Acne
Acne (acne vulgaris) is a common skin condition that causes spots, oily skin and sometimes painful lumps on the face, back or chest. Read more about acne →
If symptoms are sudden, severe or getting worse, contact your GP or NHS 111.
Where are you up to?
The NHS reports waiting times by specialty, not by individual condition, so this is the dermatology wait, updated August 2026. Enter a postcode to see the hospitals near you.
dermatology waiting times by hospital
| Trust | Location | Typical wait |
|---|---|---|
| East Sussex Healthcare NHS Trust | Hastings | 4 weeks |
| Bradford Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust | Bradford | 4 weeks |
| The Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust | Wolverhampton | 5 weeks |
| University Hospitals of Morecambe Bay NHS Foundation Trust | Westmorland and Furness | 5 weeks |
| Harrogate and District NHS Foundation Trust | North Yorkshire | 5 weeks |
| Milton Keynes University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust | Milton Keynes | 5 weeks |
| University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust | Leicester | 6 weeks |
| Mid Yorkshire Teaching NHS Trust | Wakefield | 6 weeks |
About acne
Acne is a common skin condition that causes spots, oily skin and sometimes hot or painful lumps, most often on the face, back and chest. It happens when tiny openings in the skin become blocked and inflamed, and it is very common in teenagers but can affect adults too. It ranges from a few spots to more widespread or deeper, scarring acne. It is not caused by poor hygiene, and it can affect confidence and mood as well as the skin.
How it is treated
Milder acne is usually managed by a GP or pharmacist with creams or gels, and sometimes a course of antibiotic tablets or, for women, certain types of the contraceptive pill. These can take a couple of months to work. If acne is severe, scarring, or not improving after these treatments, a GP can refer you to a skin specialist (dermatologist). The specialist may prescribe a strong retinoid tablet called isotretinoin, which needs specialist supervision and regular monitoring.
Living with it
Acne often comes and goes over several years, so treatment is usually about keeping it under control rather than a one-off cure. Marks left after spots fade slowly; picking or squeezing spots makes scarring more likely. If treatment stops working, or acne is affecting your confidence, go back to your GP, as there are other options and a specialist referral where needed.
Sources: NHS: Acne. Last updated October 2026.
General information only, not medical advice. Wait or Pay is independent and is not the NHS. Your GP decides what care, if any, you need.