What Doctor To See For Acne

Oral Antibiotics For Acne

There are a lot of oral antibiotics out there. It is likely that your doctor will choose the best one for your situation. They all do very much the same job. This is to kill the bacteria living on your skin which your body is unable to fight.

Basically, oral antibiotics will give the body the tools that it needs to stave off infection. This will, ultimately, reduce the symptoms of acne that you are dealing with.

Pross:

• Perhaps the biggest benefit of this medication is that it will reduce the inflammation pretty quickly. By eliminating the infection on the skin, you will also be well on your way to preventing your acne.

Cons:

• You should not use antibiotics over a long period of time. This is because the bacteria will start to build up a resistance to it which will make it far less effective.

  In addition to this, antibiotics need to be taken at the same time each and every day. If you miss just one dose of your oral antibiotics, there is a good chance that they will stop working and you will be undoing all of that hard work.

When Should Mild Acne Be Treated By A Doctor

You might be able to treat some cases of mild acne at home.

Experts recommend gently washing your skin with soap, or using a topical cream or gel thats designed to treat acne.

If that doesn’t work, try talking to a pharmacist. They may be able to recommend a topical treatment that contains an ingredient like salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide.

These substances help to clear your acne by unblocking your pores, or killing some of the germs that cause spots to become red or inflamed on your skin.

But these treatments dont work for everyone. If youve been using one for 6 to 8 weeks and your acne still hasnt cleared up, it might be time to speak with a doctor instead.

You should also consider talking to a doctor if your acne is making you feel depressed, or stopping you from going to parties or other social events.

If you have mild to moderate acne and youre not sure whether you need to see a doctor, try asking yourself the following questions:

If you answer yes to 4 or more of these questions, it might be worth talking to your doctor.

Acne can be upsetting and it may cause you some discomfort but most cases are treatable.

When To See A Dermatologist

If a rash or other skin problem covers more than 10% of your body, consult a dermatologist immediately, especially if you have fever, joint aches, muscle pain, difficulty swallowing or you cant sleep.

Talk to a dermatologist for any ulcers that wont heal after a week or two, he says. These open sores can lead to serious infections.

Dont take the mild appearance of a new skin condition lightly, either. A skin problem is sometimes the first sign of a significant, systemic autoimmune disease, such as lupus. Diagnosing skin inflammation can also reveal inflammation in your organs, including the lungs, kidneys or liver.

Dermatologists can offer:

• Faster diagnosis: If you suspect a serious problem, but start with your primary care doctor, you may wait longer for a diagnosis. In serious cases, this increases the risk of more severe organ damage, potentially leading to acute respiratory distress syndrome or significant damage to your kidneys or liver. Even if a skin-related symptom is mild, you can have a pattern of rash that a dermatologist can recognize immediately that is worrisome.

• Scar prevention: Dermatologists will treat lupus, scalp conditions associated with hair loss and severe acne aggressively enough so that they dont lead to scarring.

As advanced as cosmetic procedures are, theres no definitive way to reverse scarring, says Dr. Fernandez. So, the longer the problem goes on, the more extensive permanent damage can become.

Also Check: How To Get Rid Of Stubborn Acne

Treatments That Dont Need A Prescription

If you have mild acne, your pharmacist can help you choose an acne wash or cleanser, a lotion or cream with ingredients such as benzoyl peroxide, azelaic acid or glycolic acid that can treat the condition. Use these products right across the area where there is acne, not just on the individual spots. For example, if you have acne on your neck, you should wash your whole neck with the product. If these treatments make your skin feel irritated or dry, try using them less often.

Other treatments can help with mild acne, such as light microdermabrasion, chemical peels and light diathermy. They may need to be repeated regularly and are not suitable for people with severe acne.

When To See A Dermatologist For Your Acne

Casey Gallagher, MD, is board-certified in dermatology. He is a clinical professor at the University of Colorado in Denver, and co-founder and practicing dermatologist at the Boulder Valley Center for Dermatology in Colorado.

Acne is a super common skin conditionabout 85% of us will have it at some point in our lives. And, with the abundance of over-the-counter acne treatment products available today, it’s easy to forget that acne is not just a cosmetic issue. It’s an actual medical condition that very often should be treated by a healthcare provider.

So, how do you know when to call a dermatologist about your acne? Here are 5 signs that it’s time.

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You Have Moderate To Severe Inflammatory Acne Nodules Or Cystic Breakouts

If your acne is moderate to severe, or very inflamed, skip the over-the-counter products altogether. They just aren’t strong enough to improve acne at this level, and you’ll waste precious time and money on products that won’t work for you.

Nodules and cysts are very severe forms of breakouts and should always be evaluated by a dermatologist. These deep blemishes can easily cause scarring, so they should be treated promptly.

