The South West’s premier independent dermatology & skin clinic
Benzoyl peroxide is a common acne-fighting ingredient available by prescription and over the counter, which has the potential to break down into benzene. In March 2024, a petition was filed with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This petition expresses concerns that benzene, a cancer-causing substance, may be found in acne products containing benzoyl peroxide when these products are exposed to higher temperatures.
No petition has currently been raised in the UK or EU as of March 2024, but this position may change.
Most consumers do not store personal care products in the conditions in which Valisure tested the products. More information is needed to know if/how benzoyl peroxide may degrade into benzene at room temperature. Benzoyl peroxide has been a key acne-fighting ingredient used for many years. While there are no direct alternatives to benzoyl peroxide, your dermatologist can help you find other options if you are uncomfortable using benzoyl peroxide in your acne regimen as we learn more.
Other over the counter or prescription only treatment options include topical adapalene, salicylic acid, or azelaic acid.
What is benzene — and what makes it a human carcinogen?
Benzene is a colourless, highly flammable chemical that is used widely to make products, including drugs, detergents, dyes, plastics and lubricants. It is also found naturally in car fuel and cigarette smoke. Benzene can cause cells not to work correctly, and the seriousness depends on the amount, route, and length of time of exposure, as well as the age and pre-existing medical condition of the exposed person.
Benzoyl peroxide is a common active ingredient in acne-fighting personal care products and some prescription items. Benzene is not intended to be included in these products. In some personal care products contaminated with benzene, benzene is introduced during manufacturing. In the case of products with benzoyl peroxide as an active ingredient, the benzoyl peroxide can break down, which introduces benzene into the product.
What products were found to contain benzene?
Valisure’s research was performed on dozens of over-the counter benzoyl peroxide products. However, little information is provided about which products had benzene detected at baseline (and how much).
How can patients continue treating their acne while avoiding this contaminant?
There are many ingredients that help fight and prevent acne. If your current treatment plan includes benzoyl peroxide and you would like to avoid this ingredient, consult your Dermatologist or GP for alternate options.
How should I care for my skin if I have acne?
We recommend the following to care for your skin during acne treatment:
What else should I consider?
If you are concerned about ingredients in your acne skin care and medications, talk to a registered Consultant Dermatologist to develop an acne treatment plan that works for you.
Dr Tony Downs is a member of the British Association of Dermatologists, European Academy of Dermatology (EADV) and the American Academy of Dermatology and a consultant Dermatologist on the UK specialist register.
Dr Chris Bower is a member of the British Association of Dermatologists, the European Academy of Dermatology (EADV) and a consultant Dermatologist on the UK specialist register
How does Ilumetri work?
Ilumetri works by blocking IL-23, a protein that is involved in the inflammation that causes psoriasis. When IL-23 is blocked, it helps to reduce the inflammation and redness of the skin that is caused by psoriasis.
How is Ilumetri taken?
Ilumetri is given as a subcutaneous injection (under the skin) once every 12 weeks. It is important to follow your doctor's instructions carefully when using Ilumetri.
What are the side effects of Ilumetri?
Ilumetri can cause some side effects, including:
If you experience any of these side effects, tell your doctor right away.
Is Ilumetri safe for me?
Ilumetri is not safe for everyone. You should not use Ilumetri if you have any of the following:
If you are not sure if Ilumetri is safe for you, talk to Dr. Anthony Downs, Consultant Dermatologist..
What are the risks of using Ilumetri?
Side-effects are rare especially compared to other types of biologics.
If you are concerned about the risks of using Ilumetri, talk to Dr. Anthony Downs, Consultant Dermatologist.
Important Safety Information
Ilumetri (tildrakizumab) is a prescription medicine used to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adults. It is a biologic medicine that works by blocking a protein called interleukin-23 (IL-23). IL-23 is involved in the inflammation that causes psoriasis.
Ilumetri is given as a subcutaneous injection (under the skin) once every 12 weeks. It is important to follow your doctor's instructions carefully when using Ilumetri.
