Interview transcription:
We interviewed Penelope Pratsou to learn about the effect of acne on patient’s daily lives.
What effect does acne have on people’s lives?
Penelope Pratsou: A lot of the time when people come to see me, whether they are in their teenage years, their twenties or beyond, they have low mood, they are avoiding social events, they don’t want to socialise with their friends.
If they are in their twenties or thirties, it is affecting their work life and personal relationships…
Penelope Pratsou: Going into treatment, they see how life-changing the treatment is. They are a lot more confident and open. Their outlook changes and they are more willing to look you in the eye. Actually, they are some of the most grateful patients that I have. It really is life-changing. I recommend seeing a specialist, whether it is me or someone else who can help you.
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.