Occasional breakouts are rarely a big deal. Good skincare and over-the-counter products often knock them out quickly. If you have mild to severe acne, you might be dealing with an entirely different situation. It might take more aggressive treatment to clear your skin. Taking the time to see a same-day acne specialist in McLean, Virginia will be worth it.
A proper diagnosis and an array of treatment options are what is needed to stop those persistent and sometimes painful breakouts.
Is It Really Necessary to Get a Diagnosis for This Condition When I Know I Have It?
Acne can have many causes. The most common reason for acne is clogged pores or hair follicles. Acne occurs when these areas become trapped with sebum (oil), bacteria, and dead skin cells.
In order for the right course of action to be recommended, it’s important to figure out what triggers your acne. Aside from clogged pores and follicles, your skin may be breaking out because of stress, diet, skin care products, or certain medications. For example, it might also be due to hormonal changes.
What Are Acne Symptoms?
Acne symptoms really depend on the severity of your condition. If you have acne, you’ve likely noticed whiteheads, blackheads, or papules (small, discolored bumps). However, in severe cases, you may have nodules (large painful lumps under your skin) or cysts (painful lumps that are filled with pus).
How Is Acne Diagnosed?
Acne is ranked by severity into grades:
- 1, or mild
- 2, or moderate
- 3, or moderately severe or nodulocystic acne
- 4, or severe nodulocystic acne.
First, your acne specialist will examine your skin and ask about your symptoms. So, be prepared to answer questions about your medical history, including health conditions and medications. Additionally, you might be asked about your family’s history with acne.
If you notice any triggers that cause acne flare-ups, be sure to tell your specialist. Many patients keep an acne journal, which can be incredibly helpful for their diagnosis and treatment.
So, How Can an Acne Specialist Help?
An acne specialist has very specific responsibilities when it comes to helping their patients aside from a diagnosis:
- Education: First, your specialist will ask about your diet and lifestyle habits to determine if modifications need to be made as part of your acne treatment. If so, they’ll provide the information necessary to help you make healthy changes.
- Home care: It is possible that you are using the wrong products or using the right products incorrectly. However, a same-day acne specialist in McLean, Virginia can help you develop the home care regime you need for healthy skin.
- Acne treatment adjustments: It is not at all uncommon for acne treatment to begin one way and then evolve or change as needed. So, if you’re not seeing expected results or if you’re taking medication for acne that needs to be adjusted as your skin gets better, your provider will make the necessary changes.
- Extractions: You might be tempted to squeeze, pick, or pop acne, but don’t. This can result in significant scarring. If this is something that needs to be done, trust an acne specialist to do it in a safe, sterile environment.
- Options: A well-educated and experienced acne specialist will offer and have access to treatment options that go beyond medications. Facials like chemical peels and alternative therapies can be great enhancements and boost your results.
Can You Tell Me About Acne Treatment Options?
Naturally, you really shouldn’t begin a course of action to treat your acne without the guidance of a skincare specialist. In fact, you can actually make your skin worse.
The first course of action is usually topical medications. For example, antibiotics, products that contain benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or azelaic acid, and/or steroid injections. Also, it’s possible you might benefit from oral antibiotics, birth control, and/or hormone therapy.
Facials and alternative therapies are quite popular and can be used alone or in conjunction with other acne treatments. Your specialist might recommend a light to a medium chemical peel, microdermabrasion, or IPL (intense pulsed light).
Once I Start Treatment, How Long Will It Take to See Results?
It’s important to understand that treatment takes time and must be established to see an improvement in your skin. Unfortunately, this can be a trial-and-error process for some people. So, be patient! In fact, it might take weeks for you to see a visible change in your skin health. It can take several months for your skin to completely clear up.
What Questions Should I Ask During a Consultation With a Dermatologist?
Preparing for your visit is a good idea. If you have questions, write them down so you don’t forget. If you’re sure what to ask, this will get you started:
- What causes my acne?
- What treatments will work for me?
- Are there treatments I need to avoid?
- How can I modify my habits for healthier skin?
- Can I use home care treatments with what you are recommending?
- Which products are right for my skin?
- What is the best sunscreen?
- How often should I schedule my appointments?
Add to this list when you think of other relevant questions.
For the Top Same-Day Acne Specialist in McLean, Virginia, Call the Office of Dr. Marjan Yousefi Now!
Dr. Yousefi has dedicated her career to making sure all patients have healthy skin. She and her team specialize in both medical and cosmetic dermatology and can offer you a combination of safe, effective acne treatments so you achieve amazing results. Get the help you need by contacting us today at 703-255-5070 to book your appointment. Begin your journey to clear skin today!
