Should I See A Dermatologist?

The article is about the importance of getting early treatment for acne since the said skin problem can lead to infections. The article also details some of the important considerations one should take before getting dermatological treatment.


Should I See A Dermatologist?

Acne is a skin infection that may be considered as one of the worst things that can happen to a person, especially during the teenage years. Aside from the obvious physical damage it can do, one would also have to contend with things such as the social impact and the psychological damage that it could bring. A person may even have to deal with scarring and inflammation even after the acne is gone.

As with most other medical ailments, it is always a good idea to test first on what medications are available in the market. Depending on how sensitive a person's skin is, one would want to try benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid as possible treatments for this specific skin infection. One might also consider using both, but at different times in a day. If no improvement is visible after a certain period (typically from six to eight weeks should be enough), then this would be the time that one might want to consider seeking professional help.

A dermatologist would definitely know more about this type of skin infection and how one might handle this problem, not to mention knowing what specific treatments one might need to use if an over-the-counter product just isn't doing the job. One might want to know that prescription treatments are generally more potent and more expensive than the usual medications.

There are a few things to consider when a visit to the dermatologist is needed:

  • If over the counter treatments do not have any positive effect on the acne problem; 
  • If a person has more than one sign of skin infection, such as whiteheads, blackheads, or red spots;
  • If the acne appears not just in the face, but also throughout the body; 
  • If scars are visible on areas where one previously had acne; 
  • If there is pus filled spots on one's face that is painful when touched or tampered with; 
  • If there is continuous inflammation in the face; and 
  • If this skin infection starts to limit one's social interactions.

A person with acne should keep these points in mind whenever he decides to seek help from a dermatologist. Communication with one's dermatologist is important so that a person undergoing treatment can fully discuss the nature of the problem and the ways to continue the treatment at home. Discussions with the dermatologist should be as thorough and accurate as possible. It may be quite embarrassing for some but the consequences of skin infection can be so serious that no one should neglect getting all the information about acne treatment. In addition, one may need to bring a history of their previous acne records so that the doctor or dermatologist can prepare allergy-free treatments and other anti-acne products.

Treatment of acne is not only a medical issue but a matter of great importance to one's self-esteem and personal hygiene. Acne is not only unsightly but also causes embarrassment and a certain degree of social anxiety. But a person with acne need not despair since a lot of treatment options are now available to heal those unsightly inflammations and scars.


How A Dermatologist Can Help With Acne Problems?

Whether you're dealing with a mild case of acne or one that's more severe, a dermatologist can help you find the best treatment. Find out what you should know when you visit your dermatologist, including the questions that you should be asking.

While a mild case of acne isn't necessarily a serious problem, it's still a good idea to see a dermatologist. They can give you helpful information about what could be causing your acne as well as the best treatments.

Plus, there is another skin condition called keratosis pilaris that is sometimes mistaken for acne and a dermatologist can tell you if that is what you're dealing with, saving you the time and hassles of using the wrong treatment.

It's a good idea to prepare for your visit with the dermatologist by making notes about your acne - as much as possible. They will ask you about your background - things like how long you've had acne, how you've treated it and what form it has taken (lesions, whiteheads, blackheads, etc.) They might also ask if there is a history of acne problems in your family.

Be sure to tell the doctor if you are allergic to any medications. Females might be asked about their menstrual cycle and males might need to tell the doctor how often they shave.

You might be given a choice of treatments so it helps to know a little about the options before you make your choice.

Antibiotics are one treatment - they're used to kill the bacteria that leads to acne. They can be taken orally or as a lotion or ointment that gets applied directly to the skin. In severe cases, it may be necessary to use both forms.

Topical treatments include things like benzoyl peroxide and retinoic acid. They usually come in the form of a gel and can sometimes cause redness and dry skin.

In more severe cases of acne, the dermatologist may recommend a physical treatment. This could include removal of whiteheads and blackheads and possibly drainage of cysts.

Whatever type of treatment you end up choosing, it's critical that you follow the doctor's directions. Take the recommended dosage - no more or no less. And even if your acne clears up, you need to continue to take the medication for as long as the doctor tells you to or the acne may reappear.

Some of the questions you should keep in mind to ask the doctor include:

  • What kind of treatment would work best for my acne?
  • How long will it take before I see results?
  • What is the best way to care for my skin?
  • What can I do to prevent scarring?
  • Is it okay for me to use makeup?
  • Does this treatment have any side effects?
  • How long will I need to take this medication?
As acne treatments can go on for some time, make sure you ask any questions you have each time to see your doctor. Being as informed as possible will make your treatment much easier to deal with.

DISCLAIMER

All the content on this blog, including medical opinion and any other health-related information, are solely to provide information only. Any information/statements on this blog are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, and should NOT be a substitute for health and medical advice that can be provided by your own physician/medical doctor.  We at Nano Singapore Shop, encourage you to consult a doctor before making any health or diet changes, especially any changes related to a specific diagnosis or condition.