Acne assessment and treatment online in 24 hours*
from a licensed, board-certified healthcare professional.
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Free cancellation up to 24 hours before your appointment.
HSA & FSA accepted; best-value for top quality care
Same-day mental health, weight loss, and primary care appointments availableExcellent
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Limited time offer: Up to 40% off
Now accepting insuranceHSA & FSA accepted; best-value for top quality careSame-day mental health, weight loss, and primary care appointments availableExcellent
based on 0 reviews
Limited time offer: Up to 40% offNow accepting insurance
Same-day acne treatment online
Acne can significantly impact your comfort and confidence, making timely treatment crucial.
Klarity connects you with board-certified providers specialized in skincare. Get same-day acne treatment online with acne prescriptions when medically appropriate.
Online acne treatment for you and about you
You’re unique. And your needs are too. You deserve online acne treatment from a provider committed to you. That’s why you can find an acne specialist on Klarity Health and access:
**Your provider will discuss treatment options with you, which may or may not include medication.
Book an appointment with experts for the treatment of acne
Klarity Health connects you with experienced, licensed providers who specialize in the treatment of acne. Select your state to see available providers.
Select a state
Top-rated providers available for you
4.98
Amethyst Maxey, FNP-CAPRN
Specializes in Psychiatry, Mental Health
5.0
Sawyer Flandreau, FNP-BC
Specializes in Family Medicine, Mental Health
5.0
Melissa Tam, FNP-BC
Specializes in Internal Medicine, Family Medicine
4.96
Derek Timbs, FNP-BC
Specializes in Weight Loss, Preventive Medicine
5.0
Margaret Gallagher, PhD, FNP-BC
Specializes in Weight Loss, Mental Health
5.0
Laurie Jean Foley, PMHNP-BC
Specializes in Weight Loss, Mental Health
4.96
Kate Graen, PA-C
Specializes in Psychiatry, Mental Health
5.0
Ernest Emery, AGACNP-BC
Specializes in Psychiatry, Internal Medicine
5.0
Noussaiba Ayour, PA
Specializes in Urgent Care, Behavioral Medicine
4.98
Amethyst Maxey, FNP-CAPRN
Specializes in Psychiatry, Mental Health
5.0
Sawyer Flandreau, FNP-BC
Specializes in Family Medicine, Mental Health
5.0
Melissa Tam, FNP-BC
Specializes in Internal Medicine, Family Medicine
4.96
Derek Timbs, FNP-BC
Specializes in Weight Loss, Preventive Medicine
5.0
Margaret Gallagher, PhD, FNP-BC
Specializes in Weight Loss, Mental Health
5.0
Laurie Jean Foley, PMHNP-BC
Specializes in Weight Loss, Mental Health
4.96
Kate Graen, PA-C
Specializes in Psychiatry, Mental Health
5.0
Ernest Emery, AGACNP-BC
Specializes in Psychiatry, Internal Medicine
5.0
Noussaiba Ayour, PA
Specializes in Urgent Care, Behavioral Medicine
Symptoms of acne
Common acne symptoms include whiteheads, blackheads, papules (small, red bumps), pustules (pus-filled pimples), nodules (large, painful lumps beneath the skin), and cystic lesions (painful, pus-filled lumps). Acne primarily appears on the face, forehead, chest, upper back, and shoulders due to a higher concentration of oil glands. Severity ranges from occasional breakouts to persistent, widespread acne, significantly impacting personal confidence and quality of life.
How is acne diagnosed?
Diagnosing acne is typically straightforward and based on a physical examination by a licensed healthcare provider. Here’s how the process usually works:
- Visual inspection: Your provider examines your skin, especially the face, chest, back, and shoulders, to assess the type and severity of acne (e.g., blackheads, whiteheads, papules, pustules, nodules, or cysts).
- Medical history: You’ll be asked about the onset, duration, and any triggers (e.g., stress, hormonal changes, medications, skincare products).
- Lifestyle and skincare habits: Information about your daily routine, diet, and any topical or oral treatments you’ve used can help guide the diagnosis.
- Hormonal evaluation (if needed): For patients with persistent, severe, or adult-onset acne—especially women—hormonal testing may be recommended to check for underlying conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Lab tests or skin biopsies are rarely needed unless your provider suspects an unusual cause or skin disorder mimicking acne.
Acne treatment options
Effective acne management depends on its severity.
Mild acne
Presence of blackheads, whiteheads, and small pimples with minimal inflammation. Typically treated with topical retinoids or benzoyl peroxide.
Treatment options:
- Topical retinoids: Medications like tretinoin, adapalene, or tazarotene help unclog pores and reduce inflammation.
