Acne can vary in severity from a few spots on the face to quite a significant problem on the face, chest, shoulders and back.

It is not just the acne that can have a significant impact on self-confidence, the scarring and altered skin pigmentation that is left behind when the spots clear up can also cause a lot of distress.

Acne, you don’t have to live with it!

Unfortunately, many doctors can trivialise the effects acne can have on a person’s confidence, self-esteem and quality of life. Having spent over 30 years working within medical dermatology, Sue Ibrahim is passionate about treating acne early and effectively as she fully understands the consequences of living this spots on a daily basis. At Elan Medical Skin Clinic in Essex, we take the time to listen to your concerns and devise a management plan to get your skin looking great again!

What causes acne?

The oil-producing (sebaceous) glands are particularly sensitive to certain hormones present in both males and females. These hormones stimulate the production of excess oil. At the same time, the dead skin cells lining the pores clog up the follicles. As a result, there is a build up of oil, producing blackheads and whiteheads. Acne bacteria lives on everyone’s skin and in those prone to acne, the build up of oil creates an ideal environment in which the bacteria can multiply. This triggers inflammation and the formation of red, pus-filled spots that can be quite uncomfortable.

Some acne can be caused by medication given for other medical conditions or by certain contraceptive pills or injections. Some tablets taken by body-builders contain hormones that can trigger acne and other problems.

How will your acne be diagnosed?

There are several varieties of acne that Sue Ibrahim will be able to diagnose at your dermatology consultation. We have extensive experience in dealing with all types of acne. We will discuss the treatment options available to you that can be very effective in preventing the formation of new spots and scarring.

How can acne be treated?

Acne treatments fall into the following categories:

• Treatment with topical creams (prescription and/or non-prescription)
• Treatment with oral antibiotics alongside topical creams
• Treatment with oral hormones that counteract the hormones that can trigger acne
• Isotretinoin tablets (Often referred to by the trade name Roaccutane (R))

There are also a number of cosmetic dermatology treatments that can help, although these treatments are not usually offered on the NHS:

• Intralesional steroid injections
• Acne Phototherapy
• Certain chemical peels
• Surgical cyst removal

And there are treatments that can help with scarring:

• Fractional Skin Resurfacing
• Medical Micro-needling
• Plasma soft surgery

Many thousands of people have been treated by Sue Ibrahim for their acne at Elan Medical Skin Clinic in Essex. It is our philosophy to work alongside your own GP, or a Consultant Dermatologist to provide the best possible outcome for our patients.

If you are fed up with suffering from acne or any other skin condition, why not book your dermatology consultation now!

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Woman talks to skin experts at central London’s Elan Medical Skin Clinic about Roaccutane

Roaccutane is a brand name for the oral drug Isotretinoin, which is closely related to vitamin A. Oral Isotretinoin works in a variety of ways, targeting several of the factors that cause acne and other skin conditions including the production of sebum (an oily substance produced by the skin) and the production of keratin (outer scales of skin) that block the pores of the hair follicle and cause acne.

Due to ongoing concerns, a review of psychiatric reactions was carried out in 2014, which considered all available evidence from published literature and individual case reports. Conflicting study results and limitations in the data determined it was not possible to identify a clear biological mechanism by which Isotretinoin would cause psychiatric disorders.

Acne itself is associated with psychiatric disorders and the age that many patients take isotretinoin is also the age that some psychiatric disorders are commonly diagnosed. However, patients on Roaccutane require careful monitoring, which should include monthly blood tests and close supervision regarding low mood. The drug is now generally prescribed at a lower dose for a longer period of time.

Who can prescribe it?

Roaccutane Isotretinoin is licensed in the UK and commonly used to treat moderate and severe acne, often where there is risk of scarring. Your dermatologist may occasionally use Roaccutane to treat other skin conditions such as hidradenitis suppurativa and rosacea. In the UK Roaccutane may only be prescribed if you are under the care of a consultant dermatologist.

Will Roaccutane cure my acne?

A large proportion of patients (about 9 out of 10) see a significant improvement in their acne with a single 16 to 24 week course of Roaccutane, although during the first few weeks of treatment the acne may worsen before it starts to improve.

A small number of patients continue to have milder, although improved, acne following Isotretinoin that can be controlled with conventional therapies, such as antibiotics. Others may relapse after stopping treatment with Roaccutane, and occasionally, a prolonged or second course of treatment is required.

Who can’t have it?

According to Government guidelines, the following people should not receive treatment with Roaccutane:

• children aged 12 years or younger
• women who are, or who might be, pregnant (please download the leaflet below)
• women who are breast-feeding
• people with impaired liver function
• those with high levels of fat in their blood
• people with hypervitaminosis A – the presence of too much vitamin A in the body, symptoms of which include:
  • fatigue
  • irritability
  • skin changes
  • hair loss
  • headache
  • stomach ache

Isotretinoin should be used with caution in people with:

• a history of depression
• diabetes
• dry-eye syndrome
• impaired kidney function
• people who are allergic to peanuts, soya, or the sugar sorbitol as some brands of Isotretinoin may contain these ingredients

What are the rare side effects of Isotretinoin?

More serious side effects may occur although these are fortunately rare. Isotretinoin can lead to changes in mood and/or behaviour and less commonly, unusual experiences including thoughts of self-harm and suicide. There have also been reports of patients attempting suicide.

If you have ever had low mood, suicidal ideas or any other mental health problem, please discuss this with your doctor before starting treatment. If you have a history of depression your dermatologist may ask a psychiatrist to see you before starting Roaccutane to determine if it is safe for you to take.

For more information, please read the leaflet attached below that has been produced by the British Association of Dermatologists or contact Sue Ibrahim.

British Association of Dermatologists Isotretinoin leaflet

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