You should see a dermatologist for acne if it does not respond to over-the-counter treatments, if you identify symptoms of cystic acne, or if your acne is causing you a significant amount of emotional distress. While acne often responds well to home treatment, when it doesn't, this should be a cause for concern, as it may indicate that your condition is something other than acne or that it requires specialized care by a physician. Seeing a dermatologist for acne is also recommended if you find that your condition is affecting your emotional well-being or your interactions with others. You may also wish to consider talking to a dermatologist if, as an adult, you suddenly develop acne-like symptoms, as they could be a sign of another skin condition such as rosacea.
If you begin to develop blemishes on your skin, experts generally recommend that you take steps to regularly clean your skin with a gentle cleanser and then apply a topical acne medication that contains either benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid. While this sort of treatment typically helps your skin to clear within a few days, if your acne proves resistant, it may be a good idea to see a dermatologist. Your dermatologist can rule out the possibility that your breakouts are caused by conditions other than acne and can prescribe stronger treatments than those available in drugstores.
Some types of acne can cause significant damage to the skin and need to be treated by a dermatologist. If you develop painful bumps on your skin or your skin is extremely red and tender, you should contact a dermatologist for acne at once. These can be symptoms of cystic acne, which can permanently scar your skin. Early treatment can help prevent scarring as well as the discomfort that accompanies this condition.
You should also take stock of your emotional response to having acne. If you find the condition extremely upsetting and notice that you are changing your behavior, you may wish to seek help from a dermatologist for acne. While in some cases the dermatologist may simply instruct you to use over-the-counter remedies, seeing a dermatologist soon after you begin developing blemishes may short-circuit any emotional distress that you might feel. The dermatologist can also help you understand if there are any lifestyle changes that you need to make to improve the condition and evaluate any medications you are taking that may contribute to your breakouts.
