Acne is a common skin condition that causes spots, blackheads and inflamed bumps, usually on the face, chest and back. When pharmacy products have not helped, doctor-led acne treatment can bring it under control. With Global Health you can request acne treatment online in Ireland for €25. You complete a secure questionnaire, a doctor registered with the Irish Medical Council reviews your answers, and if treatment is clinically suitable your treatment plan is sent to the Irish pharmacy of your choice. If it is not suitable, the doctor explains why and suggests what to do next.
What is included
- A review of your medical questionnaire by an Irish Medical Council-registered doctor
- A treatment plan for an established acne treatment, such as a cream or gel, if clinically suitable
- Secure electronic delivery of the treatment plan to your chosen pharmacy in Ireland
- Written advice on how to use the treatment and what to expect
- Secure messaging with the doctor about your request
The €25 fee covers the doctor's review. The cost of the medication is paid separately at your pharmacy.
Who this service is not suitable for
Our doctors cannot safely recommend acne treatment online if you:
- are under 16
- have severe acne, such as large, painful lumps or cysts under the skin (nodular acne)
- have acne that is leaving scars or dark marks, or is causing significant distress
- are pregnant, breastfeeding or trying to conceive, as many acne treatments are not safe in pregnancy
- developed acne suddenly as an adult alongside irregular periods, excess hair growth or a deepening voice
- think your spots may be caused by a medicine you take, such as steroid tablets
Severe or scarring acne usually needs referral to a dermatologist for specialist treatment. If any of these apply, please book a video consultation with a GP so a doctor can assess you properly.
How it works
- Complete the questionnaire. Answer questions about your skin, general health and any medication you take. You may be asked for photos of the affected areas. It takes about five minutes.
- Doctor review. An Irish-registered doctor reviews your answers against clinical guidance and may message you if more information is needed.
- Treatment plan sent. If treatment is suitable, the treatment plan is sent securely by Healthmail to the Irish pharmacy you choose, ready for you to collect.
What is acne?
Acne develops when hair follicles in the skin become blocked with oil (sebum) and dead skin cells. This leads to blackheads and whiteheads, and when bacteria in the blocked follicle trigger inflammation, to red spots, pus-filled spots and sometimes deeper lumps. It is most common in teenagers but often continues into the twenties and thirties, and some people develop it for the first time as adults.
What causes it?
Acne is mainly linked to hormones called androgens, which rise during puberty and make the oil glands larger and more active. It tends to run in families. Hormonal changes around periods, pregnancy and polycystic ovary syndrome can make it worse. Acne is not caused by poor hygiene or dirty skin, and washing more often can irritate the skin further.
Things that can make acne worse
Heavy or oily cosmetics, picking or squeezing spots, friction from helmets or tight straps, some medicines and stress can all trigger flares. Diet plays a smaller role than many people think, although some people notice a link with certain foods.
Acne treatment options
Acne treatment works by unblocking pores, reducing oil, calming inflammation or reducing bacteria on the skin. The right option depends on the type and severity of your acne:
- Creams and gels. These are usually the first step for mild to moderate acne. Some unblock pores and others reduce bacteria and inflammation. They are often combined in one gel.
- Antibiotic tablets. For more widespread inflammatory acne, a course of antibiotic tablets may be added. They are always used together with a topical treatment, not on their own, to reduce the risk of resistance.
- The combined pill. For some women, the combined contraceptive pill can improve hormone-related acne, if it is safe for them to take.
Apply creams and gels to the whole affected area, not just individual spots, usually once or twice a day on clean, dry skin. Start slowly if your skin is sensitive. Acne treatment takes time: most people see improvement after six to eight weeks, and full benefit can take three months.
What is skin purging?
Some pore-unblocking gels speed up skin cell turnover, which can bring blocked pores to the surface faster. This is called skin purging. Spots may seem worse for the first few weeks before they improve. Purging usually settles within four to six weeks. If your skin is still getting worse after that, or becomes very sore, contact your doctor.
Self-care for acne
Wash affected areas twice a day with a gentle cleanser and lukewarm water, use non-comedogenic (oil-free) moisturisers and make-up, avoid picking spots, and use sunscreen, as some treatments make the skin more sensitive to sunlight.
Side effects and safety
Creams and gels commonly cause dryness, redness, peeling or stinging, especially in the first few weeks. Using a little less, or applying every other day at first, often helps. Some gels can bleach hair, towels and clothing. Antibiotic tablets can cause stomach upset and may make the skin more sensitive to sunlight. Some acne treatments must not be used in pregnancy, so tell your doctor if you could be pregnant. The combined pill is not suitable for everyone, for example people with certain types of migraine or a history of blood clots.
When to see a doctor in person
See your GP if your acne is severe, painful or leaving scars, if it has not improved after three months of treatment, or if it is affecting your mood or confidence. Specialist treatment from a dermatologist may be needed. You can also meet our Irish-registered doctors or see all online treatment services.