutes. Prescription creams or tablets sent to your pharmacy where appropriate.
GP appointments from £125 — see full pricing
Clear photos plus a video call is enough for most acne. We can prescribe creams or tablets the same day.
For severe cystic acne, or to discuss options like a dermatology referral for isotretinoin — same-day appointments in Manchester.
A qualified GP looks at your skin and asks about your routine, history and any past treatments. Video works well — photos help.
Treatment depends on whether your acne is mild, moderate or severe — and whether it's mostly blackheads, inflamed spots, or deep cysts.
Topical treatments, oral antibiotics, hormonal options or a dermatology referral — whichever fits. Prescriptions sent to your pharmacy the same day.
Acne is caused by a mix of factors — oily skin, blocked hair follicles, the skin bacterium Cutibacterium acnes and inflammation. Hormones play a big part, which is why acne is common in teenagers and during hormonal changes. Things that can trigger or worsen it:
Most acne treatments take 6–8 weeks to work — don't give up early, but do come back if you're not seeing improvement or things are getting worse.
A few skin conditions can look like acne. A GP can tell the difference quickly and start the right treatment.
Yes. Your GP reviews what you've already tried, looks at the affected skin, and either prescribes the next step (a stronger topical treatment, oral antibiotics for inflammatory acne, or hormonal options where appropriate) or refers you to a dermatologist if the picture suggests you need specialist input.
The consultation is £125. Prescriptions are issued on a private prescription and dispensed at your nominated pharmacy — pharmacy prices vary, and your GP can flag cheaper alternatives at the appointment. Specialist dermatology referral is separate; we'll set expectations on cost and timeline before referring.
Yes. If your GP starts a topical treatment, antibiotic or hormonal option, the prescription is sent electronically to your pharmacy after the consultation. Some specialist treatments need pre-prescription monitoring (blood tests, pregnancy planning) and can't start same-day — your GP will explain the path.
Most acne treatments take 8–12 weeks of consistent use to show clear improvement, with topical treatments often making the skin look worse for the first 2–4 weeks before settling. Your GP will plan a review at the right point so you're not stuck on something that isn't working.
Severe acne, scarring acne, or acne that hasn't responded to two or more first-line treatments usually warrants dermatology referral — especially for treatments that need consultant oversight. Your GP arranges the referral at the appointment when the criteria are met.
Spreading itchy, dry patches in fixed sites are eczema rather than acne. A widespread spreading rash without follicular pustules is more likely a rash than acne. Your GP can tell the patterns apart in the appointment and switch direction if the diagnosis isn't acne.
Video or in-clinic, 15 minutes. Your GP takes a focused history, examines you, and explains what they think is going on.
Blood tests, swabs, urine samples or imaging — your GP arranges what fits and shares the timeline at the appointment.
Prescriptions sent electronically to your pharmacy after the call. Sick notes issued at the visit. Specialist referral letters written the same day when needed.
Sources: NHS Acne · NICE CKS Acne vulgaris