Today, there are a number of effective acne treatments and virtually every case of acne can be controlled. However, what clears one person's acne may not work for another person. This is why appropriate treatment begins with an evaluation by a dermatologist.
During the evaluation, the dermatologist will determine the severity and types of acne lesions present. The doctor may ask questions to learn how the acne affects the patient. Sometimes the acne worries the parents; however, a young adolescent may not be concerned about appearance. The dermatologist also will want to learn if the patient is willing to follow an at-home treatment plan.
After the evaluation, the dermatologist will decide what, if any, treatment is appropriate. For a young adolescent who has mild acne, the dermatologist may prescribe a low-dose topical retinoid or benzoyl peroxide. It is important to realize that appropriate treatment may require more than one medication. Sometimes a topical antibiotic is part of the treatment plan. Severe acne may require an antibiotic in pill form as well as topical medication.
Proper skin care plays an important role in acne treatment. The dermatologist can provide tips for taking care of acne-prone skin as well as provide product recommendations for everything from cleansers to sunscreen.
Using Medication as Directed Gets Results
To get clearing, acne medication should be used as directed. Some medications must be taken daily; others may be used intermittently. Before leaving the dermatologist's office, be sure that you understand how to use the medication and when to use it.
If using the medication as directed becomes a problem or the treatment plan does not seem to work, be sure to tell your dermatologist. There are many effective treatments available today.
It is important to realize that acne cannot be cured, but it can be effectively controlled. Keeping acne under control may require long-term treatment. Acne often returns when treatment is stopped, so continue to use your medication until your dermatologist tells you to stop. This helps prevent new acne lesions from forming.
A Lifelong Difference
Acne sometimes appears earlier than parents expect. If early acne develops, teaming up with a dermatologist can help keep acne from becoming severe as well as prevent physical and emotional scars. Preventing severe acne can make a difference that lasts a lifetime.
During the evaluation, the dermatologist will determine the severity and types of acne lesions present. The doctor may ask questions to learn how the acne affects the patient. Sometimes the acne worries the parents; however, a young adolescent may not be concerned about appearance. The dermatologist also will want to learn if the patient is willing to follow an at-home treatment plan.
After the evaluation, the dermatologist will decide what, if any, treatment is appropriate. For a young adolescent who has mild acne, the dermatologist may prescribe a low-dose topical retinoid or benzoyl peroxide. It is important to realize that appropriate treatment may require more than one medication. Sometimes a topical antibiotic is part of the treatment plan. Severe acne may require an antibiotic in pill form as well as topical medication.
Proper skin care plays an important role in acne treatment. The dermatologist can provide tips for taking care of acne-prone skin as well as provide product recommendations for everything from cleansers to sunscreen.
Using Medication as Directed Gets Results
To get clearing, acne medication should be used as directed. Some medications must be taken daily; others may be used intermittently. Before leaving the dermatologist's office, be sure that you understand how to use the medication and when to use it.
If using the medication as directed becomes a problem or the treatment plan does not seem to work, be sure to tell your dermatologist. There are many effective treatments available today.
It is important to realize that acne cannot be cured, but it can be effectively controlled. Keeping acne under control may require long-term treatment. Acne often returns when treatment is stopped, so continue to use your medication until your dermatologist tells you to stop. This helps prevent new acne lesions from forming.
A Lifelong Difference
Acne sometimes appears earlier than parents expect. If early acne develops, teaming up with a dermatologist can help keep acne from becoming severe as well as prevent physical and emotional scars. Preventing severe acne can make a difference that lasts a lifetime.