What should I do if I have questions about Ilumetri?
If you are considering using Taltz to treat psoriasis get in touch with us today.
| Medication | How it works | How it is given | Speed of action | Unsuitable patients | Common side-effects | Pre-treatment tests | Cost per month after loading doses* |
| Ilumetri® | IL-23 inhibitor | 100 or 200mg with self-injector. Second loading dose after 4 weeks then every 12 weeks | Within 28 weeks | Pregnancy or breast feeding, active TB, avoid live vaccines | none | Blood tests and chest Xray | £720 |
*Approximate 2023 prices. Includes cold chain home delivery. Excludes initial and expected on-going face-to face or video consultation fees and any blood tests or additional investigations required. Please note routine monitoring blood tests are not required for this medication.
If you feel this is the type of medication for you, then book in a consultation with Dr Anthony Downs. For patients outside the south west area Dr Downs is able to offer remote video consultations.
Please note your private medical insurance may not cover costs of medication or ongoing consultations for chronic medical conditions.
Dr. Anthony Downs has over 20 years experience in prescribing biologics for patients with moderate to severe psoriasis. He has contributed to global clinical trials that have led to these medicines being licenced and continues to be active in clinical research in this field of medicine.
There is no cure for psoriasis, but there are a number of treatments that can help to control the symptoms. There are many different treatments for psoriasis, including topical creams, light therapy, and oral medications. In some cases, biologics may be used to treat psoriasis. South West Dermatology can offer biological treatment for psoriasis with Dr. Anthony Downs having over 20 years experience in prescribing biologics for patients with moderate to severe psoriasis.
What are biologics?
Biologics are a type of medication that is made from living organisms. Biologics work by targeting specific proteins in the immune system that are involved in the development of psoriasis.
There are many different types of biologics available, and they work in different ways. Some biologics block the production of certain proteins that are involved in inflammation, while others target specific immune cells.
How do biologics work?
Biologics are made from living organisms, such as bacteria or immortal cell lines. They are designed to target specific proteins in the immune system that are involved in the development of psoriasis. By blocking these proteins, biologics can help to reduce inflammation and clear up the skin.
How are biologics used to treat psoriasis?
Biologics are usually given by injection or infusion. The frequency of injections or infusions will vary depending on the type of biologic that you are taking. They can be used alone or in combination with other treatments. Some people see a significant improvement in their psoriasis within a few weeks of starting treatment, while others may not see any improvement.
What are the benefits of biologics?
Biologics can be very effective in treating moderate to severe psoriasis and tend to have fewer side effects than other types of psoriasis treatments. The effectiveness of biologics varies from person to person.
What are the side effects of biologics?
Biologics can be a very effective treatment for psoriasis, but they are not without risks.
Biologics can increase the risk of certain infections, such as tuberculosis and pneumonia. They can also increase the risk of some types of cancer, such as lymphoma.
Are biologics the right psoriasis treatment right for me?
Consultant Dermatologist Dr. Anthony Downs can help you decide if biologic therapy is right for you and look at your own risks and the potential benefits of biologics before starting any treatment. For patients outside the south west area Dr. Downs is able to offer remote video consultations.
What are the costs of biologics?
Biologics can be very expensive. The cost of biologics will vary depending on the type of biologic that you are taking and your insurance coverage you have.
How does Taltz work?
Taltz is a biologic medication, which means it is made from living cells. It is a monoclonal antibody that targets IL-17A, a protein that plays a role in the inflammation that causes psoriasis. By blocking IL-17A, Taltz helps to reduce inflammation and clear up psoriasis plaques.
How is Taltz taken?
Taltz is given as a subcutaneous injection. You can give yourself the injection at home after you have been trained by your doctor or nurse. The injection is given once every 4 weeks.
What are the side effects of Taltz?
Taltz can cause some side effects, including:
Is Taltz safe?
