What is the best treatment for acne?

The best treatment for acne depends on the severity of your acne.

Mild acne can be treated with skin washes or creams containing benzyl peroxide. If this is not strong enough then there are other creams available containing either antibiotics or vitamin A related products.

For more severe acne which has not responded to these treatments then a course of oral antibiotic tablets may be used. There are several different types and you need to take them for at least 4 months.

Finally for very severe acne a drug related to Vitamin A called Roaccutane is available. It does however have a number of side effects and its use must be carefully monitored. It is only available from a Hospital Dermatologist.

How can I avoid getting skin cancer?

Skin cancer is caused by exposure to sunlight People with fair skin are most at risk. Some forms of skin cancer are related to episodes of sunburn whilst other types result from longterm exposure to low intensity sunlight, eg working outdoors. Therefore limiting exposure to sunlight is the most important way to avoid getting skin cancer.

Children's skin is very susceptible to damage so extra care should be taken particularly to avoid sunburn.

Skin cancers may develop many years after excess sun exposure.

Tips for protecting your skin from the sun :

• Wear a hat, a wide brimmed one or one with a neck protector is best
• Don't sit in the midday sun - seek shade between 11 am and 3 pm
• Wear a high factor sunblock, at least factor 25. Put plenty on and reapply it every couple of hours and after swimming.
• Cover up - at the least make sure your shoulders are protected by a T shirt or shirt.
• Be extra careful with young children, babies in particular should never sit in strong sunlight.
• If you work outdoors, consider wearing a sunblock every day.
• Remember - you do not have to be lying on the beach to get sunburnt, it can happen whilst walking around on a sunny day or whilst cycling, fell walking etc