Can Telemedicine Treat Acne?

Audience: pediatric

Acne is a common skin condition that many children and teenagers experience. It causes pimples, blackheads, and sometimes redness or swelling on the face, chest, or back. Telemedicine can often help manage acne by allowing healthcare providers to see your skin through video or photos, discuss your symptoms, and suggest treatments. Many mild to moderate acne cases can be treated this way, making it easier to get care without visiting a clinic in person. However, some acne cases may need a physical exam or special tests that require an in-person visit. Telemedicine can guide you on how to care for your skin, recommend over-the-counter or prescription treatments, and advise when to seek further help. Remember, this information is educational and not a diagnosis. If your acne worsens or you notice signs of infection or other problems, you should see a healthcare provider in person.

Red flags — go in person / ER

• Severe redness, swelling, or pain around pimples — seek urgent in-person care.
• Signs of infection such as pus, warmth, or fever — see a healthcare provider promptly.
• Sudden worsening of acne with scarring or cysts — arrange for an in-person evaluation.

What telemedicine can do

• Mild to moderate acne assessment and treatment recommendations.
• Review of skin care routines and over-the-counter product advice.
• Follow-up on treatment progress through photos or video.

What telemedicine cannot do

• Severe cystic or nodular acne needing specialized procedures.
• Signs of skin infection requiring physical examination and possible lab tests.
• Urgent care for sudden worsening or complications like scarring.

What Is Acne?

Acne is a skin condition that happens when hair follicles get clogged with oil and dead skin cells. It often causes pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, or cysts. Acne usually appears on the face, chest, and back. It is very common in children and teenagers because of changes in hormones during growth.

How Can Telemedicine Help With Acne?

Telemedicine lets you connect with a healthcare provider using video calls, photos, or messages. For acne, your provider can look at your skin, ask about your symptoms, and suggest treatments. They may recommend skin care routines, over-the-counter products, or prescribe medicines if needed. This can be helpful if you cannot visit a clinic easily or want to avoid waiting.

When Is In-Person Care Needed?

Sometimes acne is severe or causes painful cysts or scarring. If your skin becomes very red, swollen, or shows signs of infection like pus or fever, you should see a healthcare provider in person. In-person visits may also be needed to perform tests or provide treatments that cannot be done remotely.

Tips for Managing Acne at Home

\1

What to Expect During a Telemedicine Visit for Acne

Your provider will ask about your skin history, symptoms, and any treatments you have tried. You may be asked to send clear photos of your skin. They will suggest a treatment plan and explain how to use any medicines. They will also tell you when to follow up or seek in-person care.

How to prepare for your tele-visit

• Find a quiet, well-lit place for your telemedicine visit.
• Prepare clear photos of your acne from different angles.
• Have a list of any skin products or medications you are using.
• Be ready to describe your symptoms and any changes in your skin.
• Have a pen and paper to write down advice or instructions.

After your tele-visit

• Follow the treatment plan and skin care advice given by your provider.
• Monitor your skin for any changes or side effects from treatments.
• Schedule follow-up telemedicine visits as recommended.
• Seek in-person care if you notice red flags or worsening symptoms.
• Maintain gentle skin care habits to support healing.

FAQs

Can telemedicine diagnose my acne?

Telemedicine providers can often assess acne based on your history and photos or video. However, they cannot perform physical exams or tests, so diagnosis is based on what they can see and hear remotely.

What treatments can be prescribed through telemedicine?

Providers may recommend over-the-counter products or prescribe topical or oral medications suitable for your acne. They will explain how to use these safely.

How long does it take for acne treatments to work?

Acne treatments usually take several weeks to show improvement. It is important to follow the plan and be patient.

When should I see a doctor in person?

If your acne becomes very painful, swollen, or shows signs of infection like pus or fever, or if it worsens suddenly, you should seek in-person care.

Can telemedicine help with acne scars?

Telemedicine can provide advice on preventing scars by treating acne early. However, treatments for existing scars often require in-person procedures.

Sources

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

This telemedicine guidance is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for in-person medical care. If you have concerns about your health or acne symptoms, please consult a healthcare provider directly.