Acne

The Department will periodically contact patients waiting for an outpatient clinic appointment via SMS, with a link to an electronic form.  This is part of routine waitlist auditing to ensure patient details are up to date.  If you receive this SMS, please update your details.

Availability

North South North West Statewide

Pre-referral work-up

History

When refer to a specialist:

  • Severe inflammatory nodular acne
  • Acne extending to the lower back
  • Acne unresponsive to three to six months conventional multimodal treatment
  • If significant scarring
  • If significant emotional disturbance due to acne

Tests

Nil

Interim/GP management

To refer a patient with this condition, please see the Dermatology clinic page for the full referral process and templates.

Initially if mild, treat with topical agents (peeling agents, retinoids or topical antibiotics +/- benzoyl peroxide).

Then add in oral antibiotics (tetracyclines) for minimum of three months (usually nine to eighteen).

In female patients consider Diane-35 or Yasmin OCP.

See: NZ DermNet - Acne and follicular disorders

For more information please see the Tasmanian Health Pathways website.

Red flags are clinical indicators of possible serious underlying conditions requiring further medical intervention. They may or may not indicate an emergency.

Emergency:

Proceed to Emergency Department (ED).
LGH ED Reception  – Phone: (03) 6777 6405  Fax: (03) 6777 5201
MCH ED* – Phone: (03) 6478 5120  Fax: (03) 6441 5923
NWRH ED* – Phone: (03) 6493 6351 Fax: (03) 6464 1926
RHH ED Reception – Phone: (03) 6166 6100  Fax: (03) 6173 0489

Advice for medical practitioners can be given by the Medical Officer In Charge (MOIC) - see HealthPathways Tasmania for contact information.
*MCH and NWRH MOICs request GPs call them prior to referring a patient to ensure the patient is being sent appropriately to a safe destination.

Urgent:
Semi-urgent:
Routine: