Acne is one of the most commonly dreaded skin ailments that lead to blemishes and affects one’s appearance. A common myth about acne is that only teenagers can have it due to the hormonal changes in their bodies, but the truth is that acne is generally not something you can ‘grow out’ of.
As such, it is normal for many adults today to have it well into their 30s. Apart from causing different kinds of blemishes, acne can also vary in severity. While mild cases often heal themselves, sometimes it gets out of hand to the point that you will need professional attention. Below, we outline the key signs indicating you should visit a dermatology clinic for your acne sooner than later.
1. You feel like you’ve tried everything to clear your acne, and nothing works
Besides waiting for mild acne to clear itself, you can use over-the-counter products to speed up the healing process. That said, it often takes some time before significant results become noticeable. However, if your breakouts persist even after months of use or your acne seems to worsen1, it is highly recommended to see a dermatologist and get proper acne treatment.
2. Your acne clears only to return in the same place
There are cases where acne that goes away on its own or with treatment may recur in the same area. One of the reasons for this2 is that the inflammation that caused the previous pimple still remains deep beneath the skin and causes sebum to continue building up. Thus, the acne will eventually return. Often, recurring acne stems from hormonal acne, but while hormonal acne is typically inevitable, getting professional treatment can help prevent new outbreaks from forming.
3. You’ve never been diagnosed with acne before
A sudden and unexplained onset of red bumps on your face and or anywhere else on your body despite having never been diagnosed with acne warrants a consultation with your healthcare provider. This is because several other skin conditions3, like folliculitis and rosacea, share similar symptoms with acne. Thus, if you are not sure whether you are dealing with acne, it is best to make sure by getting evaluated by a medical expert.
4. You can see scars or dark spots as your acne clears
Acne scarring occurs due to the inflammation of blemishes that damage the underlying skin tissues and leave shallow indentations on the skin. Acne scars differ from acne marks in that they are permanent and will not go away on their own after several months, which can significantly impact one’s self-esteem. Thankfully, there are now many different modern treatments like chemical peels, TCA cross, subcision, enerjet treatment, fractional ablative lasers, and fractional non-ablative lasers like the PicoWay and PicoSure lasers in Singapore that provide efficacious means to deal with permanent acne scarring.
5. You have cleared the acne on your face, but it remains on other parts of your body
Acne can develop on various parts of the body4 besides the face for different reasons, such as constant contact with sports clothing or equipment during physical activity or using cosmetic products that clog the pores. Although treating and preventing body acne is often doable without dermatological treatment, there are times when they are not enough, and your acne does not go away on its own. In such cases, it is best to see a dermatologist for proper treatment.
Conclusion
Many people often find it difficult to know when they should see a specialist about their acne, whether because they think it is not serious enough or because they have simply accepted that they are naturally prone to the condition. But the truth is that those with acne can always benefit from seeing a dermatologist, and with more treatments being developed over time, getting rid of acne more definitively is now more feasible than ever.
If you’re ready to get your acne checked by a professional, look no further than Angeline Yong Dermatology. Under the care of our accomplished Dr Angeline Yong, you can expect to receive her signature personalised care that includes a full assessment of your skin condition and recommended treatment plan so you can finally be free from acne. But that’s not all – besides acne, Angeline Yong Dermatology is always ready to assist with any other skin concerns you may have, whether it be cosmetic or medical in nature.
References
Jackson-Cannady, A. (2011, April 12). When to See Your Doctor About Acne. WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/acne/features/see-a-doctor
Hormonal Acne. Cleveland Clinic. (n.d.). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21792-hormonal-acne
Palmer, A. (2022, January 29). When to See a Dermatologist for Your Acne. Verywell Health. https://www.verywellhealth.com/why-to-see-a-dermatologist-about-your-acne-15766
What to Know About Body Acne. WebMD. (2023, May 21). https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/acne/body-acne