Acne Treatments -- When Should You Go to A Doctor?
Do You Need Acne Treatments? Here's How to Tell
Do you need acne treatments? Do your skin irritations require a special trip to a dermatologist? These are questions that run through the minds of anyone who suffers from frequents skin breakouts. Get rid of the doubt by answering these questions.
Question #1 -- Are my breakouts really acne or some other skin condition?
There are more reasons for frequent breakouts than simply acne. Acne is a catch-all diagnosis that everyone uses when they have problems with bumps on their face, back, chest, and arms.
While acne often gets the blame, your breakouts could be due to other causes such as rosacea or folliculitis. Rosacea is a chronic skin condition with the symptoms of frequent inflammation of the cheek, nose, chin, forehead, or eyelids. Rosacea needs to be diagnosed and treated early on for the best results. Failure to diagnose and treat this condition can result in thickened skin and a permanent flushed appearance to your skin.
Folliculitis appears as a rash or pimples and many people wrongly assume it is acne. This condition is caused by damaged hair follicles that can become infected with a staph infection. Staph can become serious very quickly and you need a correct diagnosis by a professional.
Question #2 -- I take good care of my skin, why doesn't it improve?
If you try over-the-counter acne medications, follow the instructions, keep your skin clean, and still the condition won't clear up, it's probably time to see a dermatologist. Acne can be stubborn and sometimes just won't respond to standard treatments. If this is the case, see a dermatologist and to get a prescription for an antibiotic .
Question #3 -- Will my nodules and cysts cause scars?
Nodules and acne cysts can cause acne scarring. It's one thing to have frequent breakouts, but nodules and cysts are deep blemishes and leave permanent scarring if left untreated.
Question #4 -- What is causing my acne?
If you have done all the right things -- over the counter medication, proper cleaning, healthy diet, and you are still having breakouts, see a dermatologist to rule out the possible cause of medication or allergies. Sometimes acne is caused by bad reactions to medications the patient is taking or it could be a simple case of an allergic reaction to something in your environment. Get it checked out for a proper diagnosis.
If any of these questions are one that you have asked yourself, then go see a dermatologist. With a proper diagnosis you can get proper acne treatments and have beautiful skin you're proud to show off.