Interview transcription:
We interviewed Dr Penelope Pratsou to learn about the length of time required for acne treatment, as well as the costs associated.
In general, how long does it take to treat acne, and what’s the general cost for that?
Penelope Pratsou: It’s difficult to put a figure to the treatment, but I would expect that if it went as planned, would probably be between three to six months. If we started you off with antibiotics and those weren’t working, then we would be looking to treat you with a course of Isotretinoin or Roaccutane. This treatment generally takes about five or six months, and you’d need to come back and see me every month to be monitored.
Penelope Pratsou: The total cost of treatment includes the consultations and the type of treatment you receive.
If I treated you with Isotretinoin, you would need quite regular blood tests. In women, there would also be pregnancy tests every month, so those are the costs that we would be thinking of in addition to costs with regards to the prescriptions as well.
If you notice that you have any of the symptoms or conditions that we’ve just discussed, we invite you to book a consultation with Dr Penelope Pratsou. She’ll be able to assess your situation and give you a personalised treatment plan.
About the author
Dr Penelope Pratsou | Consultant Dermatologist
MBChB, MRCP (UK) (Dermatology)
I’m Dr Penelope Pratsou, a skilled independent Consultant Dermatologist based in Berkshire. I have specialist expertise in the diagnosis and management of all skin cancers, and in performing mole checks. I’m a trained skin surgeon and remove skin cancers, moles, skin tags, cysts and warts.
I also have invaluable experience in dealing with all skin conditions, from the common skin complaints of acne, rosacea, eczema and psoriasis, to the rarer and more complex skin problems, having seen it all through years of NHS work.
After I obtained my Membership to the Royal College of Physicians, I undertook rigorous specialist training in dermatology, before being appointed as a Consultant Dermatologist at the Royal Berkshire Hospital, Reading. There, I helped set up and lead a busy clinic for the diagnosis and treatment of suspected skin cancer. I was also actively involved in supervising and training both dermatology and GP trainees.
Alongside my increasingly busy private practice, I have maintained an NHS practice in Oxford in order to continue to engage with challenging cases and to develop my specialist interest in skin allergy.
