Ever since I moved to Spain, maybe due to stress or not adjusting to the new environment, my face has been breaking out non-stop. It’s been one pimple after another, and recently it started getting really bad. I couldn’t take it anymore and decided to see a doctor. I’m sharing my experience to hopefully help others who are also struggling with acne.
Step 1: Booking an Appointment with a Family Doctor
In Spain, you generally can’t book an appointment directly with a specialist unless it’s an emergency; you must first go through your family doctor (GP). I booked my appointment with a GP in the public healthcare system, which was super convenient as I could just pick a time on my local health center’s app. When I met the doctor, I explained my situation clearly: I’ve had acne for a long time, I’ve tried many skincare products without success, and my condition is getting worse. I’d like a referral to a dermatologist. The doctor took a look at my face, asked a few questions, and readily gave me the referral. He did warn me that the waiting time for a dermatologist could be quite long, so I should be prepared.
Step 2: Waiting for the Specialist’s Call
After the GP issued the referral, all I had to do was wait. About three weeks later, I received a call from an unknown number. The caller identified themselves as being from the hospital’s dermatology department. After confirming my personal details, they gave me an appointment for two weeks later. A word of advice: always answer calls from unknown numbers
! You might miss your appointment otherwise, and if you do, you’ll have to go back to the end of the waiting list.
Common Acne Medications Prescribed by Public Hospitals
I finally got to see the dermatologist! She was very professional, thoroughly examining my skin and asking about my lifestyle and the products I’ve used. She prescribed two types of medication for me: a topical cream and an oral medication. Spain has strict regulations for prescription drugs, and when it comes to acne treatment in Spain
, the doctor will determine a treatment plan based on the severity of your condition. Here are a few common medications I learned about:
| Medication Type | Common Ingredients/Names | Function | Precautions |
|---|
| Topical Antibiotics | Clindamycin, Erythromycin | Kills P. acnes bacteria, reduces inflammation | May lead to antibiotic resistance |
| Topical Retinoids | Tretinoin, Adapalene | Regulates skin cell turnover, unclogs pores | Do not use during the day Requires strict sun protection, may cause initial purging |
| Oral Antibiotics | Doxycycline, Minocycline | Systemic anti-inflammatory, controls infection | Not for long-term use, follow doctor’s orders |
| Oral Isotretinoin | Isotretinoin | Powerful oil control, inhibits sebaceous glands | Significant side effects, requires regular blood tests and strict contraception for women |
Step 3: Going to the Pharmacy to Get the Medication
With the electronic prescription from the doctor, you can go to any pharmacy (farmacia) to pick up your medication. Just give your public health card to the pharmacist, and they can access the prescription details. Medications under the public healthcare system are subsidized. I got two types of medication and only had to pay around €10 in total, which was incredibly cheap! I’ve been using the medication for almost a month now, and my skin has improved a lot. While I still have some acne marks, at least I’m not getting any new, large pimples. I hope my experience can help you all. Good luck in your battle against acne!
