When to See Your Doctor About Acne
Many of us turn to drugstore products to combat breakouts, which
is a great first line of defense. However, no two pimples are alike, and
a dermatologist is able to provide customized advice and treatment options for acne sufferers. Not sure if your bump in the skin care road
warrants a doctor’s appointment? Answering yes to any of these three
questions may be the best indicator that it’s time to see a
dermatologist.
Have over-the-counter creams, gels, and cleansers stopped working ?
Mild to moderate acne will often go away in four to six weeks
with the use of drugstore creams, gels, and cleansers that contain
benzoyl peroxide and/or salicylic acid, says Paradi Mirmirani, MD, a
dermatologist in Vallejo, Calif. But stubborn, more severe cases of acne
may require the expertise of a dermatologist.
According to Amy Derick, MD, a dermatologist in Barrington, Ill.,
doctors can prescribe powerful topical retinoids to unclog blocked
pores and to tame extra-oily skin. “Oral therapies like antibiotics,
birth control, or isotretinoin can also be prescribed for deeper acne
spots and hormonal breakouts (pimples that never come to a head),” says
Derick.
Another thing to consider when thinking of switching from
over-the-counter to Rx: Sometimes people get breakouts from using the
wrong drugstore products in the first place, says Ranella Hirsch, MD, a
Cambridge, Mass., dermatologist.
As a general rule of thumb, if your skin is oily, wash your face
twice a day with a salicylic acid cleanser. If it’s dry, use a gentle
foaming cleanser. Bonus tip: Let the cleanser sit for a minute or two so
that its active ingredients can penetrate your skin’s epidermis before
rinsing off. Finally, try nixing pimples with a benzoyl peroxide
treatment cream. If you don’t see improvements after six weeks, book an
appointment with your dermatologist.
Is acne taking a toll on your self-esteem ?
Acne affects at least 85% of teens; plus, 25% of all adult men
and 50% of adult women get acne at some point in their grown-up lives.
For teens and adults alike, the recurring skin disorder can be
difficult to cope with, leading to anxiety disorders and depression no
matter how old you are. In fact, a study published in the British Journal of Dermatology
found that acne sufferers experienced social, psychological, and
emotional problems similar to those with chronic health problems, such
as epilepsy, diabetes, and arthritis.
The repercussions of acne left untreated are more than skin deep.
If you find yourself skipping events and outings with friends, or if
breakouts upset you, it’s time to see a dermatologist who can help clear
up your acne quickly (in six to eight weeks, says Mirmirani), and offer
techniques for dealing with pimples in a healthy way.
Are the pimples sore, or do they leave you with scars ?
Cystic acne (inflamed acne caused when the follicle wall is
damaged) 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.
“If 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,” 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.
