You can go NHS, the way they seem to do it is if you have had 2 treatments of antibiotics from your GP for acne but its still giving you grief you will be referred to a dermatologist at your nearest hospital. I'm sure you can just ask for a referral though, I did to my GP and she mentioned she was going to refer me anyway (due to that antibiotics policy).

It does take a long time on the NHS though, I was referred back in mid-ish January and my appointment is set for the 26th of April - its not quick by any means but I don't mind since its free and I really cannot afford to pay.

So it depends if you want to wait a few months for it or not. If not, private is the way to go, not sure about payments each time though.

Hope this helps

I'm not sure if dermatologists apply (don't see why not though) but you can jump the queue if you pay for a private consultation, but then everything else will be covered on the NHS including follow-up consultations. A private consultation usually costs between 100-150. Both my husband and I have done this to see specialists without waiting the huge queue times.

Thanks for the info. I basically just want to be able to discuss my skin with somebody that understands skin and is educated in that area of medicine. If I went to my GP about my skin he would say it looks fine, which it does, but my skin is overly oily and sensitive most of the time and still acne-prone. If I didn't put extreme effort into keeping it 95% clear, it would be a mess.

I emailed Harley Street Dermatology Clinic and they told me that there's lots of treatments for oily skin, it's just whether NHS doctors would see it that way and think my skin was severe enough to treat it. I sometimes wish I had severe acne so I could get accutane...

I think severe acne and persistent mild acne should be treated exactly the same, not disregarded just because it looks okay.

Have you spoken to your gp? I used to see a dermatologist many years ago for a rash on my face. One time I had a bad breakout but couldn't get a quick appointment with my derm, so I went to see my GP instead. She was very knowledgeable and educated me about my rash more than my derm ever did. I think maybe the derm was so used to seeing people with really severe skin conditions that my little rash was a waste of his time. It was through my GP that I was finally able to get rid of the rash and I'd been seeing a dermatologist for about 3 years - needless to say, I never went back to him!

In January my doctor referred me to a private dermatologist at my local private hospital to discuss my acne and post inflammation hyperpigmentation (because my GP was pretty clueless about what to do with me). I got an appointment within 4 days of my doctor's referral. Luckily, my Dad gets private health insurance through his work so I was able to use this to cover the cost of the appointment. If I had not have been able to have this then my 30 minute chat (you get a longer consultation time if you go private) with a derm would have cost me £300. The good thing was that after the derm had made her recommendations I went back to my GP and he prescribed these for me on the NHS so I wouldn't have to pay for them privately (it may be worth discussing this with your GP).

In February I was referred to see a derm but on the NHS this time (to discuss Accutane). The earliest appointment I was able to get is the 2nd May, so I'm stillllllllll waiting (and my skin is getting progressively worse during this wait).

If you've got the money, then I think it would be worth going private because you will be seen so much sooner and for a longer appointment (also in the waiting room of the private hospital they gave me free biscuits... ).

Plus, I reeeeeaaally recommend seeing a derm whether it's privately or on the NHS. I was amazed by my derm's knowledge after having my GP call my post inflammation hyperpigmentation "funny red marks" for so long

This may be too late - sorry if it its;

If you've had 2 unsuccessful courses of antibiotics with your GP then they can refer you. It does take a while, but often you'll end up seeing a Dermatologist who does both NHS and private work, so it's really about whether you're happy to wait. I saw one privately last year (Dr Tamara Griffiths in Manchester if you happen to be in the North West!) and she was great, though mine is *slowly* getting worse (and I'm on my 3rd antibiotic) so I'm going to request a referral to a dermatologist on the NHS.

Bear in mind that, whilst your GP might not know as much as dermatologist (and I know how frustrating this is!), they're able to prescribe ANYTHING (bar oral Isotretinoin - (Ro)Accutane) that a dermatologist could - so if you do your research and request a certain topical/systemic treatment then they will probably give it to you.

Be wary of going to a 'clinic' - whilst they offer fantastic treatment and service, they often sell 'procedures' as opposed to medical treatment, so I'd ask friends/medical professionals for names if you do decide to go private. I'd also look at the dermatology staff at your local teaching hospital - many consultants also do private work and if so, there's likely to be a fair amount of info about them online!

I hope this helps; I know what a pain GPs can be with acne!

Thanks for the info. I basically just want to be able to discuss my skin with somebody that understands skin and is educated in that area of medicine. If I went to my GP about my skin he would say it looks fine, which it does, but my skin is overly oily and sensitive most of the time and still acne-prone. If I didn't put extreme effort into keeping it 95% clear, it would be a mess.

I emailed Harley Street Dermatology Clinic and they told me that there's lots of treatments for oily skin, it's just whether NHS doctors would see it that way and think my skin was severe enough to treat it. I sometimes wish I had severe acne so I could get accutane...

I think severe acne and persistent mild acne should be treated exactly the same, not disregarded just because it looks okay.

I agree that persistent mild acne warrants treatment and I think you will find most GPs will agree with that too. Have you had a bad experience with a dismissive GP? If so I really would encourage you to try another one. Most of them (but sadly not all) do take things like this seriously and are pretty knowledgeable (I shadowed loads of GPs as a med student!) I was actually surprised at how seriously my acne was considered when I went about it recently and I wish I'd pursued medical help for it years ago. My acne isn't severe, but it is treatment resistant and oiliness is a big problem so I was referred to an NHS dermatologist who has offered me roaccutane. The consultation was half an hour long and I didn't get to ask all my questions but we discussed the appropriate things and I'm seeing her again in a couple of months and will be followed up after that so there will be more opportunities for discussion. So, I was sceptical of "the system" too but I think it actually works so maybe try going with it!