Can Telemedicine Treat Acne?

Audience: adult

Acne is a common skin condition that often causes pimples, blackheads, and sometimes deeper lumps on the face and body. Many adults seek treatment to manage acne and improve their skin's appearance. Telemedicine can be a helpful way to consult with a healthcare provider about acne without needing to visit in person. Through video calls or photos, a provider can assess your skin, discuss your symptoms, and suggest treatment options such as topical creams or medications. Telemedicine is convenient and can save time, especially for mild to moderate acne. However, some acne cases may require an in-person visit for a full skin exam or specialized treatments. If your acne is severe, painful, or causing scarring, or if you have other health concerns, you should see a healthcare professional in person. Telemedicine can support ongoing care and follow-up but is not a complete substitute for all acne treatments. Always seek urgent care if you experience signs of infection or severe skin reactions.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe redness, swelling, or pain around acne lesions — seek urgent in-person care as this may indicate infection.
• Sudden appearance of large, painful cysts or nodules — consult a healthcare provider promptly.
• Signs of allergic reaction to acne treatments such as rash, itching, or difficulty breathing — stop treatment and get emergency care immediately.

What telemedicine can do

• Assessment of mild to moderate acne through photos or video.
• Discussion of symptoms and medical history related to acne.
• Prescribing common acne medications and topical treatments.
• Providing follow-up care and treatment adjustments for acne.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Evaluation of severe or cystic acne requiring physical examination.
• Procedures such as drainage or injection of acne cysts.
• Diagnosis and management of skin infections or allergic reactions needing urgent care.
• Treatment of acne-related scarring or complex skin conditions.

What Is Acne?

Acne is a skin condition that happens when hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells. It often appears as pimples, blackheads, or whiteheads. Acne can affect the face, chest, back, and shoulders. It is common in teenagers but can continue into adulthood. Acne varies in severity from mild to severe and can sometimes cause scarring.

How Telemedicine Can Help With Acne

Telemedicine allows you to connect with a healthcare provider remotely, usually through video calls or sending photos. For acne, this means you can show your skin and describe your symptoms without leaving home. Providers can often recommend treatments like over-the-counter or prescription creams, antibiotics, or other medications based on your description and images. Telemedicine is convenient for follow-up visits to check how your treatment is working.

When Telemedicine May Not Be Enough

Some acne cases need a closer look or special treatments that require an in-person visit. This includes severe acne with deep cysts, painful lumps, or scarring. If your skin shows signs of infection, such as redness, swelling, warmth, or pus, you should see a healthcare provider in person. Also, if your acne does not improve with treatment or worsens, an in-person evaluation may be needed.

Preparing for Your Telemedicine Visit

Before your appointment, prepare by cleaning your face gently and taking clear photos of your acne from different angles. Write down any treatments you have tried and any other skin or health issues you have. Make a list of questions or concerns to discuss with your provider. Find a quiet place with good lighting for your video call.

After Your Telemedicine Visit

Follow the treatment plan your provider recommends. Use medications as directed and avoid picking or squeezing pimples. Keep track of any side effects or changes in your skin. Schedule follow-up visits as advised to monitor your progress. If your acne worsens or you notice new symptoms, contact your healthcare provider promptly.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Wash your face gently before the visit to show your skin clearly.
• Take clear, well-lit photos of your acne from multiple angles.
• List current and past acne treatments you have used.
• Write down any other skin or health issues you have.
• Prepare questions or concerns to discuss with your healthcare provider.
• Ensure a quiet, private space with good lighting for your telemedicine appointment.

After your tele-visit

• Use acne treatments exactly as prescribed or recommended.
• Avoid picking, squeezing, or scratching acne lesions.
• Monitor your skin for improvement or any side effects.
• Schedule follow-up telemedicine visits as advised by your provider.
• Seek in-person care if your acne worsens or if you develop signs of infection or allergic reactions.
• Maintain a gentle skincare routine and avoid harsh products unless advised otherwise.

FAQs

Can a doctor diagnose acne through a video call?

Yes, doctors can often diagnose mild to moderate acne through video calls or photos by examining your skin and asking about your symptoms. However, severe cases may require an in-person visit.

What treatments can be prescribed via telemedicine for acne?

Providers can prescribe topical creams, gels, or oral medications like antibiotics or hormonal treatments based on your condition and medical history during a telemedicine visit.

When should I see a doctor in person for acne?

You should see a doctor in person if your acne is severe, painful, causing scarring, or if you notice signs of infection such as redness, swelling, warmth, or pus. Also, if your acne does not improve with treatment, an in-person visit may be needed.

Is telemedicine safe for managing acne?

Telemedicine is generally safe and convenient for managing mild to moderate acne. It allows ongoing care and treatment adjustments without needing to travel. However, it is not a substitute for urgent or complex care.

Can telemedicine help with acne scars?

Telemedicine can provide advice about acne scars and refer you to specialists, but treatments for scars often require in-person procedures that cannot be done remotely.

Sources

1. Acne — MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine / NIH.
2. Acne Vulgaris — National Library of Medicine, U.S. National Library of Medicine.
3. Acne: Diagnosis and Treatment — Mayo Clinic.
4. Skin Conditions: Acne — Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

This telemedicine education is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. Always seek direct evaluation by a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment, especially if your symptoms worsen or you experience any red flag signs.