When You Need to See a Doctor for Acne

Acne is a great unifier, and not just for teenagers and pregnant women. According to the most recent acne statistics, around 85% of people aged 18-24 have acne, and acne is becoming more and more common among those aged 30-40.

At The Vitality Institute of Agoura in Agoura Hills, California, Dr. Stefanie Feldman provides various treatments that can help you manage your acne and restore your skin. From facials that improve skin health to acne scar treatments, we can help you enjoy smoother, fresher, acne-free skin.

Common acne symptoms

You can get acne on our face, shoulders, back, chest, or other areas of your body. Acne causes several different types of abnormalities in and under the skin. These acne symptoms can include:

• Whiteheads, which are closed pores that are blocked with sebum
• Blackheads, which are open pores that are blocked with sebum and dirt
• Papules, which are small red hard bumps
• Pustules (also known as pimples; these are papules with pus in the tip)
• Nodules (bacteria infected, inflamed tissue causing lumps under the skin)
• Cystic lesions (pus-filled lumps under multiple skin layers)

Whiteheads, blackheads, papules, and pustules/pimples can typically be treated with over-the-counter medications and lifestyle changes to reduce stress and avoid inflammatory foods. Extremely heavy pimpling, or the appearance of nodules or cysts, usually means you need to see a professional and have your acne medically treated.

Signs of severe acne

If you have severe acne outbreaks, or chronic acne that never seems to go away, you can get professional help from a skin-care specialist. Any of the following means you need to see a doctor for your acne.

Nodules

No topical product available over the counter will be able to treat nodules, as they are a sign of bacteria, infection, and inflammation deep under the skin.You need professional acne treatment.

Cystic lesions

Popping these deep cystic acne lesions will cause terrible damage to your skin and almost certain scarring. Getting help from a professional is your best hope of avoiding permanent changes to your face.

Sudden, severe, or chronic outbreaks

If acne comes on suddenly, it could be a sign of a deeper health condition. If you notice you are changing your lifestyle to avoid showing your face due to severe or chronic acne, it’s time to pick up the phone and make an appointment for help. 

You can get a better understanding of what causes acne and how to fight back by talking to a professional. To get in touch with Dr. Stefanie Feldman and discuss treatments of acne or acne scars, call 818-208-3803 or request an appointment online.