Do I really need to go to the doctor? Can’t I just buy an acne treatment cream at the pharmacy?
Most people with acne have asked themselves these questions. We’ve caught up with acne specialist Dr Markus Reinholz who gives his expert advice on when to consult your doctor.
Dr. Reinholz:
When it comes to acne my motto is “hit hard and hit early”. I believe that treating symptoms early and effectively is the best way to prevent the scarring that this inflammatory disease so often leaves behind. Even a few papules and pustules can lead to scarring. It’s not just severe symptoms that respond well to treatment.
Mild forms of acne such as Acne Comedonica − where blackheads are the primary symptom − also heals faster. In fact, left untreated, blackheads are one of the first things to cause scarring as patients often pick them and fiddle with the surrounding skin so they worsen and papules form. This can lead to Acne Excoriée. You can read more about the different types of acne here.
Dr. Reinholz:
In my experience, going it alone without a proper diagnosis or expert advice often leads to a delay in people getting the treatment their skin needs. So, as a dermatologist, I don’t recommend it. Pharmacists, however, can be a great source of advice for skin concerns and will be able to recommend over-the-counter medication and skincare products to start using before you meet with a doctor (either a general doctor or skin specialist known as a dermatologist). And an effective skincare routine is an important step in the right direction. Find out more in the ideal skincare products and routine for acne-prone skin.
Dr. Rheinholz:
Most of my patients are between 12 and 30, but people of any age can get acne and the spectrum ranges from neonatal acne, through puberty and drug-induced acne and on to adult acne (also known as Acne Tarda).
Dr. Reinholz:
Acne doesn’t just affect people physically, it can have a considerable psychological impact too. Living with acne can be stressful and sufferers often experience low self-esteem and their confidence is further knocked by social stigmatization. Only effective treatment can really change all this, so I would encourage them to seek expert advice as soon as possible. Early treatment is also the only way to prevent scarring.
Dr. Reinholz:
It starts with a detailed medical history. We discuss how long they’ve had acne, how severe it is, and the measures they’ve already taken to treat their skin. This is followed by a skin inspection which normally focuses on the face, neck, upper arms, shoulders, and back. The skin expert will then make a diagnosis and treatment recommendation suitable for that person and their skin.
Dr. Reinholz:
The basis of any acne treatment is to ensure that the patient has a good understanding of the disease and their skin condition. I give people a fact sheet full of medical information and easy-to-follow advice and dos and don’ts to help improve their skin.
You can find out more about medical treatment options in acne medication: what are the most common treatments? And acne treatments and their possible side effects.
Dr. Reinholz:
Treatment can take some time, so keeping the patient optimistic and their spirits up can be one of the biggest challenges. Both topical and systemic treatments (the type you take orally) can sometimes cause skin conditions to deteriorate in the short term and patients can experience skin irritation and dehydration. A large part of my role is to encourage them to persevere with the treatment. It’s also difficult to stop people from fiddling with their skin, but it’s important that the only person who manipulates your blemishes is a professional who does so in the sterile conditions of a clinic.
I know fiddling with your skin sounds harmless but it’s not: it exacerbates symptoms of mild acne, spreads bacteria, and can cause complications.
Can I have two?! If so, Number one. Consult your doctor or dermatologist as soon as possible to get on top of your symptoms and prevent long-term consequences such as scarring. And two. Stick with your treatment − even when results seem to take longer than you’d like. Oh, and don’t fiddle with your spots. Keep your hands away from your face. Sorry, I think that’s actually three things!
The Challenge Acne Team: No problem. Thanks so much for your time and your advice Dr Reinholz.
