Acne: what works, how long it takes, and when to get care

• Blackheads and whiteheads
• Red bumps, and pimples with pus
• Deeper, painful lumps (nodules or cysts)
• Most often on the face, chest, back and shoulders

• Wash gently once or twice a day with a mild cleanser, and after exercise.
• Do not scrub, and do not wash over and over.
• Do not squeeze, pick or rub pimples. This can cause infection and scars.
• Use makeup and lotions that are water-based or say "noncomedogenic" (made not to clog pores). Take makeup off before bed.
• Keep your hair clean and off your face.

Products with benzoyl peroxide, adapalene or salicylic acid can help. Use a small amount and follow the label. They can make skin red, dry or peel at first. Benzoyl peroxide can bleach towels and clothes.

Give a product 6 to 8 weeks to work before you decide it does not help.

A doctor can prescribe stronger creams or gels, or medicine by mouth. Get help if store products have not worked after a few months, if acne is getting worse, if you have deep painful lumps or scars, or if acne is upsetting you. This can be an online visit if you have none of the signs below.

• Fever
• A lot of swelling of the face
• Painful cysts that are getting worse fast
• Pus or crusting that looks infected, or redness that spreads past the pimples
• Skin that feels hot and very tender
• Sudden, severe acne with joint pain or body aches
• Acne with weight changes you cannot explain, extra hair growth, or irregular periods. These can be signs of a hormone problem that needs a checkup.

If you are in Virginia or West Virginia, you can start a visit online at any time. It is for adults and children 4 and older (with a parent or legal guardian) with common acne. You send clear photos.

A board-certified physician reviews your answers and photos. If medicine is right for you, the doctor can send a prescription to your pharmacy. If you need to be seen in person, the doctor will tell you.

It is not for anyone with the in-person reasons above.

Visits start at $59. You see the price before you pay, and you do not need insurance. If you are already in ongoing care with us for acne, check-ins are $39, and your first one is free.