Acne Trouble: 4 Signs It’s Time to Go to the Dermatologist

Everybody deals with acne breakouts from time to time, but it’s hard to tell if   your latest battle with zits requires medical attention or just a trip to the drug store for some face wash.  Fortunately, there are four easy-to-spot signs that your acne needs a dermatologist’s touch.

  1. Acne Is Affecting Your Mood

It might sound strange, but persistent acne can contribute to serious mental health disorders. According to a study in the British Journal of Dermatology, serious cases of acne are correlated with anxiety disorders, depression and other emotional problems.

If your acne is affecting your social life or making it difficult for you to concentrate in school, it’s time to talk with a dermatologist. Don’t let acne make you feel uncomfortable in your own skin–talk to a doctor about treatment options before it develops into a psychological disorder.  

  1. Over-the-Counter Medicines Aren’t Working

If you’ve been trying out every over-the-counter acne treatment you can find and nothing seems to be working, it’s time to see a doctor about your condition. It’s normal for some OTC treatments to work poorly for some people, since everyone has different skin chemistry. However, if you’ve tried several different brands and treatment types, and you aren’t seeing any progress, it’s time to get a prescription.

Prescription treatments work differently than OTC medicines. Most of them target the bacteria that cause blemishes, while OTC treatments usually just treat the symptoms.  

  1. You’ve Got “Cystic” Acne Deep Under the Skin

Cystic acne is characterized by hard nodules deep under the skin and is impossible to control without prescription medication. Typically, cystic acne feels like a small lump of tissue buried in your face. It may not even look like a blemish on the surface, but it will be sensitive to the touch.

Cystic acne is a different animal from normal breakouts. It’s an infection deep within the skin, and simple remedies and hygiene regiments won’t do anything to stop it. Even worse, this type of acne is most likely to result in permanent scarring. If you’ve noticed cystic acne, get to a doctor right away.  

  1. Your Pimples Are Sore to the Touch

It might not feel good to poke or prod zits, but it shouldn’t be excruciating. If your acne is painfully sensitive to touch, it’s a sign of an underlying infection. Deep skin infections aren’t just cosmetic problems–they pose serious threats to your health. If your acne is painful, you should consult a physician.

You don’t have to suffer your acne in silence. If you have experienced any of these four symptoms, your acne isn’t likely to cure itself. Go talk with a dermatologist about what you can do.

 

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HealthStatus has been operating since 1998 providing the best interactive health tools on the Internet, millions of visitors have used our health risk assessment, body fat and calories burned calculators. The HealthStatus editorial team has continued that commitment to excellence by providing our visitors with easy to understand high quality health content for many years.

Tatiana Wilson
1. November 2018
Tatiana Wilson
1. November 2018
It got me when you said that I need to see a dermatologist if my acne is not improving since the over the counter medication is not a match for my skin, and I need a prescription. Actually, it's not me who has a problem, it's my younger sister. Her acne problem is so bad that she doesn't want to go out anymore, and common medication isn't working. You are right. Maybe I need to take her to the dermatologist in the immediate future.

Tammy Houston
24. March 2018
Tammy Houston
24. March 2018
It was really informative how you said that if the acne is painful when being touched, it is time to get in touch with a dermatologist as that is a gin of infection underneath. I knew I was right when I told my younger sister that she should visit the dermatologist for her acne. It has been a while since she started complaining about her inability to wipe her face because her acne hurts so much. I'll share this with her. Thanks!

Finley Moreira
11. August 2017
Finley Moreira
11. August 2017
My son has some really bad acne, and we can't seem to find a treatment that really works. In the article, you mentioned that seeing a dermatologist is necessary if OTC treatments haven't been helping his condition. Seeing as how we've tried a few things but with no success, I'll be sure to schedule an appointment with a good dermatologist as soon as possible.

Jane Ambrose
14. July 2017
Jane Ambrose
14. July 2017
My oldest son has recently developed more acne than usual and I've been wondering if it's time to take him into see a dermatologist. Before reading this I didn't realize there was a difference in severity between surface and cystic acne, so I'll ask him to see which category his skin problems fall under. Seeing a dermatologist seems like a great way to boost his self-esteem and clear up some painful acne!

Jenny
5. April 2017
Jenny
5. April 2017
Hi, It felt like I'm reading my whole life in this post. I have been unhappy for a few years now, and I have cystic acne, none of the over-the-counter treatments that I tried worked, and my acne is just so painful. I am scheduled to see a doctor, and I am keeping my hopes high. Thank you for sharing!

Derek Mcdoogle
28. September 2016
Derek Mcdoogle
28. September 2016
You mentioned that deep skin infections aren't just cosmetic problems, they pose serious threats to your health. My wife got a call from our children's school saying that our son had a really bad rash that has affected his acne. Do most dermatologists offer emergency services? Finding an experienced dermatologist might be a good option.

Maggie Allen
15. September 2016
Maggie Allen
15. September 2016
My son just told me the other day that he is really self conscious about his acne, and I was wondering if it might be time for him to see a dermatologist. It sounds like I should probably make an appointment for him soon, especially since his mood seems to be affected by the problem. Although I think he looks fine, I also want him to be confident in how he looks! In fact, I think I'll start looking for a dermatologist later today.

Alise Harper
17. June 2016
Alise Harper
17. June 2016
I have had a problem with acne for years and finally looking for some guidance on what to do about it. I like how you pointed out that if over-the-counter medicines and creams aren't working I should look into going to see a dermatologist because they have treatments that target the bacteria which are causing the acne. I have tried lots of creams, washes, medicine but they are not really making a difference in my acne. I think it's time I make an appointment to see a dermatologist. Thanks for all your great information!

Skin Clinic Dubai
19. May 2016
Skin Clinic Dubai
19. May 2016
Thanks for sharing the valuable article about acne. If we take it easy then definitely find a good dermatologist.

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Written by HealthStatus
Medical Writer & Editor

HealthStatus has been operating since 1998 providing the best interactive health tools on the Internet, millions of visitors have used our health risk assessment, body fat and calories burned calculators. The HealthStatus editorial team has continued that commitment to excellence by providing our visitors with easy to understand high quality health content for many years.

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