Skin Problems

Chesnut1

I was just wondering if there are any treatments available on the NHS for skin problems. To be more specifice I have bad acne scarring on my face and open pores which are really getting me down. I am in my 30's now and only get the odd spot but my face looks terrible but particularly if I tan lightly as I have darkened areas of skin on my cheeks and t zone from the acne when I was young. Over the years I had acne treatments from GP and lotions/antibiotic topical treatments but they never worked and often made it worse as I have sensitive skin. My GP told me there is nothing that can be done with the after math, but it is really getting me down as a few weeks ago I was turned down for a very good receptionist job which I am more that qualified for, but they did comment 'did my skin always look this bad'. Unfair but I take their point and the older I get the worse it looks. Any help please.

gordonstights

Hi,

I don't know about treatments on the nhs, but your doctor should be able to refer you to a private clinic that you could see a specialist and discuss the options.

Sorry I can't be more helpful.

fluffynit

i think Roaccutane is a treatment still used, although I believe it has been linked to depression recently.

I was about to go on it a few years ago, but then fell pregnant.

I have been taking Evening Primrose Oil high strength for 18 months now and noticed a HUGE improvement with my skin, far less acne.

I also invest in Dermalogica's range of acne products...pricey BUT they last ages and DO work

http://www.jerseybeautycompany.co.uk/condition/acne.html

As for the comment they made about your skin and job prospects, surely that's discrimination??!!

Chesnut1

Thanks to both of you, unfortunatly I cannot afford any private work. Would it be worth asking to see a NHS dermatologist as surley they can use a peel or something?? Not very up on all the techniques but there must be something they can use to get rid of the top layers of marked skin

suki1964

Its very unlikely that you will be offered cosmetic surgery on the NHS. But you can asked to be referred to the Red Cross Skin camouflage clinic

http://www.redcross.org.uk/standard.asp?id=49354

Keeping_Motivated

Chesnut1 wrote: »

Thanks to both of you, unfortunatly I cannot afford any private work. Would it be worth asking to see a NHS dermatologist as surley they can use a peel or something?? Not very up on all the techniques but there must be something they can use to get rid of the top layers of marked skin

Hi, yes if your acne has caused bad scarring then your doctor can refer you to a dermatologist on the NHS. Stress how much this is affecting you emotionally and also with jobs etc and insist you will not be happy unless you are assessed by a dermatologist. They can do chemical skin peels on the NHS and in some cases they do laser treatment on the NHS too.

Good luck with it I hope it improves

fluffynit

Chesnut1 wrote: »

Thanks to both of you, unfortunatly I cannot afford any private work. Would it be worth asking to see a NHS dermatologist as surley they can use a peel or something?? Not very up on all the techniques but there must be something they can use to get rid of the top layers of marked skin

I was on the NHS waiting list for a dermotalogist for a year, but found out I was pregnant about a month before it, I still went along but unfortunately there was no treatments suitable. Maybe visit your gp and have a chat and see what they can offer, just be prepared for a long waiting list

alison99_2

I have been having laser treatment on the NHS for the last 7 months. My GP referred me to a Dermtologist, who in turn referred me to a Cosmetic surgeon, it took about 2 1/2 years from my initial referral to the time I started Laser treatment. i also saw a Cosmesis Consultant at the same hospital and she showed me how to apply camoflage make-up plus they supplied me with the correct make-up for my skintone.

Laser treatment isn't offered by every NHS Trust, I've been very lucky that my local Trust does. If you want any more info, you can PM me. I can also send you a photo of my face after the first treatment, not a pretty sight!!

(no way am I posting it on here) LOL