When should I see a doctor about acne?

See a doctor when you want treatment that needs a prescription. NHS says there are many acne treatments available from a GP or skin specialist (dermatologist) with a prescription.

Free acne reading before a visit

Plenty of acne questions start with reading, and reading is free. The American Academy of Dermatology has a page on adult acne, and DermNet's acne topic explains the basics in plain terms.

What a prescription changes

A prescription opens up options a store shelf does not. If you have tried simple steps for a while and still feel stuck, that is a fair moment to book. A research review on chemical peels in the treatment of acne in PubMed Central shows the sort of procedure a clinician may talk through with you.

Painful breakouts, marks or doubt

Go sooner if breakouts are painful, if they leave marks, or if they are hurting your confidence. Also go if you are not sure the problem is acne at all. Bring a short list of what you have used and for how long.

These signs apply wherever you are in the county. This site is written in Madera, and Madera Acres and Fairmead have their own pages too.

Can acne scars be treated?

After deciding to go, many readers ask whether acne scars can be treated. Read the acne scars page next for that answer.