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Expert Acne Specialists in Birmingham
Home > Dermatology >Acne is a very common skin condition characterised by spots such as blackheads and whiteheads on the face, back and chest, which can cause scarring. Acne can be distressing and impact your self-confidence. It is associated with adolescence and usually resolves itself by your early twenties, but for some, it can persist longer.
Experienced Acne Specialists in Birmingham
A consultation will include a full history and skin examination so that our consultants can recommend the right treatment for you. This may involve topical treatments, oral antibiotics, anti-hormonal therapy (e.g. Spironolactone), oral Retinoids (Isotretinoin/Roaccutane) and acne scarring treatment and advice. There’s no need for a referral; you’ll be seen quickly at our relaxed private clinic in the heart of Edgbaston, Birmingham.
Have a look at our consultant’s profiles to learn about their qualifications:
Dr Christos Kasparis
Dr Kasparis specialises in the treatment of acne and offers full consultation and care. He has been treating acne for over 10 years and has worked and trained in some of the best Dermatology units in the UK.
His passion for dermatology drives his therapies and research. He has taught junior doctors and medical students, given several presentations and written for key medical journals and textbooks to share his expertise and highlight his specialisms.
Dr Ajoy Bardhan
With extensive qualifications and training, Dr Bardhan is a leading consultant dermatologist. He studied medicine at the world-renowned Imperial College London, intercalating a Haematological science degree as well. Then he progressed with Postgraduate training at Addenbrooke’s Hospital in Cambridge and then took a fellowship in the Epidermolysis Bullosa service at UHB.
Dr Bardhan currently works as a consultant at the University Hospital Birmingham NHS Foundation Trust and holds clinics conducting specialist assessments of skin lesions and performing cutaneous surgery.
Dr. Noma Mathe
Dr. Noma Mathe is a UK-trained Consultant Dermatologist based in Birmingham, specialising in inflammatory skin conditions and skin cancer. She completed her medical education at the University of Nottingham and further trained at Oxford University Hospitals. Dr. Mathe is a key member of Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust, where she helps develop new dermatological services. She is dedicated to patient care with a compassionate approach and actively contributes to public and professional education in Dermatology.
Dr Marie-Louise Lovgren
Dr Lovgren, a dermatology consultant at Birmingham Children's Hospital and the Queen Elizabeth Hospital, specialises in the care of paediatric and adolescent skin, along with the management of adult skin conditions. Her expertise spans common dermatological issues, including eczema, acne, psoriasis, and rare inherited skin disorders.
After completing her medical studies at St George's, University of London, Dr Lovgren underwent postgraduate medical training in London and specialised in dermatology in the West of Scotland and the West Midlands. Further enhancing her skills, she pursued a one-year fellowship in Paediatric Dermatology at Birmingham Children's Hospital.
Actively involved in dermatological research, Dr Lovgren focuses on eczema management and rare skin conditions. Her international contributions include presentations, publications in peer-reviewed journals, and serving as a committee member for the Skin Genetics Group.
Locally, Dr Lovgren leads initiatives such as the West Midlands Paediatric Dermatology and Dermatogenetics Meetings. She also plays a crucial role in coordinating and instructing the Paediatric Dermatology Course at Birmingham Children's Hospital.
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View the official NHS waiting times for Dermatology services.
- View Official Waiting Times University Hospitals Birmingham
Why choose Midland Health?
Your skin health is important, so we know that choosing your dermatology specialist will be a big decision. Some of the benefits of choosing to do your acne treatment with Midland Health in Birmingham are:
- 10+ years of experience in treating acne
- No need for a referral
- See a specialist acne consultant dermatologist at short notice
- Consultations from £250
- The best and up-to-date acne treatment options available
- Flexible appointments including evenings (on request)
- Convenient Birmingham city-centre location
- Interest-free credit options
If you would like to discuss any issues regarding acne or skin concerns you may have, our team will be more than happy to help. Our clinic is based in Birmingham City centre and is very accessible to all patients across the West Midlands.
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FAQ
What is acne?
Acne is a common skin condition which mostly affects teenagers and young adults but can be experienced by any age group. It is characterised by red spots, pustules, blackheads and whiteheads on the face, back and chest, which can cause scarring. Acne is the result of hair follicles getting clogged with oil and dead skin cells.
What are the causes of acne?
Acne is caused when your sebaceous (oil-producing) glands produce too much oil, which then combines with dead skin cells and clogs up your pores.The glands become inflamed leading to visible spots and sometimes deeper painful cysts. Over time, if acne is untreated it can cause unsightly scars. This process is often multifactorial, with both genetic and hormonal factors playing their role. Certain bacteria under the skin (P. acnes) can also contribute to the development of acne.
Will acne be cured?
With the right treatment , acne can significantly improve and in some cases completely resolve and never come back.
How do you treat severe acne?
There are several medical treatments available for acne and they can be split into four main types:
- Topical treatments
These include the application of gels, lotions and creams with active ingredients, such as benzoyl peroxide, topical retinoids, topical antibiotics and azelaic acid. - Antibiotic tablets
Usually taken in combination with topical therapies for an enhanced effect. Oral antibiotics for 3-6 months can be very effective for some forms of acne. They are generally safe treatments and well tolerated by most patients. - Hormonal therapies
Those are usually prescribed to women who experience acne flare-ups during their period or as a result of hormonal conditions, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Spironolactone is one of these options which blocks the effects of hormones on the oil glands and leads to good results. It has an additional positive effect at reducing unwanted hair (hirsutism) and improving hair loss related to hormonal factors. - Isotretinoin
This is a commonly prescribed treatment by Dermatologists as it is highly effective. It does however come with some potential side-effects which is why it can only be prescribed and monitored by a dermatology specialist. In safe hands, this can be a life-transforming treatment.
What does severe acne look like?
Severe acne causes deep, painful breakouts, called cysts and nodules. Blackheads, whiteheads or both can also be seen in severe acne cases. Also, acne-associated scarring can occur in more serious cases of acne.
Will acne go away on its own?
It is possible for acne to disappear on its own when a person enters their twenties. However, in some cases, acne breakouts continue to appear into adulthood.
How can I try to prevent acne?
Some of the things you can try to do to prevent acne include:
- Keeping your skin clean using gentle cleansers
- Limiting the use of make-up
- Having a balanced diet
- Staying hydrated
- Avoiding spot picking
Reducing stress
What foods are good to eat to prevent acne?
A healthy diet could help reduce the effects of acne. Amongst the foods to include in your meals are green, leafy vegetables (spinach, kale), yellow and orange fruits and vegetables (peaches, apricots, carrots), tomatoes, blueberries, quinoa, as well as turkey, brown rice and whole-wheat bread.
What foods can cause acne?
Some foods can aggravate the symptoms of acne. This however varies from person to person and there is no consistency when it comes to food and acne. Traditionally, foods high in carbohydrate and sugar content have been linked with acne flare-ups. It is important however to understand that this is not the cause of acne, certain foods for certain individuals can act as triggers.
How can I remove my acne scars?
There are several treatments for acne scars depending on the severity of the scarring. Those include dermabrasion, laser treatment , subcisions (for rolling scars), various punch techniques (for ice pick scars and boxcar scars). A dermatology specialist can guide you through these options.
Are acne scars permanent?
Yes, acne scars are permanent but they can gradually become less visible with the right therapy.
Will acne scars heal over time?
No, acne scars won’t disappear completely over time but they can improve and become less noticeable.
We have translators available for your appointment.
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