Acne: When should one seek medical advice?

Acne in most people is not a serious medical condition and does not require treatment or visit to a doctor. It affects almost everyone and causes misery due to its uncalled for dent in both self-confidence and  self-esteem. But severe acne can cann  make people extremely -consciousness of their physical appearance and might as well cause depression, anxiety or embarrassment  when they socialise. Visit or call your doctor for acne if;

·         Your acne doesn’t improve or seem to be worsening with home treatment/alternative remedies or treatment with over-the-counter medicines.

• You have a family history of severe acne.
• You have severe acne (persistent pimples or inflamed cysts) or the acne is causing scarring.
• It is affecting your self-esteem or social relationships and if you are becoimg extremely cautious about
• There are many effective treatments for acne that can minimise or even eliminate acne problem.

Appropriate treatment can avoid scarring or other damages to your skin.
Your doctor may prescribe antibiotics (to be taken orally or for topical application), hormone containing mediations or some other cream/lotion for topical application.

      Ask your doctor about the potential side effects of the treatment. Some people require long term treatment to cure acne problem.Consult a dermatologist with whom your teen will be comfortable as acne is as much an emotional condition as a physical one. In addition to treatment follow simple measures like regularly cleaning your face and avoiding foods which seem to worsen your acne (fried foods, chocolates and other hot food items.)

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