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Clear away acne

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.

Medical review byDr. Caroline FontanaLast review 25 October 2025
Dr. Caroline Fontana

FAQs

What is included in the online consultation?
Will a doctor review my consultation?
What happens after I submit my order?
What services are included with my order?
Is the price all-inclusive?
What are my delivery options?
Is it safe to buy prescription medication online?
Is this service discreet?
What is included in the online consultation?

Our online consultations are in the format of short medical questionnaires. You will be asked general questions about your health and medical history, as well as specific medical questions relevant to the treatment you have chosen. We will also ask you for your payment and delivery details to complete the order.

Online consultations take no longer than 5 minutes to complete. All questions are necessary when issuing prescription medicines. It means that our doctors can make sure the treatment is safe and right for you.

Will a doctor review my consultation?

Yes, it is a legal requirement that all online consultations are reviewed by a registered doctor. This is to make sure the chosen treatment is safe and right for you to take. All personal information is stored securely and confidentially.

Please note, all orders are subject to doctor approval, and we cannot guarantee that your order will be approved.

What happens after I submit my order?

Your online consultation will be sent directly to our medical team, where it will be reviewed by on of our in-house doctors.

If a doctor approves you for treatment, they will issue a prescription. Your prescription will then be forwarded to our pharmacist, where you medication will be dispensed and dispatched for delivery.

What services are included with my order?

Every order includes:

  • Free consultation - your consultation will be personally reviewed by one of our registered doctors.
  • Free prescription - a doctor will issue you a prescription if approved for treatment.
  • Free delivery - we provide free express delivery across Europe, you should receive your order in 1-2 working days.
Is the price all-inclusive?

Yes, our service is all-inclusive and there are no hidden fees. All 121doc orders include a free online consultation, a free prescription and free express delivery.

What are my delivery options?

We offer several delivery options at no extra charge:

  • 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 in, a friend or relative can sign in your place.

Is it safe to buy prescription medication online?

It is safe to buy prescription medications online from genuine and reputable healthcare providers, like 121doc.

Our medical staff and facilities are registered with the relevant medical governing bodies. We also ensure your data is protected by adhering to European data privacy laws.

You can learn more about our certifications here.

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 closely adhere to data privacy laws.

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