Acne strikes countless thousands of people from babies to mature adults. There are also varying degrees of severity of acne. Usually, the degrees are classified as: mild to moderate; moderate to severe; and severe acne. Mild to moderate acne can most times be self-treated without the consultation of a dermatologist. This stage of acne is treatable with over-the-counter products, natural products, and even home remedies. Mild to moderate acne is normally a very temporary condition that can be cured in a reasonably short period of time. When you move to moderate to severe acne you are talking about conditions that have durations extending over a longer period of time. The stakes become higher the closer your condition comes to being severe. There is a chance that you can suffer significant acne scarring. Moderate to severe acne may not respond well to over-the-counter products and home remedies. You may also need to utilize a combination of treatments. Severe acne should be treated by a medical professional such as a dermatologist with training in all forms of acne conditions.

A dermatologist will be able to put together an effect acne treatment plan for you. The plan will be based upon important factors such as age, gender, and severity. Because you will be using potent medications and procedures, you will want to review your medical history with your dermatologist. If you are pregnant or nursing, you must inform your dermatologist immediately. The dermatologist will also consider all drugs and skin treatments that you are currently using. The best thing that a dermatologist can do for you is give you strong treatment options.

A dermatologist may give you prescriptions for oral antibiotics to manage your acne condition. Some of the more effect antibiotics are: doxycycline, erythromycin, tetracycline, and azithromycin. These are strong antibiotics that can only be obtained by a prescription.

A dermatologist may also prescribe relevant and useful topical medications for you to use. The topical applications may be in the form of creams, lotions, or gels. They usually have some chemical base such as salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or retinoids. Your dermatologist will be able to make solid decisions on what to use based upon your skin type.

If you suffer from large and painful acne lesions, a dermatologist can utilize corticosteroid injections which will reduce your pain. Steroid injections also speed the healing of large lesions effectively. This is treatment you cannot obtain anywhere else.

In the event that you have significant acne scarring, dermatologists can offer you several ways to reduce and eliminate the scarring. A trained dermatologist may perform chemical peels, dermabrasion techniques, and laser acne treatments. Because of the chance for severe adverse consequences to these more risky treatment options, it is wise to have them performed by a qualified dermatologist.

It is time to consult a dermatologist if you have acne that has not been controlled or cured for an extended period of time. If the severity level of your acne has moved to the upper end of the scale go to your dermatologist. Let a professional coordinate and guide your treatment plan to success.