A person should see a dermatologist for deep, painful acne like cysts and nodules, as well as for persistent or late-onset acne that doesn’t improve with over-the-counter treatments. A dermatologist can provide a personalized treatment plan to prevent scarring, treat the acne, and improve its impact on quality of life.Â
When to see a dermatologist
- For severe acne:Â If you have deep, painful acne such as cysts and nodules, which can lead to permanent scarring without treatment.
- For persistent acne:Â If acne has continued from adolescence into adulthood.
- For late-onset acne:Â If you suddenly develop acne as an adult after never having it before.
- If over-the-counter products aren’t working:Â If self-care and over-the-counter products have not significantly improved your acne after 2-3 months.
- If your acne affects your mental health:Â If acne is negatively impacting your quality of life, self-esteem, or mental health.Â
What a dermatologist can do
- Provide a personalized treatment plan:Â They can offer a tailored plan that may include prescription medications or other therapies.
- Prevent and treat scarring:Â A dermatologist can treat painful acne to reduce the risk of scarring and can also address existing scars.
- Offer a combination of treatments:Â They may recommend combining different treatments, such as systemic antibiotics with topical products, for better results.
- Address underlying issues:Â A sudden onset of severe acne in an older adult may signal an underlying medical condition that a dermatologist can help identify and treat.Â
