Our dedicated telemedicine service allows you to access expert acne treatment quickly and discreetly, without needing to visit a clinic.
How It Works
This form is the basis of your acne consultation. A licensed doctor will personally review your responses and prescribe treatment only if medically appropriate.
No video consultation is required after completing this form — unless the doctor advises otherwise.
Please ensure you:
Answer all questions truthfully and completely
Mention any current or recent medications
Include any relevant allergies or medical conditions
Read the treatment information provided before choosing your option
All prescriptions are issued only after a clinical review by a doctor.
Complete your form between 9 AM and 11 PM, and after a doctor’s review, your prescription (if issued) will usually appear in your profile within 15 minutes.
Acne is a common skin problem caused by clogged pores, which can be caused by oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria. This can cause different spots, such as whiteheads, blackheads, and pimples. Acne often appears on the face but can also appear on the back, shoulders, chest, and neck.
Acne usually starts during puberty when your body makes more oil, but it can affect people of any age. Some people only get a few pimples, while others have more severe acne that covers large areas of their skin. Severe acne can leave scars, which might stay for a long time.
While acne isn’t harmful to your health, it can be upsetting, especially on your face or other visible body parts. Acne can make people feel less confident and affect their thoughts. Sometimes, it can even lead to feelings of sadness or anxiety.
Acne can show up in different forms, from mild to severe. Knowing the types of acne can help you understand what’s happening with your skin and how to treat it. Here are the main types of acne:
Whiteheads happen when your pores get clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria, but the pores stay closed. This creates small, white bumps under your skin. Whiteheads aren’t usually painful but can make your skin feel bumpy.
Blackheads are similar to whiteheads, but the pore stays open. When exposed to air, the oil and dead skin inside turn black, making them look like dark spots. They aren't caused by dirt, and like whiteheads, they aren't painful.
Papules are small, red bumps that appear when a clogged pore is inflamed. They don’t have any pus inside, but they can be sore or tender when you touch them.
Pustules, often called pimples, are red bumps with a white or yellow top filled with pus. These can be painful, especially if irritated, and are the type of acne most people know.
Nodules are large, hard lumps that form deep under the skin. They can be painful and don’t have a visible head like pustules. Nodular acne is more serious and might need help from a doctor to treat it.
Cystic acne is the most severe type of acne. Cysts are large, pus-filled lumps that develop under the skin and can be painful. Cystic acne often causes scars, so getting medical treatment is important to help prevent long-term damage.
Fungal acne happens when yeast builds up in the hair follicles, causing small, red, itchy bumps. It often appears on the chest, back, or shoulders and can be mistaken for regular acne. This type needs a different treatment, like antifungal medicine.
Hormonal acne is common in adults, especially women, and is caused by changes in hormone levels. It often shows up as deep, painful pimples on the chin, jawline, and lower face. Hormonal changes during puberty, periods, pregnancy, or menopause can trigger this type of acne.
Acne can show up differently, depending on how bad it is. It usually appears on the face but can also affect your back, shoulders, chest, and neck. Some people get mild acne with just a few pimples, while others may have more severe acne with larger, painful bumps. Here are some common symptoms of acne:
Acne can show up on different parts of your body, but it’s most common on:
Acne can range from mild spots like whiteheads and blackheads to more serious lumps like cysts and nodules. If not treated properly, it can also cause redness, pain, and scarring. If your acne is painful or worsens, you must talk to a doctor who can help you find the right treatment.
Acne happens when oil, dead skin cells, and sometimes bacteria block your skin's pores. This leads to pimples, blackheads, and other types of spots. Although acne is common during teenage years because of hormone changes, it can happen to people of any age. Here are the leading causes of acne:
Your skin has oil glands that produce a natural oil called sebum. This oil helps keep your skin soft and healthy. But when your body produces too much oil, it can block your pores. Acne forms when oil gets trapped in the pores with dead skin cells and bacteria.
Your skin is always shedding dead skin cells. These cells can mix with oil and block your pores, leading to whiteheads, blackheads, and pimples, especially when bacteria are involved.
A type of bacteria called Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) lives on your skin naturally. Sometimes, these bacteria can grow inside clogged pores and cause redness, swelling, and pimples. Some types of P. acnes can worsen acne, while others don’t cause any breakouts.
Changes in hormones, especially during puberty, can trigger acne. Hormones called androgens cause your oil glands to get bigger and make more oil. This is why many teenagers get acne. Hormonal changes can also cause acne in women during pregnancy, their menstrual cycle, or if they have certain health conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
If your parents or siblings had acne, you are more likely to get it. Acne can run in families, and some people's skin is more prone to it because of genetics.
Certain medicines, like those that contain hormones or lithium, can cause acne as a side effect. These medications may make your skin produce more oil or change your hormone levels.
Tight clothing, sports helmets, and backpacks can pressure your skin and block your pores, leading to acne in those areas. Scrubbing your skin too hard or picking at pimples can also worsen acne and cause scarring.
Diagnosing acne is usually simple and doesn't require complicated tests. A doctor or dermatologist can determine if you have acne by looking at your skin. They will check the areas with acne, like your face, chest, back, or shoulders, to see what type of spots you have, such as blackheads, whiteheads, or painful lumps called cysts.
The doctor will also ask questions like:
Your medical history is important, too. The doctor may ask if anyone in your family has had acne since it can run in families. They will also ask if you're taking any medications, as some can make acne worse, like steroids or hormones. They might ask about your stress levels because stress can worsen acne, causing your body to produce more oil.
Suppose your acne shows up suddenly and is very severe. In that case, the doctor might run tests to check for other issues, like hormone problems related to conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). They might also do blood tests to check your hormone levels.
Finally, the doctor will determine the severity of your acne. It might be mild (mostly blackheads and whiteheads), moderate (more red, swollen pimples), or severe (deep, painful lumps or cysts). This will help them decide the best treatment for you, from over-the-counter creams to stronger medications.
With this information, the doctor can create a treatment plan to manage your acne and help prevent scarring.
You might not be able to stop acne completely, but these simple steps can help prevent breakouts and keep your skin clear:
Wash your face twice a day: Use a gentle, oil-free cleanser to clean your face. Avoid scrubbing too hard, as this can irritate your skin.
Choose the right products: Use non-comedogenic (won’t clog your pores) and water-based skincare and makeup products. Avoid oil-based products that can block pores and cause acne.
Remove makeup before bed: Always remove makeup before sleeping to prevent clogged pores.
Don’t touch your face: Keep your hands away from your face to avoid spreading dirt, oil, and bacteria that can cause breakouts.
Keep your hair clean: If it is oily or long, wash it regularly. Keep it off your face to stop oil from getting onto your skin.
Wear loose clothing: If you have acne on your back or chest, wearing loose clothes can help your skin breathe and reduce breakouts.
Eat a healthy diet: A balanced diet and drinking plenty of water can help keep your skin healthy.
Reduce stress: Stress can worsen acne, so try to manage stress through relaxing activities or exercise.
Clean items that touch your skin: Phones, glasses, and pillowcases collect dirt and oil, so clean them regularly to avoid breakouts.
Following these tips can help prevent acne and keep your skin looking clearer. If acne still bothers you, ask a dermatologist for advice.
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