Acne: Causes, Symptoms & When to See a Doctor
Acne affects teenagers and adults alike. While mild acne often responds to gentle skin care, persistent or scarring acne benefits from dermatology-guided treatment tailored to your skin type.
Acne affects teenagers and adults alike.
What is acne?
Acne affects teenagers and adults alike.
What is acne?
Acne develops when hair follicles become blocked with oil and dead skin cells, allowing bacteria to multiply and cause inflammation. Severity ranges from a few spots to widespread cystic disease.
Early dermatology care reduces long-term scarring and dark marks — especially important for moderate or severe acne.
Common symptoms
- Whiteheads and blackheads (comedones)
- Red, inflamed pimples and pustules
- Painful deep nodules or cysts in severe acne
- Dark marks after spots heal (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation)
- Acne on face, chest, or back
Risk factors
- Hormonal changes during adolescence or with PCOS
- Family history of acne
- Oily skin and certain cosmetics
- Medicines such as steroids in some cases
- Friction from helmets or tight clothing
When to seek medical care
See a dermatologist for painful cystic acne, scarring, acne affecting self-esteem, or if shop-bought treatments have not helped after eight to twelve weeks.
Which doctor treats acne?
For acne, a dermatologist is often the appropriate starting point. They can examine you, order relevant tests, and refer to another specialist if needed. View available doctors.
How doctors generally evaluate this problem
Dermatologists grade acne severity, identify scarring risk, and discuss topical or oral treatments — including retinoids, antibiotics, or hormonal therapy when appropriate for your situation.
General treatment and management
Mild acne may improve with gentle cleansing and non-comedogenic products. Moderate to severe acne often needs prescription treatment to prevent scarring. Do not squeeze deep cysts — this increases scarring and infection risk.
Prevention and lifestyle
Use non-comedogenic skin products, remove makeup before sleep, avoid excessive scrubbing, and seek early care if over-the-counter measures fail after several weeks.
Frequently asked questions
Does diet cause acne?
Diet alone rarely explains acne, though some people notice triggers with high-glycaemic foods or dairy. A dermatologist can help identify factors relevant to your skin.
Which doctor treats acne?
A dermatologist is the specialist for acne. A general physician can advise on mild cases and refer when prescription treatment is needed.
Related topics in this cluster
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