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Condition guide · Dermatology

Acne

Spots, blackheads and breakouts — what acne is, why it happens, and how a consultant dermatologist can help you get it under control.

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Acne assessment at Bridge House Clinic
What is acne?

Acne is a common skin condition that develops when hair follicles become blocked with oil and dead skin cells, leading to spots, blackheads and inflammation.

It most often affects the face, chest and back, and can appear at any age — not just in the teenage years. The encouraging news is that with the right plan, most acne can be managed well and its impact on your skin reduced.

01Symptoms

Symptoms of acne.

Acne can range from a few persistent spots to more widespread, inflamed breakouts.

01Spots & breakoutsWhiteheads and red, inflamed spots — most commonly across the face, but also the chest and back.
02BlackheadsSmall blocked pores that look dark on the surface, often around the nose, chin and forehead.
03Deeper, painful lumpsLarger nodules or cysts under the skin that can be tender and slower to settle.
04Marks & scarringLingering redness, pigmentation or scarring left behind after spots have healed.
Sound familiar?Book an assessment with a consultant and get a clear picture — usually the same or next week.→
02Causes & risk factors

Why it happens.

Acne is rarely caused by one single thing, and it isn't a sign of poor hygiene. Several factors can play a part, and it can affect skin of any type.

Excess oil (sebum) production
Hormonal changes
Blocked hair follicles
Bacteria on the skin
Certain medications
Family history
03When to get it checked

Don't wait for it to settle.

Early assessment helps you get the right treatment sooner. See a specialist if:

I.It isn't improving with over-the-counter productsIf shop-bought washes and creams haven't helped after a few weeks, a tailored plan usually works better.
II.You have painful or deep spotsTender nodules and cysts are more likely to scar, so they're worth assessing sooner rather than later.
III.It's affecting your confidenceAcne can take a real toll on how you feel — that alone is a good reason to seek help.
Book an assessment→
Acne examination by a consultant
Diagnosing acne at Bridge House Clinic
04How it's diagnosed

Assessed with a skin examination.

Your consultant dermatologist examines your skin to assess the type and severity of your acne and rule out other causes. From there, they explain your options clearly and agree a treatment plan that suits you. Both adults and children can be seen.

05Treatment

How acne is treated.

We start with the least invasive option that's right for your skin, and review how you're getting on.

01Topical treatment plan

Creams and gels applied to the skin to unblock pores and reduce inflammation — agreed and prescribed at your consultation.

02Oral treatment plan

Tablets, such as a course prescribed by your dermatologist, for more persistent or widespread acne — discussed and tailored to you.

03Consultant follow-up

Reviewing your progress and adjusting your plan as your skin responds, so you're not left to figure it out alone.

See a consultant dermatologist about your acne.An initial dermatology consultation is £200 (£250 for children). Your treatment plan is agreed individually at the consultation, with any further fees confirmed clearly before you go ahead.→
Why Bridge House
I.
Same or next-week appointments

Seen in days — not months on a list.

II.
Consultant-led care

A named specialist, not a junior — all the way through.

III.
Transparent, fixed pricing

Every price published and confirmed in writing.

IV.
No NHS waiting list

Seen privately, without the wait.

V.
Private insurance accepted

We bill major UK insurers directly.

06Your consultants
Dr Dalia Alsaadi, Consultant Dermatologist
Treats itDr Dalia AlsaadiConsultant Dermatologist
07FAQ

Common questions.

Can't find your answer? Call us — a real person picks up.

01244 982032
Does acne go away on its own? +

It can ease over time, but persistent or inflamed acne often needs treatment to bring it under control and reduce the risk of scarring. A consultant can talk you through the options that suit your skin.

Will treatment get rid of my acne completely? +

Acne is very treatable, and many people notice a real improvement with the right plan. Rather than promise a one-off fix, we focus on getting your skin clearer and keeping it that way, reviewing your progress along the way.

Can children and teenagers be seen? +

Yes — Dr Dalia Alsaadi sees both adults and paediatric patients. A paediatric consultation is £250.

What happens at the first appointment? +

Your dermatologist examines your skin, talks through your history and explains your options in plain language, then agrees a treatment plan with you — usually a topical or oral course, depending on your acne.

Take the first step

Don't put up with it.

Book an assessment with a consultant and get a clear picture — and a plan.

Book an assessment→Call 01244 982032