Taltz is generally safe, but it is important to talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of treatment before you start taking it. Taltz can increase your risk of serious infections, including tuberculosis and infections caused by bacteria, viruses, and fungi. It is important to tell your doctor if you have any history of infections before you start taking Taltz.
Is Taltz effective?
Taltz is a very effective treatment for psoriasis. In clinical trials, up to 90% of patients who took Taltz saw a significant improvement in their psoriasis plaques at 12 weeks. Four out of 10 patients achieved completely clear skin at 12 weeks.
If you are considering using Taltz to treat psoriasis get in touch with us today.
| Medication | How it works | How it is given | Speed of action | Unsuitable patients | Common side-effects | Pre-treatment tests | Cost per month after loading doses* |
| Taltz® | IL-17 inhibitor | 80mg monthly with self-injector. 160mg loading dose | Within 12 weeks | Inflammatory bowel disease, pregnancy or breast feeding, active TB, avoid live vaccines | Candida and fungal infections. Allergic reactions | Blood tests and chest Xray | £780 |
*Approximate 2023 prices. Includes cold chain home delivery. Excludes initial and expected on-going face-to face or video consultation fees and any blood tests or additional investigations required. Please note routine monitoring blood tests are not required for this medication.
If you feel this is the type of medication for you, then book in a consultation with Dr Anthony Downs. For patients outside the south west area Dr Downs is able to offer remote video consultations.
Please note your private medical insurance may not cover costs of medication or ongoing consultations for chronic medical conditions.
Dr. Anthony Downs has over 20 years experience in prescribing biologics for patients with moderate to severe psoriasis. He has contributed to global clinical trials that have led to these medicines being licenced and continues to be active in clinical research in this field of medicine.
There are many different treatments for psoriasis, including topical creams, light therapy, and oral medications. For some people, these treatments are not effective enough or they cause unwanted side effects. In these cases, biologics may be a good option.
Biologics are a type of medication that works by targeting the immune system. They are typically used to treat moderate to severe psoriasis. Biologics can be very effective in clearing up psoriasis, and they often have fewer side effects than other treatments.
Here are five reasons to consider switching to biologics for psoriasis:
If you are considering switching to biological treatment for psoriasis, talk to Dr. Anthony Downs. Dr. Downs can help you decide if biologics are right for you and make the best decision for your individual needs.
Here are some additional things to consider when deciding whether or not to switch to biologics for psoriasis:
If you have any questions or concerns about biologics, get in touch with us today.
If you feel this is the type of medication for you, then book in a consultation with Dr Anthony Downs. For patients outside the south west area Dr Downs is able to offer remote video consultations
Dr. Anthony Downs has over 20 years experience in prescribing biologics for patients with moderate to severe psoriasis. He has contributed to global clinical trials that have led to these medicines being licenced and continues to be active in clinical research in this field of medicine.
Over 100 people were seen throughout the morning raising money for the Honiton Lions charity that supports many local ventures in and around Honiton and East Devon.
A number of probable melanomas and non-melanoma skin cancers were identified at this event and these will proceed to hospital NHS surgery through their local GPs.
Melanoma is the 7th commonest cancer and Devon and Cornwall has four times the national average.
A big thank you to everyone involved and to all those who attended to support this worthwhile event.
If you have any concerns about your skin or a suspicious mole please get it checked by a medical professional. Look out for a mole which changes progressively in shape, size and/or colour. You can check your moles by learning the ABCDE of moles. This covers a range of features that can help you spot if a mole is becoming cancerous.
Dr. Anthony Downs runs a mole check clinic or you can upload a photo using our online form to get an initial evaluation.
The Spring European Academy of DermatoVenereology (EADV) 2022 was held in Ljubljana, Slovenia 12th to 14th May this year face to face, after two years of virtual conferences.
Dr Downs and Dr Bower were able to attend alongside a small group of other British Dermatologists in this important medical industry event.
European Academy of DermatoVenereology draws mostly from Europe and is the key driver of Dermatology education and research for European Dermatologists.
