When to See a Dermatologist for Acne

Acne is the most common skin condition in the United States, affecting all ages, genders and ethnicities. But just because it’s common, doesn’t mean you have to live with it. “Once you’ve exhausted trial-and-error treatments with over-the-counter products, consider turning to a dermatologist who can help you understand the cause of your acne and offer a comprehensive approach to treating it so it recedes or even disappears for good,” advises Kendra Joseph, PA-C, at Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York City.

If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Should I go to a dermatologist for my acne?,” the following information will help you make a decision.

Understanding Acne

People battle acne in all stages of life and for many reasons, including hormones, genetics, clogged pores, stress, food choices and even smoking, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.

There are several types of acne, from mild to severe. Mild non-inflammatory types include blackheads and whiteheads. Acne is considered severe if there are nodules, cysts or scars. Cysts and nodules are large, painful and penetrate deep into the skin. A dermatologist can assess your acne and create a treatment plan tailored to your condition.

When to See a Dermatologist for Acne

When acne is mild, there are numerous over-the-counter products that can help you manage breakouts. But acne can be persistent and unpredictable. You should see a dermatologist for acne to pinpoint the cause(s). Joseph adds, “Handling acne with a trained medical skin expert typically yields significant improvement or even clearance in comparison to handling it at home.”

Here are some guidelines to help you know when to see a dermatologist for acne:

• Over-the-Counter Treatments Aren’t Working

  A common misstep when battling acne is mixing and matching over-the-counter products without knowing the consequences. “If your acne is mild in severity and you have tried and failed over-the-counter treatment options, you should consider booking an appointment at a dermatologist’s office for a formal evaluation,” advises Joseph. A dermatologist may suggest a combination of in-office treatments and at-home care to resolve your acne in a much better way, according to Acne Mistakes You Might Be Making.

  If you’re not seeing results with over-the-counter products or your acne keeps popping up and never fully resolving, a dermatologist will look at your acne holistically while assessing which treatments — or combination of — will be most effective for you.

• Persistent or Severe Acne

  Nodular and cystic acne are the most severe types of acne that can cause permanent scarring; not even cortisone injections can handle these varieties alone. When dealing with moderate to severe acne with deep painful cysts, textural scarring or lots of rough bumps, seeing a dermatologist right away is recommended as they can offer relief quickly and help prevent scarring. A multi-faceted treatment approach crafted by a dermatologist includes chemical peels, PDT, laser and blue light and prescription medications to combat a chronic acne condition.

• Infection or Other Health Complications

  As tempting as it is, don’t pop, squeeze or pick at your pimples. An infected pimple happens when bacteria enter your skin. They’re painful and cause redness and swelling. Warm compresses and acne-fighting creams help manage mild infections at home, but if the infection doesn’t clear up, you need antibiotics. If your breakouts have left scars, there are numerous advanced treatments to reduce and even remove their appearance.

• Self-Confidence Issues

  Acne, no matter your age, can impact your quality of life and have psychological, social and emotional effects. Dr. Michele J. Farber of Schweiger Dermatology Group in New York City acknowledges that “acne can have a meaningful impact on health that goes beyond skin deep.” Research in the British Journal of Dermatology shows that effectively treating acne results in clear skin and has the potential to improve confidence, morale and well-being. When visiting a dermatologist for acne, be sure to share the mental as well as physical impacts of your condition.

What Will a Dermatologist Do for Acne?

Asking “what will a dermatologist do for acne” is normal. The bottom line is your provider will partner with you to clear up your breakouts and keep an eye on other complications that can occur.

“Dermatology providers are trained to treat acne with specific protocols based on the level of severity, extensive clinical studies and clinical experience,” says Joseph. “They will also have tips on how to avoid side effects and reactions from products that could potentially worsen acne or cause other complications like hyperpigmentation.” Instead of trial-and-error efforts at home, partnering with a dermatologist can help clear your skin and provide support that you need to achieve your desired results, she says.

How Often Should You See a Dermatologist for Acne?

Once your dermatologist helps clear up your existing acne, they will focus on stopping new breakouts and create a daily skincare routine for you to follow. The type of acne you have, the treatments you use to control it and how consistent you are with your skincare routine will determine the frequency of your future visits. So, when people ask how often should you see a dermatologist for acne, the answer is time will tell. As your acne outbreaks become less frequent, your dermatology provider may recommend regular medical facials to keep your skin as clean and healthy as possible between appointments.

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Visit an Acne Dermatology Specialist at Schweiger Dermatology Group

Consult with one of our skilled dermatology providers, who will assess your skin, determine the type of acne you have, address lifestyle issues and determine the appropriate treatment plan to reach your goals. They will find the right procedures to help you get clear, smooth skin. Schedule an appointment today.