Acne doesn’t appear just on the face. It can show up on your back, shoulders, neck, upper arms, buttocks, and chest. Pimples aren’t the only sign either. You may have:
- Blackheads and whiteheads
- Papules
- Cysts
- Nodules
Even though over-the-counter treatments for acne can help when you have an occasional breakout or very mild acne a dermatologist offers customized treatments that are more effective when acne is more severe. Here are a few signs that you may need a dermatologist:
- Over-the-counter products have stopped working
- Acne is making you feel self-conscious and unhappy
- Pimples and pustules are leaving scars
- Pimples and pustules are sore, and the area around them is swollen and red
The severity and type of your acne inform your provider about which treatment plan is best for you. Not every method of therapy is right for every person, so the doctors at McGuiness Dermatology & Plastic Surgery do a careful analysis of your skin and the acne’s pattern. In almost all cases, however, acne can be managed and controlled.
Options for treatment include prescription antibiotic topical ointments and creams, and medications that help kill the bacteria aggravating your acne. You may also benefit from in-office light treatments, chemical peels, and microdermabrasion, depending on your skin.
For more information about how to manage your acne, call one of the offices of McGuiness Dermatology & Plastic Surgery or book an appointment online.