When should I see a dermatologist?

[lovelyrose]

For the past 1 year, I have been getting horrible acne that leaves marks on my face. I have tried everything - different cleansers, moisturizers, pimple creams, etc. My diet is healthy, I work out regurlarly, I am stress free, I get good sleep. So I don't understand what is wrong.

Before the past one year, I hardly used to get any pimples (maybe the occasional one, which would disappear after a few days).

I am thinking of seeing the dermatologist instead of trying one new product after another. I am hesitating because....I don't know if my problem is "serious enough" to see a dermatologist. My pimples are not contant either. I get like a strong attack of pimples for like two weeks where my entire face is full of tiny little pimples. After that, all the tiny ones flatten out and I get like 3-4 big ones.

I badly want to get back my healthy skin.

Also, does anyone know how much it costs to get treatment from a dermatologist?

 

[LittleRumor]

I think it's worthwile to see a dermatologist if you're unhappy. No use in spending $$$ on OTC products searching for HG skincare. I say 3-4 big pimples and severl teeny ones classify as "Moderate." In that case, I say to see one.

Sometimes you can start with your general physician. They can prescribe the same stuff that dermatologists can. I never saw a dermatologist, just a physician that gave me retin a micro and antibiotics. I seem to be doing great now

I think that's the cheaper way if your insurance doesn't let you go to a dermatologist first. Some insurances make you see the physician first and get a referral to a derm if they think you are severe enough. If you don't have insurance, a first time visit to the term can be $100. All the prescriptions are expensive too, but not too bad. I think Retin A is $70 and Benzaclin is $40. Best to look in the phone book and ask derms in your area.

 

[Maude]

In my opinion, it's better to see a derm. There's no reason to get sad or unhappy because you have acne. A derm will be able to point out what's wrong and help you with special creams and treatments that will probably give dramatic results. I had some pimples too. My mom took me to a derm, and now, my skin is clearer than ever. I believe it was so worth it. Hope this helped !

 

[mach1grrl]

I definitely recommend seeing a dermatologist, maybe even your general practitioner or ObGyn. If you eat good, sleep well, exercise, are free from stress, etc, and yuo notice breakouts not just during that time of the month, then it may be hormonal and a sign of something else. I went through a very simliar experience, and was extremely healthy, had a great cleansing routine, normal, non-oily skin, and eventually I ended up getting to the root of the issue by visiting an ObGyn. Thank goodness I did!! But yes I would definitely seek help, as that may be your body's way of telling you something is going on. Good luck!

 

[kaeisme]

I agree with all the others to see a derm...it will give you a starting place to try some of the prescription things...

 

[Brownshugaz]

See a derm. Even just having someone professional taking care of your skin can put your mind at ease.

 

[4getmeNot]

i really need to go to a derm too. i went to my family doctor, and he gave me a topical cream and antiboitics and it didn't help at all..it made me really sad and discouraged. since then i've just been trying to deal with it on my own.

 

[ivette]

defenitly see a dermatologist. i did and now my acne is under control. you may want to see

if you are covered through your work

 

[michko970]

I a book about acne called "breaking out" and the authors advice on when to see a derm was if the acne is bad enough to worry you, and obviously you are worried. DO NOT think of your condition of your skin as being unimportant because it may pale in comparsion to worse cases. this is your face. so all in all i would book an appointment.

Oh and btw I have had friends rush to the derm because of A (one, singular, uno) pimple!

Hope you and the derm can get your skin in better shape, cause I know how it feels to suffer from acne

 

[mac-whore]

I agree with just about everyone. Definately go see a derm if you can and if the acne is leaving marks on your face. Good luck and remember to drink tons of water.

 

[Jennifer]

i definitely think you should consult when nothing's working or you're just worried.

 

[girl_geek]

It's worth it, dermatologists will treat all sorts of acne, not just the most serious cases. I am prone to clogged pores (which my dermatologist said was different than true acne, which requires the presence of a certain bacteria). I would get patches of 10-20 little pink bumps on my forehead and the sides of my face, and some random larger blemishes scattered across my face... maybe similar to what you're dealing with? Anyways, we tried several different prescription medicines until we found something that worked! (A combination of Tazorac and Clindagel worked the best for me!) And even then I never tried any pills or stronger medicines, we just experimented with different topical creams. I would go in every 6 months for a checkup and he'd decide whether he wanted me to try a new cream or keep the one I had... I haven't been to the derm in a few years, while I am still prone to clogged pores I can now keep them under control with drugstore products!

My derm also gave me a lot of advice about how to care for and prevent acne in addition to using prescriptions, everything he told me is in my notepad if you're interested