Prescription Acne Treatments

What is acne?

Acne is a common skin condition that affects most people at some point, although it is more common during puberty. Acne can lead to blackhead, whiteheads and spots. Acne can sometimes leave your skin feeling painful to touch and more oily.

Acne is caused when pores and follicles on the skin become blocked and infected. Sebaceous glands on the skin produce sebum, an oily substance, which is a natural lubricant and helps prevent skin and hair drying out. However, an overproduction of sebum can mix with dead skin cells and block pores. 

Bacteria that live on the skin normally and are usually harmless can get trapped in the blocked pores and follicles leading to red pustules and cysts which are the main sign of an acne infection.

Teenage acne is thought to be due to the increased levels of testosterone and other hormones in the body. Testosterone is present in both boys and girls at different levels. Sebaceous glands are highly sensitive to hormone changes and an increase in testosterone levels can lead to an overproduction of sebum. 

Hormone changes can also cause acne in adults. Some women may find that they get acne during their menstrual cycle or pregnancy. 

Other causes of acne include the use of cosmetic products, certain medications and smoking.

We offer a range of acne treatments, including topical creams, gels and oral capsules.

About Duac

Duac is a gel that contains benzoyl peroxide and the antibiotic clindamycin. Benzoyl peroxide is a mild bleach that helps prevent bacteria growth, while clindamycin kills the bacteria on the skin which can lead to acne. 

A thin layer of duac should be applied to the affected area once daily at bedtime. Applying larger amounts will not speed up the treatment but may increase side effects. If skin dryness or irritation occurs, you can apply a non-comedogenic moisturiser during the day or reduce application frequency to every other night. Duac can be used continuously for up to 12 weeks. If acne persists after 12 weeks treatment please see your GP for advice.

Benzoyl peroxide may bleach clothing and other fabrics so caution is advised.

Patient information leaflet:

https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.3238.pdf

About Differin cream

Differin cream contains the active ingredient adapalene. Adapalene is a retinoid-like drug that helps to ease the redness and inflammation caused by acne and unblock pores. 

It should be applied once a day at bedtime to a clean face, avoiding the lips and eyes.

Differin can increase your skin’s sensitivity to sunlight. Suitable SPF should be applied to the affected areas during the day while using Differin. Sunbeds should be avoided.

Patient information leaflet:

https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.920.pdf

About Differin gel

Differin gel contains the active ingredient adapalene. Adapalene is a retinoid-like drug that helps to ease the redness and inflammation caused by acne and unblock pores. 

It should be applied once a day at bedtime to a clean face, avoiding the lips and eyes.

Differin can increase your skin’s sensitivity to sunlight. Suitable SPF should be applied to the affected areas during the day while using Differin. Sunbeds should be avoided.

Patient information leaflet:

https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.921.pdf

About Lymecycline

Lymecycline is an antibiotic that works by killing the bacteria that cause acne. It also comes as the brand Tetralysal.

To take Lymecycline, usually, you will take one capsule a day for at least 8 weeks. The capsule should be taken with water. Your doctor should review your progress with the treatment after 3 months, to see if you should continue on the medication for longer or stop taking them. 

A topical treatment such as Differin or Epiduo should also be used while taking Lymecycline to reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance. However, topical antibiotics such as Duac or Zineryt should be avoided while taking Lymecycline.

It’s important not to take supplements containing iron, magnesium or zinc at the same time as lymecycline, as they may interfere with the drug preventing it from being absorbed into the body.

Lymecycline can increase your skin’s sensitivity to sunlight, so it is important to avoid direct sunlight or sunbeds while taking it and apply a suitable SPF to exposed skin.

Lymecycline should not be taken during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Please see your GP if you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant and require an alternative treatment for acne.

Patient information leaflet:

https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.926.pdf

About Epiduo Gel

Epiduo is an acne gel that contains benzoyl peroxide and adapalene. Taking these ingredients together prevents the overproduction of sebum, which contributes to blocked pores, and prevents the growth of bacteria that causes acne.

The gel should be applied thinly each night before bedtime. Just wash and dry your skin before applying and avoid contact with lips and eyes. If skin dryness or irritation occurs, you can apply a non-comedogenic moisturiser during the day or reduce application frequency to every other night.

Epiduo can increase your skin’s sensitivity to sunlight. Suitable SPF should be applied to the affected areas during the day while using Epiduo. Sunbeds should be avoided.

Benzoyl peroxide may bleach clothing and other fabrics so caution is advised.

Patient information leaflet:

https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.451.pdf

About Zineryt

Zineryt solution contains the antibiotic erythromycin and a mineral called zinc acetate. Both ingredients work together to kill bacteria and soothe your skin. 

Before applying the solution, wash your face with a mild soap and water. Zineryt should be applied twice a day to the affected area for 10-12 weeks.

Patient information leaflet:

https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.5488.pdf

Alternative Treatments

There is a wide range of products to treat your acne available to buy without a prescription online at Rightdose. You should try some of these over-the-counter products before moving onto the stronger prescription-only products for acne.

Can acne be cured?

Acne can not be cured, but it can be controlled. There are lots of different treatments available to help treat acne and most are available for purchase in a pharmacy. If you have acne on your back or chest, you may require a stronger type of treatment only available on prescription. The treatments normally take between a few weeks and three months to work. If your acne is making you feel unwell or distressed, it is beneficial to talk to a doctor about your health. If you are affected with cysts due to acne, it is important to tell a doctor about these so they do not leave a scar.

Can you reduce the severity of acne?

You can reduce your chances of more spots by washing your face, back or chest with a gentle soap twice a day. Make sure not to scrub your skin too hard as they may further irritate your skin. Do not pop your spots, use a gel or cream to remove them. Avoid wearing heavy make-up and remove any make-up before going to bed. You can also wear loose clothing if you have acne on your back or chest and shower after exercising. 

Side Effects

Duac:

Very common side effects (affects more than 10% of the population)

• Skin redness and itchiness
• Dry skin

Common side effects (affects 1-10% of the population)

• Headache
• Photosensitivity

For a full list of side effects, please read the patient information leaflet.

https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.3238.pdf

Differin cream:

Common side effects (affects 1-10% of the population)

• Dry skin
• Redness and skin irritation

For a full list of side effects, please read the patient information leaflet.

https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.920.pdf

Differin gel:

Common side effects (affects 1-10% of the population)

• Dry skin
• Redness and skin irritation

For a full list of side effects, please read the patient information leaflet.

https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.921.pdf

Epiduo:

Common side effects (affects 1-10% of the population)

• Dry skin
• Redness and skin irritation

For a full list of side effects, please read the patient information leaflet.

https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.451.pdf

Zineryt:

Side effects with Zineryt are rare but if an allergic reaction occurs, stop using the product and seek immediate medical advice.

For a full list of side effects, please read the patient information leaflet.

https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.5488.pdf

Lymecycline:

Common side effects (affects 1-10% of the population)

• Nausea
• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhoea
• Headache

For a full list of side effects, please read the patient information leaflet.

https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.926.pdf

The main symptom of acne is the presence of red spots, and whiteheads or blackheads on the face, back or chest. These spots can range from very mild whiteheads to severe boils and cysts. Most people will be affected by acne at some point in their life. Acne is most common in teenagers and younger adults. For most people, acne will disappear as they grow older.