Although you may feel that a mild acne condition can be treated on your own, it may be a good idea for you to visit a dermatologist if your skin begins to break out. Your dermatologist will provide you with valuable information on the acne cause as well as options for treatment. Additionally there exists a condition called keratosis pilaris. This condition is often times confused with acne. A dermatologist will be able to determine which condition you are experiencing so you do not waste your time with the wrong types of treatments.



Even though your less severe cases of acne may be treated effectively with over-the-counter acne medications, cases that are more severe require a doctor's attention. Physical as well as emotional suffering can be caused by acne and may even lead to scarring that becomes permanent. If your acne condition is not responding to over-the-counter acne medicine, a consultation with your dermatologist should be arranged.

Before your first consultation with your dermatologist for your acne condition, it is a good idea to write down as much information as possible about your acne. Your doctor will ask you questions concerning the background of your acne condition. For instance, your doctor may want to know the duration of your acne condition, what form your acne takes (whiteheads, blackheads, lesions etc.), and what method of treatment if any have you engaged in. Your doctor may also want to know if other members of your family have or have had acne and how severe it was.

If your acne is severe enough your acne treatment might include oral acne medications. You want to be prepared to inform your doctor if certain acne medicine might result in an allergic reaction. If you are a girl you may be asked to describe your menstrual period and if you are a boy you may be asked about your shaving habits.

Your dermatologist may suggest a choice of treatments so your knowledge about the various options available may help you to make an educated decision. For instance, your doctor may prescribe antibiotics to kill the bacteria that cause acne. Antibiotics for acne treatment may be taken orally or applied as a lotion to the skin. If your acne is sever enough, both forms of antibiotic treatments may be required.

Topical treatments may include benzoyl peroxide and/or retinoic acid. These solutions are usually prescribed in a gel form and in some cases may cause a reddening or drying of the skin.

In more severe cases physical treatments for acne may be suggested. These physical treatments may include the surgical removal of whiteheads and blackheads. These treatments in addition might also include the draining of cysts.

It is important to follow your doctor's directions regardless of the form of treatment you decide to follow. You want to insure you do not take more or less of an acne medicine then your doctor prescribes. You will want to continue treatment even after your acne clears up or until advised by your dermatologist to stop. Failure to follow your prescribed routine may result in a recurrence of your acne.

You want to be sure you remain informed about your acne condition and to get the information that you need. Make sure to jot down questions as they occur to you so that you can present them to your doctor during your next visit. Some of the more common questions may include: When will I start to see results? What type of treatment might be best for me? How long will my treatment last? How should I take care of my skin? Are there any side effects of the acne medicine? Can I still use makeup? How might I prevent or get rid of acne scars?

Sometimes a person's treatment for severe acne may continue for quite some time. Make sure to get your questions or concerns addressed each time you visit your doctor concerning your treatment for acne. Make sure you become well-informed concerning the treatments and strategies available to both prevent and get rid of your acne.