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What causes acne vulgaris?

The development this condition in both young men and women is often associated with male hormones known as androgens. These hormones can stimulate the production of a substance called sebum by the sebaceous glands. Sebum isn't bad and is actually instrumental in keeping the skin healthy, but too much can cause pores to become clogged, leading to inflammation.

Increased sebum production tends to go hand-in-hand with hormonal changes, which may occur as the result of puberty, pregnancy or menopause. Acne can also signify other medical conditions such as Cushing's syndrome or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Taking some types of oral contraceptives or using steroid creams can also aggravate the sebaceous glands.

What are the symptoms of acne vulgaris

It is recognisable by the presence of spots on the face, back or chest. These spots can be a combination of six different types, namely: whiteheads, blackheads, papules, pustules, nodules and cysts. The area that can be covered in spots that can be small or large, but the symptoms are usually easily recognisable.

Can I do anything to prevent acne?

There are no specific measures that can be taken to avoid it, but you can make yourself less vulnerable to outbreaks. You can, for example, ensure that you wash your face on a regular basis, particularly after exercise, although you should avoid over washing, as this can have the opposite effect. You can also try to use non-acnegicic or non-comedogenic skin products, to avoid further clogging of pores, and take care to remove all make-up (if you wear any) before going to bed at night. You should also try to avoid touching your face too much as this can cause the spread of bacteria.

Acne treatment

This is a very common skin condition and for that reason there are many different treatments available. Over-the-counter face cleansing products, creams, ointments and lotions are widely used and contain ingredients like benzoyl peroxide, alpha hydroxyl acids, salicylic acid or sulphur.

For most people using over-the-counter products are effective and provide results, but for more advanced cases, a prescription treatment can be used. Minocin and Oxytetracycline are treatments that target acne bacteria and are usually taken for a period of six months. Dianette on the other hand is an oral contraceptive that controls the effects of androgens and is one of the most commonly prescribed treatments for young women.

Ordering treatment online

121doc provides patients with a chance to order Minocin, Oxytetracycline and Dianette online with the help of our online consultation service. This forms part of our ordering process and is completely free and will help our doctor evaluate accurately whether you should be prescribed a particular treatment or not. If a prescription is approved for you, it will be passed to our pharmacy from where it will be shipped for next day delivery so you can start your treatment as soon as possible.

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  • Review by a qualified doctor
  • Including prescription
  • Next-day delivery included
Cream or gel

These treatments suppress sebum production so that the skin in the affected areas can dry out. In addition, the active ingredients counteract the spread of bacteria.

Antibiotic tablets

In the case of severe acne, you can combine topical therapy with antibiotics and retinoids. This combination therapy can take a few months for full effects to be experienced.

Oxytetracycline
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Hormonal treatment

An effect of certain hormonal contraceptives is clearer skin and reduced acne and hirsutism (excessive facial hair growth). These treatments are only available to women.

FAQs

What is included in the online consultation?
Will a doctor review my consultation?
What happens after I submit my order?
Is the price all-inclusive?
Can I place more than one order at a time?
What are my delivery options?
Is it safe to buy prescription medication online?
How do I know which treatment is best for me?
Is this service discreet?
What is included in the online consultation?

Our consultations include general questions about your health (e.g. blood pressure levels, current and past conditions), as well as specific questions related to your selected treatment. We will also request relevant personal information to complete payment and delivery.

All questions are necessary, and your answers and details will not be shared with any third-parties. Only our doctors have access to your medical information.

Will a doctor review my consultation?

It is a legal and medical requirement that a doctor first reviews all completed consultations. We have a team of in-house doctors and specialists who will ensure your selected treatment is safe for your use. All information is stored securely and confidentially.

Please note, we do not guarantee that our doctors will approve treatment.

What happens after I submit my order?

Your consultation will be sent directly to our medical team, where it will be reviewed by one of our doctors.

If your chosen treatment is deemed suitable for your use, they will issue a prescription. Your prescription is then forwarded to our pharmacy, where your medication will be dispensed and dispatched for courier delivery.

Is the price all-inclusive?

Yes. All 121doc orders include a medical consultation, a prescription and next-day delivery. There are no additional costs. We believe in providing a safe and easy-to-use service.

Can I place more than one order at a time?

Yes. However, certain medications may negatively interact with each other. Our doctors may not approve your order on this basis.

You can place multiple items in one basket, and complete a consultation for all.

If you wish to place a second order for a different medication, you will have to complete a separate consultation.

What are my delivery options?

We offer several delivery options:

  • Next-day delivery
  • UPS Access Point - convenient parcel drop-off and collection near your home or work address
  • Nominated-day delivery - choose the most convenient day for delivery

All these options can be tracked and require a signature on delivery. If you are not available, a friend or relative can sign in your place.

None of these options will incur an additional charge.

Is it safe to buy prescription medication online?

To ensure you are purchasing from a reputable company, you should look to see their country’s regulatory bodies verify them.

In the UK, this is the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA).Certificates can be viewed here.

How do I know which treatment is best for me?

Some treatments also offer the 'Advise Me' function. You will be asked questions about your lifestyle and needs, plus medical questions. You will then be presented with the advice of our doctors.

Is this service discreet?

Our patients’ privacy is of utmost importance. All your medical information is securely stored and only viewed by our doctors. We do not share your details with third-parties. We are also regularly inspected by various UK regulatory agencies, such as the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO).

All orders will only show on invoices, bank statements, etc. as ‘HHC Ltd’.