How Do I Prevent Acne

If you have acne, there are ways to help prevent new spots appearing, and to help prevent acne scars from forming. If you have acne, there are ways to help prevent new spots from appearing and scars from forming.

The following will help prevent spots from becoming inflamed or causing scars:

• wash your face twice a day with mild soap-free wash, warm water and a soft face cloth
• use sun protection, such as a wide brimmed hat and sunscreen to protect your skin whenever you are in the sun
• remove your makeup before you go to bed
• shampoo your hair regularly, especially if it is oily and rests on your skin
• have a well-balanced, healthy diet and exercise regularly

Things to avoid include:

• smoking

Acne most commonly affects people aged between 15 and 24 years, and many people will notice fewer and less severe spots once they get to their mid-twenties. Some people, however, do not grow out of acne and they will need ongoing treatment.

Acne also affects people whose skin is naturally more oily. While you cannot change your age or skin type, it can be helpful to know there are ways to manage your acne and look after your skin.

Also Check: How Do I Get Rid Of Acne Scars

What Matters Most To You

Your personal feelings are just as important as the medical facts. Think about what matters most to you in this decision, and show how you feel about the following statements.

Reasons to see a doctor for acne

Reasons not to see a doctor for acne

I need help to treat my acne.

I want to treat my acne on my own.

Welcome To The Acne Clinic Of Toronto Acne Toronto

Toronto Acne Clinic understands that acne is not just a skin condition but a major impediment to the ability of our patients to live their lives on their own terms. For many, especially those dealing with severe or persistent cases, acne can cause embarrassment and self-consciousness. Some of those dealing with it even avoid social situations because of it. As such, Toronto Acne Team takes their work as a leading acne doctor in Toronto very seriously, as they know that eliminating acne can not only make skin healthier but also empower those suffering with it.

When you have your first consultation with Toronto Acne, They will provide you with a thorough examination and provide you with more information about acne and how to get rid of it. In short, though, the condition is the result of pores in the skin becoming clogged. This is typically a result of the skin not shedding properly and/or an acceleration of the production of skin cells. The direct results of these factors are whiteheads, blackheads, and cysts. When those three things become irritated, acne forms.

Torontos Acne Clinic

About Toronto Acne Clinics

Toronto Acne Clinic has more than 30 years of experience treating acne. Over that time, they have become an expert on medical aesthetics, acne treatment, and dermatology. In their three-plus decades of serving patients dealing with acne, Toronto Acne has treated many different skin conditions, each of which has its own unique challenges.

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What To Do About Scarring

Acne scarring mostly affects people who have severe acne. Bursting cysts and nodules can significantly damage your skin and create scar tissue.

Picking or squeezing pimples and blackheads can also result in scarring, though the resulting damage often disappears with time.

Dermatologists will happily treat any scarring. The three main options are:

• Short bursts of light act to you guessed it remove the top layer of your skin. This method is particularly useful in treating stubborn acne scars.

Tretinoin For Treating Acne

Tretinoin is a topical retinoid. Nobody actually knows how retinoids actually have a benefit on the skin. All we know is that they are brilliant at ensuring a healthy skin cell turnover.

We also know that they are even better at ensuring that dry and dead skin cells actually remove themselves from the skin properly. This stops them from blocking up the pores which, ultimately, will stop the acne from getting any worse.

Pross:

• This is an effective treatment. It is a topical treatment so it gets to work on the skin pretty fast. Not only will the tretinoin stop the pimples that have already developed from developing even further, it will stop new ones developing completely. This treatment will work for the vast majority of people.

Cons:

• During the first month of using this treatment, it is likely that you will suffer from some mild skin irritation. Whilst long-term side-effects are rare, if you are dealing with very painful skin irritation and itching, you may want to get in touch with your doctor as soon as possible who will be able to help ensure that your reaction to the tretinoin is not abnormal.

Recommended Reading: What Is My Acne Telling Me

Reasons For Adult Acne

Yes, adults get acne. Some adults continue to get acne well into their 30s, 40s, and even 50s. It is even possible to get acne for the first time as an adult. Dermatologists call this adult-onset acne. It is most common among women going through menopause.

Women tend to get adult acne more often than men do. If youre getting acne as an adult, it is likely due to one or more of the following reasons.

Fluctuating hormone levels: An imbalance can lead to breakouts.

Women often experience fluctuating hormones:

• Around their periods

• During pregnancy, peri-menopause, and menopause

• After discontinuing birth control pills

Stress: Researchers have found a relationship between stress and acne flare-ups. In response to stress, our bodies produce more androgens . These hormones stimulate the oil glands and hair follicles in the skin, which can lead to acne. This explains why acne can be an ongoing problem when we find ourselves under constant stress.

