Introduction
This information will help you understand your choices, whether you share in the decision-making process or rely on your doctor's recommendation.
Key points in making your decision
Almost every teen develops acne, and sometimes it lasts into adulthood. It can range from mild to severe and may or may not need a doctor's treatment. Consider the following when making your decision:
- You may not need to see a doctor if gentle cleansing with soap or if using over-the-counter products, such as benzoyl peroxide lotions, controls your acne.
- You may want to see a doctor for your
acne if:
- Home treatment does not work and your acne becomes worse.
- Your pimples become large and hard or filled with fluid (cystic acne).
- You avoid social situations, such as dates or parties.
- You feel embarrassed or depressed because of acne.
- You may want to see a doctor sooner if one or both of your parents had severe acne and scarring.
Medical Information
What is acne?
Acne is a common skin condition that occurs when oil and dead skin cells clog the skin's pores. Acne plagues teens—more than 85% experience at least a mild form of this condition. Severe cases can be both emotionally and physically scarring. Most people outgrow acne by their early 20s, but some people, especially women, have acne into their 40s or 50s.
What are the symptoms of acne?
Clogged pores lead to pimples, whiteheads, or blackheads. These blemishes can appear on the face, neck, shoulders, back, or chest. Pimples that are large and deep are called cystic lesions. Cystic lesions can cause painful infections and can lead to scarring.
See an illustration of
how
pimples form
.
How is acne treated?
How acne is treated depends upon its severity. Gentle cleansing with soap or using nonprescription products, such as benzoyl peroxide lotions, often clears up mild acne cases.
If these treatments do not work, your doctor may prescribe topical lotions containing antibiotics or other kinds of medication. If topical medications do not control acne outbreaks, your doctor may prescribe oral antibiotics along with topical retinoid—a lotion that contains a form of vitamin A—and a topical antibiotic.
For the most severe cases, doctors may prescribe an oral retinoid, such as isotretinoin (Accutane, Sotret, or others). This medication is usually used as a last resort, because it may cause severe birth defects and other rare but serious side effects.
If you need more information, see the topic Acne Vulgaris.
Your Information
Your choices are:
- See a doctor for your acne.
- Continue to care for your acne at home.
The decision about whether to see a doctor for acne takes into account your personal feelings and the medical facts.
| Reasons to see a doctor for acne | Reasons not to see a doctor for acne |
|---|---|
Are there other reasons you might want to see a doctor? |
Are there other reasons you might not want to see a doctor for acne? |
These personal stories may help you make your decision.
Wise Health Decision
Use this worksheet to help you make your decision. After completing it, you should have a better idea of how you feel about seeing a doctor for acne. Discuss the worksheet with your doctor.
Circle the answer that best applies to you.
| My acne bothers me. | Yes | No | Unsure |
| I am concerned about scarring from acne. | Yes | No | Unsure |
| My acne is affecting how I feel about myself and keeps me from social activities. | Yes | No | Unsure |
| I am in my early teens and am concerned about having acne through the rest of my teens and early 20s. | Yes | No | NA* |
| I am concerned about acne flare-ups around my menstrual cycle. | Yes | No | NA* |
| I am concerned about the cost of acne treatment. | Yes | No | Unsure |
| My acne clears up when I use over-the-counter products regularly. | Yes | No | Unsure |
*NA = Not applicable
Use the following space to list any other important concerns you have about this decision.
|
What is your overall impression?
Your answers in the above worksheet are meant to give you a general idea of where you stand on this decision. You may have one overriding reason to see or not to see a doctor for acne.
Check the box below that represents your overall impression about your decision.
Leaning toward seeing a doctor | Leaning toward NOT seeing a doctor |
Return to the topic Acne Vulgaris.
Credits
| Author | Monica Rhodes |
| Editor | Kathleen M. Ariss, MS |
| Associate Editor | Pat Truman, MATC |
| Primary Medical Reviewer | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine |
| Specialist Medical Reviewer | Alexander H. Murray, MD, FRCPC - Dermatology |
| Last Updated | March 1, 2007 |
| Author: | Monica Rhodes | Last Updated: March 1, 2007 |
| Medical Review: | Kathleen Romito, MD - Family Medicine Alexander H. Murray, MD, FRCPC - Dermatology | |
 © 1995-2008 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. How this information was developed to help you make better health decisions. | ||