Acne Breakouts: When Should You Consult Your Dermatologist?

1 / If you're not certain that it's an outbreak of acne.

If you suddenly start to have red pimples on your face, upper chest, back, or elsewhere, and you have never been diagnosed with acne before, you should consult a healthcare professional. Some other conditions, like the rosacea and folliculitis, look a lot like acne. For instance, papulo-pustular rosacea, which is a form of rosacea, can lead to the appearance of papules and/or inflamed and sometimes painful pustules on the skin's surface, exactly like in acne.

Therefore, it is crucial to accurately diagnose your skin condition in order to implement the appropriate care and/or treatments.

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2 / If your acne worsens despite using over-the-counter skincare products.

Mild cases of acne can often be successfully eliminated with the use of over-the-counter cosmetic products containing, for example, salicylic acid, bakuchiol , or retinol. However, some cases persist despite the use of these targeted treatments. In such instances, it is advisable to consult your dermatologist so they can implement a prescription acne treatment.

How long should one try over-the-counter acne treatments before moving on to more potent, prescription medications? Use over-the-counter products for at least 10 to 12 weeks. After this period, you should notice some improvement. If you have been consistent in using these cosmetic treatments and your breakouts do not improve, or if your acne appears to be getting worse, then consult a healthcare professional who can prescribe more potent molecules such as isotretinoin.

3 / If you have moderate to severe inflammatory acne, nodules and/or cystic outbreaks.

If your acne is moderate to severe, or highly inflamed, don't waste time trying over-the-counter anti-acne cosmetics. They simply won't be powerful enough, and you'll lose valuable time and money on products that won't work.

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

4 / If you believe that your acne flare-ups are correlated with the intake of a certain medication.

Certain medications, such as steroids and oral contraceptives, can cause acne. If you are taking these types of tablets and you start to have skin breakouts or if these significantly worsen, notify your doctor.

5 / If you are upset or even depressed by your acne.

Let's face it: acne doesn't just affect the skin. It can impact self-confidence due to the perceived judgment of others.

Do you avoid social situations because of your skin? Do you feel depressed?

If you feel that your acne is negatively impacting your life or self-esteem, immediately discuss this with your doctor. Your dermatologist has treatment options that can not only improve your skin but also help you manage feelings of frustration and despair that can accompany acne.

Don't wait! There's no reason to tolerate acne flare-ups. With the right treatment, you can see your skin improve in just a few weeks. So, consult your dermatologist.

Sources

InformedHealth.org [Internet]. Cologne, Germany: Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (IQWiG); Acne: Overview. (2013)
Suh DH, Shin JW, Min SU, et al. Treatment-seeking behaviors and related epidemiological characteristics in Korean acne patients. J Korean Med Sci. (2008)