There were a variety of dermatology lectures and tutorials to attend and Dr Downs found the lasers, skin surgery and skin cancer recognition sessions particularly useful.
These events offer important continuous professional development for our skin experts and help Consultant Dermatologist to stay on top of innovation, evolving technology and medical industry developments.
Attendance helps to re-assure that South West Dermatology's clinical practice is consistent with the very best available patient care and is very often the most useful aspect of attending these meetings.
For the last two years this event has been hosted online, but this year saw the welcome return of the face-to-face meeting which Dr Anthony Downs, Consultant Dermatologist attended late November in London.
This meeting provides a resource to discuss recent therapeutic advances that impact current clinical Dermatology practice.
Topics this year included acne, leg ulcers, scars, lupus and JAK inhibitors.
Patients expect their doctors to be up-to-date, but this does not always mean recommending a treatment just because it is new. Gathering opinions from other expert colleagues in meetings such as these help our skin specialist decide what is reliable, effective, safe and appropriate for my patients.
These events offer important continuous professional development for our skin experts and help Consultant Dermatologist to stay on top of innovation, evolving technology and medical industry developments.
This event was the first time dermatologist and healthcare professionals have been able to meet as a professional body for almost two years.
The event included lectures on clinical updates and advances in dermatology care, alongside informative lectures and discussions on mental health and the well being of both the doctor and patient.
'How to work smarter and not harder', given the overwhelming demand for our services, was a talk that was particularly well received by the audience.
Both Dr. Anthony Downs & Dr. Christopher Bower came away with some useful tips that should help with some of our more challenging patients.
We do hope the pandemic will not cut these important industry meetings that are essential for clinical professional development.
Since 2007 Dr. Anthony Downs and Dr. Christopher Bower have co-hosted delivered a national intense training course to training grade Dermatologists in order to help them pass the SCE exam.
After medical school it takes at least 8 years to become a Consultant Dermatologist. Often longer.
The SCE is a rather tough exam that has to be passed in order to progress. Coronavirus has meant that last year and this year the course has been transferred to online interactive sessions.
This dermatology training course is always heavily over-subscribed and very popular with the 'juniors' because of the quality of teaching and the focus we can provide directed at passing the exam.
The course ended the end of July 2021 and we wish all the delegates that attended the very best of luck in their exam later this year.
Dr. Downs & Dr. Bower are looking forward to passing on their dermatology knowledge and offering further CPD, useful advice and guidance for future Dermatologist and medical professional at the next event.
Dr. Anthony Downs, Consultant Dermatologist delivered a very well attended virtual lecture on acne and acne scarring on Tuesday 27 July to GPs in the South West area.
NICE acne and acne scarring national guidelines were updated last month with additional attention and recommendations on the need to provide psychological support and acne scarring advice to patients with this medical disease.
Acne can have serious and persistent mental effects that can remain for many years and well after the acne has abated naturally or with treatment. Very few patients have access to laser treatment in the UK to treat acne scarring regardless of this recommendation in the NICE guidelines.
This evening these issues were debated as well mapping out current best clinical practice and what new emerging treatments may be available on prescription.
On 21 January 2021 Dr. Tony Downs, Consultant Dermatologist was a conference speaker at the national Dermatologists virtual meeting hosted by the Royal Society of Medicine.
Dr. Downs presented on 'Inflammoscopy: no rash or hairy decisions' to a well attended meeting with an audience of over 250 delegates. He presented to fellow consultant colleagues about improving their diagnostic skills enabling them to further their CPD with accreditation.
Other topics discussed at the event were:
The The Royal Society of Medicine (RSM) provides learning and support using expert speakers and global thought leaders providing essential medical insight. The RSM is a membership organisation with over 22,000 members in the UK and internationally. It aims to bringing together doctors and healthcare professionals across specialties, with a vision to be a driving force in advancing health and patient care through education and innovation.