Family history: Does a close blood relative, such as a parent, brother, or sister have acne? Findings from research studies suggest that some people may have a genetic predisposition for acne. People who have this predisposition be more likely to get adult acne.

Hair and skin care products: If you have adult acne, you should read the labels on your skin care and hair care products. Make sure that you see one of the following terms on every container:

• Non-comedogenic

• Oil-free

• Wont clog pores

The Acne Is Leaving Scars

Are acne blemishes leaving scars or pits on your teen’s skin? Get your kid to a dermatologist ASAP. Those teen acne breakouts won’t last forever but acne scars will. Scars are much harder to treat than acne, too.

While severe, inflammatory acne is more likely to cause scarring. And even mild blemishes can leave scarssome people are just more prone to developing acne scars than others.

Read Also: How To Clear Butt Acne

When To Seek Help From Your Gp

It can be hard knowing at which point to seek medical help for acne treatment. With problem skin being so common, you can be forgiven for taking an Ill just deal with it like everyone else approach.

However, you may need to see a doctor if:

• Your acne isnt getting better after regular cleansing and using over the counter treatments.
• Pimples are unusually large, painful and full of pus.
• Your mental health is suffering.
• You suspect medications and treatments for other conditions are causing breakouts.
• One or both of your parents have severe acne or scarring.

You know yourself better than anyone else, so be guided by your gut as to when to seek help.

Ask How Treatment May Affect Your Life

It’s important to understand how acne treatment may affect your day-to-day lifestyle. For example, will you have to limit your sun exposure? Certain acne drugs require that you do.Questions you might want to ask include:

• How often do I have to use the acne medication?
• What are the medicine’s possible side effects?
• Are there alternative products to treat acne?
• Should I change my skin care routine?
• Do I have to stay out of the sun?
• Should I change the cleansers and skin care products that I use?
• Should I change the type of makeup I use?
• Can I do anything to keep from getting acne scars?

Recommended Reading: How Long Does It Take For Acne To Clear Up

Are The Pimples Sore Or Do They Leave You With Scars

Cystic acne and nodules, which are painful, under-the-skin masses, are some of the toughest types of acne to treat, especially without the help of a dermatologist.

âIf you suffer with more serious forms of acne like cystic acne, over-the-counter treatments will never be enough, and waiting is just delaying the inevitable trip to the dermatologist,â says Derick.

Try to avoid the urge to pick or pop nodules or cystic acne, as this can lead to severe scarring and even permanent skin damage. To reduce inflammation and boost the healing process, your dermatologist may administer a corticosteroid injection directly into the lesions. Then, the doctor will prescribe a regimen appropriate for your skin type, the severity of your acne, and the progression of your scarring.

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Treatments That Need A Prescription From Your Doctor

For more severe acne, or when other treatments havent worked, your doctor may recommend a medicine to apply that you apply to your skin. This could be together with or instead of the creams and lotions available from the pharmacy.

Your doctor may prescribe antibiotic creams to reduce the infection and inflammation in pimples or nodules, or retinoids to help remove the whiteheads and blackheads. Both of these can make your skin feel irritated or dry as a side effect. If severe skin irritation occurs, stop using these products and see your doctor.

If your acne does not improve after using these creams, your doctor may recommend oral medicines . These include:

• antibiotics such as doxycycline or minocycline to treat the bacteria
• anti-androgen medicines such as spironolactone or cyproterone, which blocks the hormone testosterone so less oil is produced in your pores
• contraceptive pills that contain oestrogen and progestogen to help control acne, and which are appropriate for some women
• oral isotretinoin which can help treat severe acne

Some natural products, such as tea tree oil, colloidal oatmeal, green tea extract, alpha hydroxy acid and azelaic acid, can also help acne. However, they can also irritate your skin or interfere with other medicines you might be taking. Discuss natural acne treatments with your doctor or pharmacist before using them.

Also Check: How To Find Out What’s Causing My Acne

Which Doctor Should You See

You can start with your pediatrician or the family doctor. Or you could go right to a dermatologist.

The doctor will probably want some information from you, such as:

• When did the acne start?
• Has it stayed about the same, or has it gotten better or worse?
• What treatments have you tried and for how long? How well did they work?
• Does the acne affect your self-image or social life?

You should also bring a list of any medications or supplements you take.

Youâll want to ask some questions, too. Good ones include:

• Are over-the-counter treatments enough? What do you recommend?
• What habits would help me?
• Whatâs the best way to cleanse and take care of my skin?
• What can we do to make acne scars less likely?
• What kind of makeup will cover up acne?

If the doctor recommends a prescription cream or medicine, you should ask:

• Whatâs the name of this medicine and why do you recommend it?
• What are the side effects?
• How should I use it??
• How long will I need it?
• How soon should I expect to see results?
• When should we schedule a follow-up appointment?