Acne Treatment in Sharjah

What is acne treatment?

Acne treatment is a prescribed programme that targets the four drivers of acne at once: excess oil, pores that clog with dead skin cells, bacteria that live in the pore, and the inflammation that turns a blocked pore into a red, sore spot. Treatment starts from a grade. A dermatologist looks at which lesions dominate your skin, because each type answers to a different medicine.

| Lesion type | What you see | Usual first approach |
|---|---|---|
| Comedones | Blackheads and whiteheads | Creams that unblock pores |
| Inflammatory | Red bumps and pus spots | Pore-clearing cream plus an anti-bacterial cream |
| Nodules and cysts | Deep, painful lumps | Tablets alongside creams, started early |

At Dar Al Kamal Hospital, Sharjah, acne treatment is provided by the dermatology team, who build the plan around your skin type, your acne pattern and the products you already use.

Who needs it

Acne treatment suits anyone whose spots keep returning despite careful skin care, whose acne is painful, or whose spots leave dark marks or small dents behind. Early treatment matters most for deep nodules and cysts, because these are the lesions most likely to scar.

Adult acne is common, especially in women, where breakouts often sit along the jaw and chin and flare before a period. Irregular periods, extra facial or body hair, or thinning scalp hair alongside acne can point to polycystic ovary syndrome, which is assessed through PCOS treatment. Acne on the forehead and hairline can come from hair oils and styling products, and breakouts where a mask, helmet strap or phone rests come from friction and trapped sweat.

What happens

The first visit begins with questions about when the acne started, what makes it flare, your periods if relevant, and every product and medicine you have tried. The dermatologist examines your face, and often the chest and back, which respond to different formulations.

Your plan is usually a combination: a pore-clearing cream in the evening, a second cream or gel that reduces bacteria and redness, and a gentle cleanser and oil-free moisturiser to keep the skin comfortable. For moderate to severe acne, a course of tablets may be added, such as an antibiotic for a limited period, a hormonal treatment for suitable women, or a vitamin A-derived tablet for severe or scarring acne. Blood tests are arranged before and during some tablet treatments.

You receive written instructions: how much to apply, where, and in what order. A pea-sized amount of pore-clearing cream covers the whole face, applied to every area where acne appears, including clear skin between spots, because it prevents the next spots forming.

Follow-up visits track progress against photographs taken at the start. Once the skin is clear, the plan steps down to a maintenance cream that keeps new blockages from forming.

Preparing for it

Bring your current cleanser, moisturiser, sunscreen, makeup and hair products, or photographs of their ingredient lists. Come with a bare face if your acne is facial, so the dermatologist sees every lesion and any marks.

Make a list of past acne treatments, how long you used each one and what happened. Mention pregnancy, plans for pregnancy or breastfeeding, since several acne medicines are chosen differently in those situations. Mention any mood changes, digestive conditions or other medicines, including supplements and bodybuilding products, which can trigger acne themselves.

Afterwards

Pore-clearing creams commonly cause dryness, mild peeling and some stinging in the first weeks. Start every other night if advised, use a bland moisturiser and wash with lukewarm water. Acne responds slowly, so judge progress over a couple of months and keep going between visits.

Use a daily oil-free, broad-spectrum sunscreen, since several acne treatments make the skin more sun-sensitive and the Sharjah sun darkens healing spots into marks. Choose non-comedogenic products, change pillowcases often and wipe your phone screen. During Ramadan, the dermatologist can adjust tablet timing to the meal before dawn and the evening meal.

Contact the hospital if you develop severe dryness or cracking, a widespread rash, a new low mood, severe headaches or changes in vision while on acne tablets. **Go to the emergency department straight away if you develop swelling of the lips, face or throat, difficulty breathing or a blistering rash after starting a new medicine.**

Cost and insurance

Most UAE insurance plans cover consultations and prescribed treatment for acne as a medical condition, and some oral acne medicines need pre-approval. Blood tests linked to treatment are usually covered as part of the plan. Cosmetic products, facials and treatments for scars or dark marks are commonly excluded. Dar Al Kamal Hospital, Sharjah can help you check your cover on 06 599 7777.