If you’ve been struggling with acne for over a year, it may be time to see a dermatologist. They can recommend prescription-strength treatments that will clear your skin and prevent scarring.
Acne occurs when hair follicles become clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria. This causes inflammation and leads to blemishes.
When to See a Dermatologist
If you’ve tried over-the-counter products, fad diets and cleanses, but your breakouts are still front and center, it might be time to schedule an appointment with a dermatologist. The dermatologist can provide a better treatment that will help you feel more comfortable in your own skin.
A standard pimple will stabilize, come to a head and shrink within 48 to 72 hours. If it doesn’t, it may be a cyst or hormonal acne that needs professional care. Attempting to pop or squeeze these kinds of blemishes can cause them to reappear with more severity or leave behind dark marks and scars.
Look for a dermatologist who’s board certified and accepts your insurance. Then read their bios or profiles to learn more about their education, memberships and achievements. They should also be able to answer any questions you might have about the visit and their services. Keep a notebook and pen handy to take notes about what the doctor says. They may use terms that are unfamiliar to you, and it can be easy to forget what was said when you’re in the office.
Common Causes
Pimples are among the most common skin conditions, affecting people of all ages and ethnicities. They typically appear during adolescence, but can persist into adulthood as well. There are many misconceptions about what causes acne. While dirty skin contributes to some breakouts, pimples mostly result from internal factors such as hormonal imbalances, excess oil production or clogged pores.
Pimple types include papules (red, inflamed, painful bumps), pus-filled papules or pustules, white or yellowish cysts or nodules and severe, painful, solid lesions called boils or furuncles. Boils develop deep in the skin and are caused by Staphylococcus aureus bacteria.
A dermatologist can help you identify the cause of your acne and recommend treatments. Sometimes what looks like acne is actually another condition such as perioral dermatitis or hidradenitis suppurativa. The treatment for these conditions is different from that for acne. In addition, a dermatologist can prescribe oral medications that reduce oil and prevent bacteria growth. Avoid picking or squeezing your pimples, as this can lead to infection and scarring.
Acne Severity
There are many different types of acne, ranging from mild to cystic. Your dermatologist will examine your skin to determine what type of acne you have and where it is located. They will also take into account your skincare routine and whether or not you have been using comedogenic products.
It’s important to avoid picking, squeezing or popping pimples, as this can lead to infection and scarring. It’s also important not to over-wash or scrub the skin, which can cause irritation and worsen acne.
Acne is categorized as mild when it presents with a few scattered comedones and small inflammatory papules without scarring. It can be present in a single body area or on multiple areas of the skin and doesn’t include nodules. It may be difficult to accurately assess the severity of your acne, but research has shown that patient self-assessments are reliable when provided with specific education and training on how to properly evaluate the severity of their own acne.
Painful or Persistent Pimples
Pimples develop when pores clog with excess oil, dead skin cells and bacteria. The resulting inflamed bumps are most common on the face (especially nose, chin and forehead), neck, shoulders and chest. They can also form on the back, arms, butt, scalp and external genitals (penis or labia). Acne most commonly occurs during adolescence and young adulthood as the body experiences hormonal changes.
Effective pimple treatment includes calming the inflammation, clearing the clogged pores and preventing scarring. Home treatments like warm compresses, ice packs, tea tree oil and acne products containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide reduce redness and swelling. Avoid picking at painful or swollen pimples, which can push bacteria deeper into the skin and cause a worsened infection or permanent scarring.
Scarring
Acne scars can have a significant impact on your self-image. They can also interfere with your skin’s ability to absorb nutrients and produce vitamin D from sunlight. Dermatologists offer a wide range of treatment options for acne scars. These include resurfacing procedures that stimulate collagen growth, microneedling or dermal fillers for indented scars, and surgical removal of deep scar tissue with a procedure called subcision.
Dermatologists can also help you fade reddish or brown marks that leave behind after acne blemishes heal — called post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. These marks usually fade over time with a good skincare regimen and sun protection.
Failed Home Treatments
If you’re unable to control your acne using over-the-counter products or lifestyle changes, make an appointment with a dermatologist. Avoid excessive squeezing or popping pimples, as this can push bacteria and pus deeper into the skin, causing swelling and redness and increasing the risk of scarring. Use non-comedogenic products that won’t clog pores. Wash your hands frequently to prevent transferring bacteria to the skin, and change your pillowcase weekly to reduce oil buildup. Drink plenty of water and get regular exercise to improve circulation.