When to see a doctor for help with acne

By acne action staff | August 12th, 2015

Acne is the #1 skin problem seen by doctors.

If you answer yes to any ONE of these, it’s time to seek medical help to get your acne better:

Your acne is making you feel embarrassed, anxious, self-conscious, angry or sad.
Your acne is getting worse.
Scars or dark marks are developing with your acne.
You have a family history of moderate-severe acne and your acne is getting worse.
There is no improvement in your acne after 6 – 8 weeks of over the counter products treatment.
You can’t tolerate over the counter acne treatments or have had side effects.
For females, your periods are irregular, there is increased body hair growth, and your acne is getting worse.
There are large, red, painful nodules or cysts under the skin.
You have extensive acne on the face, and possibly the trunk.

Mild to moderate acne can be distressing…

Some people with mild to moderate acne experience psychological symptoms as serious as those associated with severe acne such as anxiety and depression.
Effects of acne felt years later..

Some acne sufferers say the psychological effects associated with this condition, such as hurt and shame, continue to be felt for many years. Experts call this “emotional scarring”.
Acne and your genes

There is a genetic component to acne. One study of teens sufferers found 78% had a close family relative with the condition. Those with a family history are more likely to get it at an earlier age and develop severe acne.