Acne

This condition is treated in the Dermatology clinic.

Pre-referral work-up

History

When refer to a specialist:

• Severe inflammatory nodular acne
• Acne extending to the lower back
• Acne unresponsive to three to six months conventional multimodal treatment
• If significant scarring
• If significant emotional disturbance due to acne

Tests

Nil

Interim/GP management

To refer a patient with this condition, please see the Dermatology clinic page for the full referral process and templates.

Initially if mild, treat with topical agents (peeling agents, retinoids or topical antibiotics +/- benzoyl peroxide).

Then add in oral antibiotics (tetracyclines) for minimum of three months (usually nine to eighteen).

In female patients consider Diane-35 or Yasmin OCP.

See: NZ DermNet - Acne and follicular disorders

For more information please see the HealthPathways Tasmania website.

Availability

North

THS Northern Region does not provide a public dermatology  service. See Health Pathways for more information

North West

North West Regional Hospital
Phone: 6493 6300
Fax: 6464 1928

South

Wellington Clinics (Level 10)
Phone: 03 6166 0000
Fax: 03 6234 9941