If you are tired of struggling with painful breakouts, its time to see a dermatologist specializing in acne near me. June is Acne Awareness Month, so we wanted to shed light on this condition. A dermatologist can create a unique treatment plan tailored to your needs. Improve active acne, prevent further breakouts and improve acne scars with the help of an acne dermatologist. Here’s what you can expect.
Diagnosis
First, you will have an exam. The dermatologist will look for any patterns that points to a trigger for your acne flare ups. Your provider will consider all the health conditions that could disguise themselves as acne and look for deeper underlying issues.
For example, sometimes what looks like acne, may not be. It could be a bad case of Hidradenitis suppurative. Or other conditions that manifest in painful breakouts that could be mistaken for acne.
Treatment Plan
Once you have been diagnosed with acne, your provider will suggest a customized treatment plan. The best treatment plan for you will depend on many factors. These include:
- The type of acne you are dealing with. Is it blackheads, pimples, whiteheads?
- Where the acne is predominantly located.
- When the acne breakouts began
- Your age
- The types of treatments you have tried previously
- Whether past breakouts have lefts scars or dark spots
In addition to medication, your dermatologist may also recommend certain lifestyle changes. Diet can often be a big contributor to skin problems, so you may need to make changes. Also, exercise can help keep your skin clear. Finally, staying hydrated helps flush out toxins and minimize excessive oil production.
When to See a Dermatologist Specializing in Acne Near Me
Most people think that acne is just a normal part of life, and it is to a certain degree. However, there are some situations that could necessitate medical treatment. Unfortunately, it can be difficult to know when that is. So, when is it time to see a dermatologist?
Severe Breakouts 
If you have an acne breakout that is severe and looks or feels different than usual, you should speak to a dermatologist. This could be a sign of an underlying condition, or hormonal imbalance. A board certified acne dermatologist has the experience and knowledge to know if your pimples are normal or something more.
OTC Treatments Fail
If you have tried over the counter treatments with no improvement in your symptoms, it’s time to talk to your dermatologist. Typical over the counter treatments include retinoid gels, benzoyl peroxide, glycolic acid, lactic acid, and salicylic acid. If you have tried these products for weeks or months with no improvement, schedule an appointment with your dermatologist.
Changes in Medication
Did your acne start after you started taking a new medication? This could mean that you have an intolerance or sensitivity to the medication. This is especially true for medications used to treat depression, anxiety and other related mental/emotionally precipitated conditions.
Acne Scars and Dark Spots
If your acne is leaving scars and marks after the breakout, you may have a severe case of acne. This type of acne is usually harder to treat and more stubborn to control. However, a board-certified dermatologist specializing in acne can treat these scars easily. Furthermore, they can help you find a treatment to prevent further breakouts and scarring.
Self Esteem
Acne can be a huge hit for your confidence and self-esteem. If you are experiencing this, it’s a good idea to speak to your dermatologist about treatment options. They can help you get clearer skin and get back to enjoying life.
Top Dermatologist Specializing in Acne Near Me
If you are tired of struggling with your breakouts, its time to talk to your dermatologist. Contact Reston Dermatology and Cosmetic Center today to learn more about your treatment options.
