When should I call my doctor if I have acne?
-
Dr. Mehmet Oz answered:You should call a doctor about your acne if it does not go away after several months of good skin care and over-the-counter treatments. If you are having more acne outbreaks and your acne is spreading, you should call a doctor. Also, if your pimples fill with pus and become painful, you should call a doctor. You should also call a doctor if you develop any signs of infection such as fever.
You should call a doctor about your acne if it does not go away after several months of good skin care and over-the-counter treatments. If you are having more acne outbreaks and your acne is spreading, you should call a doctor. Also, if your... More -
Healthwise answered:Call a doctor if:
- You are concerned about your or your child's acne.
- Your acne gets worse or does not improve after 3 months with home treatment.
- You develop scars or marks after acne heals.
- Your pimples become large and hard or filled with fluid.
- You start to have other physical symptoms, such as facial hair growth in women.
- Your acne began when you started a new medicine prescribed by a doctor.
- You have been exposed to chemicals, oils or other substances that cause your skin to break out.
You may want to seek medical assistance sooner if there is a strong family history of acne, you are emotionally affected by acne or you developed acne at an early age.
Acne: Should I See My Doctor?
Watchful waiting
Watchful waiting is a wait-and-see approach. If you get better on your own, you won't need treatment. If you get worse, you and your doctor will decide what to do next.
Mild acne, with a few pimples that clear up on their own, may not need any treatment. But if you are worried about how much you are breaking out, see your doctor. Getting medical treatment early may prevent acne from getting worse or from causing scars.
If you have severe acne, if your acne does not clear up with home treatment or if you develop acne scars, call your doctor.
Who to see
The following health professionals can diagnose and treat acne:
- Pediatricians
- Family medicine physicians or internists
- Nurse practitioners
- Physician assistants
- Dermatologists
Call a doctor if: You are concerned about your or your child's acne. Your acne gets worse or does not improve after 3 months with home treatment. You develop scars or marks after acne heals. Your pimples become large and hard or filled with... More
