The Dermatology Unit provides specialist treatment for skin conditions such as acne. Acne is a common skin condition, particularly in teenagers and younger adults with about 80% of people aged 11 to 30 affected at some point.
Find all the information you’ll need before coming to Hospital for treatment. Learn more about making an appointment, our luxurious accommodation and our exceptional facilities.
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Founded in 1856, St John & St Elizabeth Hospital is one of the UK’s largest independent charitable hospitals. Our commitment to our patients is in the quality of our care, the range of our services and the quality of our consultants and staff.
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Acne
What causes acne?
Acne is most common in girls aged between 14 and 17, and boys aged between 16 and 19. It generally disappears in the mid-twenties but about 5% of women and 1% of men experience problems over the age of 25. Acne most commonly develops on the face then the back and chest and, although it cannot be cured, it can be controlled with self-help techniques, creams and lotions.
Developing acne, which can range from blackheads to nodules and cysts, is normally associated with hormonal changes in puberty that cause the grease-producing glands next to hair follicles in the skin to produce larger amounts of oil. The excess mixes with dead skin cells and clogs the follicles leading to contamination.
More than 80% of adult acne occurs in women with hormone changes due to periods, pregnancy and the common condition, polycystic ovary syndrome. Other triggers for outbreaks of acne are some cosmetics, certain medications and smoking.
Treatment
A GP examination can determine the severity and then provide prescription medicines such as topical creams. Dermatologists are on hand at the hospital to advise on all aspects of acne as well as conduct a wide range of treatments from mild to severe and persistent outbreaks. They can manage conditions and also provide procedures to treat scarring.
Contact us
If you would like to know more about our skin treatments then contact us today by phone on 0203 370 1026 or email [email protected].
Dermatology Clinic
Our London-based Dermatology Unit is led by the UK’s top dermatology specialists. We offer consultation, diagnosis and treatment of all types of skin conditions in clean, comfortable surroundings.
Patient information
Our Hospital is renowned for providing exemplary levels of care across more than 90 services. From orthopaedics, to urology, our private GP practice and Urgent Care Clinic, our services are led by some of London’s leading Consultants. For more information, and to find a service suitable for your care, find out more about the services that we offer.
Make an enquiry
If you have any questions relating to treatment options or pricing information, get in touch with us by filling out one of our contact boxes or giving us a call on 0203 370 1026.
Our Appointments Team have a dedicated and caring approach to finding you the earliest appointment possible with the best specialist.
If you are self-paying you don’t need a referral from your GP for a consultation. You can simply refer yourself* and book an appointment.
If you have health insurance (e.g. Bupa, Axa Health, Aviva), you will need to contact your insurer to get authorisation before any treatment, and in most cases you will also require a referral letter from your GP.
If you are not registered with a GP, we have an in-house private GP practice you can use. Alternatively, we can suggest the most appropriate course of action for you to take, given your location and individual circumstances.
*Please note – for investigations such as X-rays and MRIs, a referral will be required. However, we may be able to arrange this for you through our on-site private GP.