- Benzoyl peroxide: An antibacterial agent that reduces acne-causing bacteria and prevents antibiotic resistance.
- Salicylic acid: A beta-hydroxy acid that exfoliates the skin and unclogs pores.
- Azelaic acid: Possesses antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, beneficial for treating acne and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Moderate acne
More widespread breakouts with inflamed papules and pustules. May require topical antibiotics, retinoids, combination products, and potentially oral antibiotics.
Treatment options:
- Combination topical therapy: Using a topical retinoid with benzoyl peroxide, and possibly adding a topical antibiotic like clindamycin.
- Oral antibiotics: Medications such as doxycycline or minocycline are prescribed to reduce bacteria and inflammation.
- Hormonal therapy: For females, combined oral contraceptives or anti-androgens like spironolactone can be effective.
These treatments aim to reduce inflammation and bacterial growth, often requiring a combination approach for optimal results.
Severe acne
Severe acne, including the presence of large, painful nodules or cysts, and a higher risk of scarring. Often needs stronger interventions such as oral isotretinoin, hormonal treatments for women, or comprehensive combination therapies. Medical supervision ensures proper treatment adjustments and management of potential side effects.
Treatment options:
- Oral isotretinoin: A potent retinoid that reduces oil production, unclogs pores, and has anti-inflammatory properties.
- Combination therapy: Oral antibiotics combined with topical treatments like retinoids and benzoyl peroxide.
- Hormonal treatments: For females, continued use of hormonal therapies may be beneficial.
- Procedural interventions: In some cases, dermatological procedures like corticosteroid injections or laser therapy may be recommended.
Commonly prescribed acne medications
If over-the-counter solutions aren’t effective, it’s time to consult a provider for prescription treatments. Providers on Klarity Health can prescribe acne medications tailored to your severity and skin type.
Topical medications:
Retinoids:
- Tretinoin (Retin-A) – Vitamin A derivative for mild to moderate acne, FDA-approved.
- Adapalene (Differin) – FDA-approved for acne; reduces inflammation and unclogs pores.
- Tazarotene (Tazorac) – FDA-approved for severe acne, promotes skin cell turnover.
Antibiotics:
- Clindamycin (Cleocin-T) – FDA-approved topical antibiotic, reduces bacterial growth.
- Erythromycin (Erygel) – FDA-approved antibiotic, effective for mild to moderate acne.
Combination treatments:
- Benzoyl peroxide/clindamycin (Duac, Benzaclin) – FDA-approved combination antibiotic and antibacterial for moderate acne.
- Benzoyl peroxide/adapalene (Epiduo) – FDA-approved combination treatment for moderate to severe acne.
Oral medications:
Antibiotics:
- Doxycycline (Oracea, Vibramycin) – FDA-approved antibiotic for moderate to severe acne.
- Minocycline (Minocin) – FDA-approved for acne, reduces bacterial inflammation.
Hormonal treatments:
- Combined oral contraceptives (Ortho Tri-Cyclen, Yaz) – FDA-approved to manage hormonal acne in women.
- Spironolactone (Aldactone, off-label) – Often prescribed off-label for hormonal acne in women.
Retinoids:
- Isotretinoin (Accutane) – FDA-approved potent medication for severe acne resistant to other treatments.
How Klarity Health works
Find a provider and book an appointment in minutes
Meet your provider online for care and a prescription if needed
Pick up your medication at a pharmacy if prescribed
Get 24×7 ongoing support. Book a follow-up anytime
With Klarity Health, you’re in good company
Read through stories from real patients who received treatment from healthcare providers on Klarity.
Frequently asked questions about acne treatment online
*Appointments are generally available within 24 hours. Free initial consultations are available only with select providers. Prescriptions, particularly for controlled substances, may require an in-person evaluation depending on the state of residence and current federal regulations.
The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional with any questions or concerns you have regarding your health. Providers on Klarity Health are independent practitioners with clinical autonomy. Nothing in this article is intended to diagnose or treat any condition, including guaranteeing prescription medication of any kind or dosage. Not all providers on Klarity Health prescribe all medications, particularly medications that are controlled substances.
All professional services are provided by independent private practices via the Klarity technology platform. Klarity Health, Inc. does not provide medical services.
Phone:
PO Box 5098 Redwood City, CA 94063
100 Broadway Street, Redwood City CA, 94063
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ABOUT US
All professional services are provided by independent private practices via the Klarity technology platform. Klarity Health, Inc. does not provide medical services.
Phone:
PO Box 5098 Redwood City, CA 94063
100 Broadway Street, Redwood City CA, 94063
If you’re having an emergency or in emotional distress, here are some resources for immediate help: Emergency: Call 911. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: call or text 988. Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741741.
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