When to refer
In general, the more severe the acne, the more likely it is that a prescribed treatment will be required. Anyone suffering with nodules or cysts should be referred to a GP as they will need to be treated appropriately to avoid scarring.
However, it’s important to remember that acne is not just a cosmetic condition. It can damage a person’s self-esteem, and even relatively mild cases can have a negative effect. A person whose condition is impacting on their confidence or happiness should be referred to the pharmacist, as should anybody who has tried appropriate OTC products without success.