A clinical study by Dr Anthony MR Downs, DMC Healthcare Ltd & Dr Ian H Coulson Burnley General Teaching Hospital
YouTube® is the most popular internet-based search engine with a large body of educational Dermatology content. This information platform is more concerned with freedom of content rather than accuracy any of the scientific material.
In addition, unfiltered comments on YouTube® videos can be equally favourable or spiteful. Comments and videos can be deliberately misleading, designed for financial gain or champion bizarre alternative health beliefs.
Despite the unpredictability of YouTube® content it presents an opportunity to provide patients with additional information about their disease and treatment. That should improve adherence and facilitate informed consent.
Patients referred to our service with acne unresponsive to primary care treatment were sent a YouTube® link to www.youtube.com/watch?v=tlbZzqtgBvE.
At initial consultation, those patients that had viewed the video (irrespective whether isotretinoin was prescribed) and the clinician were asked to provide feedback on the video and the consultation.
A sample of 50 patients were reviewed. Age range 13 to 49 (mean of 21) of which 35 were female. Clinicians felt that the consultations were shorter (90%) and easier (90%). Isotretinoin was clinically indicated and started in 90% of patients. Only 5% of consultations took longer than normal.
Some patients felt an isotretinoin written information leaflet as well as the video were not necessary (40%) and face-to-face consultations completely necessary (100%). Of those that chose to be treated with isotretinoin, 95% confirmed the video helped in their decision and helped their consultation experience. Only one patient with a pre-existing anxiety state was worried by the video content.
This video offers an opportunity to offer an alternative information format to compliment the traditional consultation and written information. It shows photographs of treatment responses and side-effects that other written formats, do not.
We believe it helps prepare patients for the consultation by providing them with knowledge that allows for a faster and more constructive dialogue with the clinician.
The British Association of Dermatologist 100th annual meeting was launched as a virtual conference on 1st September.
Dr. Anthony Downs & Dr. Christopher Bower both recorded lectures for this yearly meeting with online attendees both from the UK and worldwide.
The meetings enable dermatologist to share practical tips on managing patients and learn about break through treatments and research. The virtual platform lacked the human element that allows for challenge and debate, but it keeps the momentum of continuous professional development that is so important for all healthcare professional who work in the field of dermatology.
Dr. Anthony Downs & Dr. Christopher Bower also co-hosted the SCE Dermatology Registrars Meeting as a live webinar conference in August. The event was sponsored by Jansen-Cilag and badged by the British Association of Dermatologists.
A lot of organisation and technical planning went into hosting this on-line webinar, driven by the current pandemic circumstance, but the meeting was well attended and went smoothly.
The meeting helps dermatology trainees pass their exam on the way to becoming dermatology consultants.
Dr. Downs & Dr. Bower have run this revision course for 10 years and it is extremely well regarded quality event and always over-subscribed.
Running these type of events, both on location and/or online, ensure our dermatologist keep up-to-date and one step ahead of the Royal College of Physicians who set the challenging and difficult exam each year.
Updated: Wednesday 7 April 2021
Urgent cases suspicious of skin cancer can be seen at The Medical Eye Centre in Marsh Barton or Exeter Medical at Admiral House. Both healthcare locations offer a protected environment and adhere to all social distancing regulations and procedures.
In the first instance please contact Dr. Downs' PA, Ros on 07838 293968 to arrange your appointment and on-going treatment.
Dr. Tony Downs is able to see and treat patients with dermatology condition at The Medical Eye Centre in Marsh Barton or Exeter Medical at Admiral House. Both healthcare locations offer a protected environment and adhere to all social distancing regulations and procedures.
In the first instance please contact Dr. Downs' PA Ros on 07838 293968 to arrange your appointment and on-going treatment.
For less urgent cases, those who continue to shield at home and general dermatological related conditions Dr. Downs will continue to offer remote video consultations and teledermatology consultations for as long as required or requested by patients.
Patients can also use our online form to upload photos of their condition for assessment by Dr. Downs from the comfort of their own home.
