How an Online Doctor Can Help With Acne
Review your breakouts, discuss treatment options and plan follow-up care.
Acne Assessment
Review the pattern of your breakouts, products you have tried, medication side effects and the impact on your daily life. Video or clear photos may help. Treatment and prescriptions depend on the physician’s assessment.
Further Treatment
Deep or painful spots, scarring, persistent discolouration or acne that has not improved with treatment deserve assessment. A physician may recommend an in-person examination, follow-up care or a dermatology referral.
Warning Signs
A rapidly worsening, painful skin eruption with fever may be something other than routine acne. Get urgent help for a severe medicine reaction. Call 911 for trouble breathing, throat swelling or collapse.
Discuss Your Acne Symptoms
Walk In connects eligible patients in its service areas with BC-licensed physicians for phone or video appointments. The physicians provide the medical care.
MSP-covered visits are free for eligible patients.
Understanding Acne
Acne develops when hair follicles become blocked with oil and dead skin cells. Inflammation can cause red or tender spots. It can affect teenagers and adults, and commonly appears on the face, chest or back.
What Treatments May Be Discussed?
Depending on your skin and medical history, options may include benzoyl peroxide, a topical retinoid, azelaic acid or a combination treatment. Some people need oral medication or specialist care. Antibiotics are used selectively and may be combined with other treatments to reduce resistance.
Tell the physician if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning pregnancy before starting acne medication. Some treatments are unsuitable during pregnancy.
Acne treatment takes time. A consistent plan often needs several weeks before you can judge improvement. Gentle cleansing, a non-comedogenic moisturiser and avoiding picking can support treatment.
Your Appointment in Three Steps
Step 1 Book Your Visit
Choose a service and review the eligible location and care requirements before selecting an available appointment.
Step 2 Speak With a Doctor
Connect by phone or video. Your doctor may need video or an in-person assessment to understand your concern.
Step 3 Plan Your Next Steps
Your doctor will discuss a care plan. Prescriptions, notes, tests and referrals depend on the assessment and clinical need.
Before Your Appointment
What to Have Ready
- The products and prescriptions you use, how long you have used each one and any irritation.
- Clear photos of the affected areas, if available.
- Any scarring, relevant period changes, pregnancy or pregnancy plans, and how your skin is affecting you.
Learn about the physicians on Walk In and their backgrounds before your appointment.
Questions About Acne
How Long Should I Give an Acne Treatment Before Changing It?
Acne treatments usually need consistent use over weeks before their benefit can be judged, and the expected timeline depends on the treatment. Repeatedly switching products after a few days can cause irritation without giving a suitable plan time to work.
A physician can explain what improvement to expect and when to review progress. Bring the product names and how often you use them. Significant irritation, worsening deep painful spots or developing scars is a reason for earlier advice rather than simply continuing an unsuitable routine.
What Can Be Done About Painful Acne or New Scarring?
Deep painful spots, scars or acne that substantially affects confidence deserve a treatment review. A stronger or different approach may be appropriate when non-prescription products or an initial prescription have not controlled the problem. Treatment decisions consider the type of acne, previous response and your medical history.
A physician can discuss suitable prescription options and whether dermatology referral is appropriate. Mention pregnancy or pregnancy plans before choosing treatment, because some acne medicines are unsuitable. Early attention to ongoing scarring can be more useful than waiting for every available skincare product to fail.
Could My Skincare Routine Be Making Acne More Irritated?
Yes. Scrubbing, picking and layering several active treatments can damage the skin barrier and make redness or stinging worse. More products do not necessarily produce faster improvement. Some oily or pore-clogging products may also contribute to breakouts.
A physician can review the full routine and help distinguish acne from another facial skin condition. Bring a list or photographs of cleansers, moisturisers, cosmetics and acne products. A simpler routine with a clear treatment plan can make it easier to identify both benefit and irritation.
Should I Stop Acne Treatment as Soon as My Skin Clears?
Clearer skin can mean that treatment is working rather than that the tendency to develop acne has disappeared. Some treatments are used for a limited course, while others may form part of a maintenance plan. Continuing every medicine indefinitely is not appropriate either.
A physician can explain which parts of the routine to continue, reduce or stop and when to reassess. Ask about the plan before ending a prescription, especially if previous acne returned quickly after treatment or if you have been using an antibiotic.
Who Can Book, and What Does It Cost?
Booking is available to eligible patients in Walk In’s service areas. MSP-covered physician visits are free for eligible patients. Check the booking portal for current eligibility and appointment availability. See pricing for private visits and other services.
Health Information Sources
- American Academy of Dermatology: Acne Treatment
- American Academy of Dermatology: Acne Guideline
- American Academy of Dermatology: When Acne Will Not Clear
- Mayo Clinic: Acne Symptoms and Causes
This page provides general information. Your physician will assess your individual symptoms and medical history.
Speak With a Doctor About Acne
Connect with a physician through Walk In. Check your eligibility and choose an available appointment.