Skin Specialist Clinic (Appointments Coming Soon)
Expert skin care, delivered in general practice. Our Skin Specialist Clinic offers patients with acne and other skin conditions access to specialist-level treatment — without the wait for a hospital referral.
Our GPs have specialist training in dermatology and are experienced in managing a wide range of skin concerns, including severe or treatment-resistant acne. We offer a fully structured, safe treatment pathway in a practice you already know and trust.
What we offer
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Our Skin Specialist Clinic is currently focused on the assessment and treatment of acne, including the prescribing of isotretinoin (Roaccutane) for patients with moderate-to-severe or treatment-resistant acne.
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Specialist GP-led care — Assessment, diagnosis, and ongoing treatment by GPs with specialist dermatology training.
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Structured treatment pathway — A clear programme of appointments with regular monitoring and support throughout.
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Safe prescribing — Full compliance with HPRA guidelines and the Pregnancy Prevention Programme where required.
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Ongoing support — We're here throughout your treatment — from your first appointment to your final follow-up.
Isotretinoin Prescribing Service
Isotretinoin is one of the most effective treatments available for acne. For many patients, it is genuinely life changing. We offer a complete, GP-led isotretinoin prescribing service at Griffith Avenue Practice, following all current safety guidelines.
Treatment typically lasts around six months and involves a programme of regular appointments. Your GP will monitor your progress, manage any side effects, and adjust your treatment as needed throughout.
Who is this service for? Isotretinoin is suitable for patients with severe acne, acne that is causing or risking scarring, acne that has not responded to other treatments, or acne that is significantly affecting wellbeing and quality of life.
How the treatment works
1. Screening appointment — Your GP will take a full history, assess your skin, discuss whether isotretinoin is right for you, and arrange any initial blood tests. You will receive written information to take away and read.
2. Baseline appointment — Around one to two weeks later, your GP will review your blood results, confirm consent, complete any required safety checks, and issue your first prescription.
3. Monthly follow-up appointments — You will be seen monthly throughout treatment. At each visit, your GP will check your skin and mood, review any side effects, and issue your next prescription. Women of childbearing potential will have a monthly pregnancy test as part of the Pregnancy Prevention Programme.
4. Final and post-treatment appointments — When your skin has been clear for at least four to eight weeks, your GP will begin to reduce and then stop your treatment. A post-treatment follow-up is scheduled four weeks after your final dose. Your skin will continue to improve for up to 12 months after stopping.
Common Questions
Do I need a referral from my GP to access this service?
No. As a registered patient at Griffith Avenue Practice, you can discuss your skin concerns at any routine appointment. Your GP will assess whether the Skin Specialist Clinic is appropriate for you.
If you are not a registered patient of Griffith Ave – please complete the enquiry form and a member of our team will contact, you.
How long does isotretinoin treatment last?
Treatment typically lasts around six months, although this varies from patient to patient. Your GP will advise you at each visit based on how your skin is responding.
Will I need blood tests?
Yes. Blood tests (liver function and fasting triglycerides) are done before you start treatment and at key points during the first few months. They are not required at every monthly visit once your results are stable.
I'm female — do I have to use contraception?
Isotretinoin cannot be taken during pregnancy, as it can cause serious harm to an unborn baby. If you are a woman of childbearing potential, you will be enrolled in a Pregnancy Prevention Programme. Your GP will discuss contraception options with you and support you in finding an approach that suits your circumstances.
Will my mood be affected?
Mood and mental health are monitored carefully throughout treatment. Many patients actually find their mood improves as their skin clears. However, we take any reported changes in mood very seriously and ask you to contact us straight away if you have any concerns. We use a standard questionnaire at each visit to help with this monitoring.
Is there a fee for the Skin Specialist Clinic?
Appointment fees apply. Please contact us at reception for current information about fees for skin clinic consultations and follow-up appointments.
This content of this page (and links to other sites) is for general information purposes only and does not substitute medical advice. While we endeavour to keep this website up-to-date, errors may occur. We advise all patients to discuss their health concerns with their GP. If you would like to suggest amendments or highlight new information that could be useful to others please don’t hesitate to get in touch.