Patients with severe and distressful skin rashes or lumps or blemishes that might be serious skin cancers can still be seen and treated at Exeter Medical in a protected environment during the coronavirus pandemic.
In the first instance please call Ros on 07838 293968 and she will discuss your available options in consultation with Dr Downs.
If your condition is potentially serious then we will ask you to send photos via our online form and Dr Downs will assess these for further investigation.
Dr Downs is then able to engage with the patient by video consultation, or in serious cases, arrange a face to face consultation following all current medical guidelines at our out-patient facility at Exeter Medical to begin urgent treatment of your dermatological skin condition.
Dr Tony Downs offers advice for patients with dermatological conditions in relation to the Covid-19 Pandemic.
In Dermatology, this would be:
Azathioprine, ciclosporin, methotrexate, mycophenolate, fumaric acid esters, apremalist and biologic agents for psoriasis or hidradenitis (but not for eczema).
New or existing patients should be aware and consider stopping/suspending or deferring treatment to a later date, with the understanding that their skin condition will most likely deteriorate.
Dr Downs is able to see patients remotely via a private phone/video consultation during this pandemic.
The cheque was presented at Coleridge Medical Centre. We raised £1750 in association with the British Lions for the Mole Check day carried out by Dr. Tony Downs, consultant Dermatologist and Dr. Nigel de Souza, senior GP.
If you have any concerns about your skin or a suspicious mole please get it checked by a medical professional. Look out for a mole which changes progressively in shape, size and/or colour.
You can check your moles by learning the ABCDE of moles. This covers a range of features that can help you spot if a mole is becoming cancerous.
Dr. Anthony Downs runs a mole check clinic or you can upload a photo using our online form to get an initial evaluation.
South West Dermatology is please to report that one of our skincare and dermatology consulting locations has been inspected by the CQC as an overall outstanding facility and a great place to see and treat patients.
Well done to the whole team at Exeter Medical for continuing to uphold the professionalism and provide the outstanding service their patients have come to expect since their launch back in 2006.
You can view the full report here
This national BAD meeting brings together dermatology consultants, trainees and allied healthcare professionals.
Monday offered a pre-conference sessions specifically for trainees and staff and associate special doctors, but was open to all.
The main three-day meeting was on Tuesday to Thursday and offered a mixture of Plenary Sessions, Keynote Lecturers, Special Interest Group Sessions, Hot Topics and Interactive Sessions.
Dr. Downs added:
"The BAD annual conference is a useful CPD event for both existing and future dermatology medical professionals to ensure we keep up to date with medical dermatology developments both in day to day clinical practice and for future technological developments.
It was also a good opportunity to meet peers and discuss clinical and service issues in a very sunny Liverpool on the Albert Docks."
Dr. Tony Downs, Consultant Dermatologist
Dr. Tony Downs and Dr. Chris Bower organised and hosted their 10th annual national dermatology registrar training course in Birmingham on Sunday 9th June 2019.
The course is registered with the British Association of Dermatologist and is classed as a course of excellence for attending students.
We help the dermatology consultants of the future get through a key knowledge step in their training. Future UK dermatology consultants are required to pass a theory exam in dermatology during their specialist training in Dermatology.
“We feel privileged to be able to pass on our expertise and experience to doctors that will be our consultant colleagues in the near future”
Dr. Anthony Downs & Dr. Christopher Bower
2019 proves no different as our mole check event returns to Exeter Medical, Admiral House, Exeter Business Park on Saturday 1st June 2019 from 10:00am until 4:00pm.
If you have a particular mole you are worried about Dr Downs and our dermatology team will assess you on the day in exchange for a minimum donation of £10 to Cancer Research UK. Anyone needing to access treatment will quickly receive the necessary advice and support either from their GP or Exeter Medical.
Exeter Medical would like to build on the success of last year’s mole check whereby 174 members of the public were assessed and £2,340 raised to support the work carried out by Cancer Research UK.
