ACNE DIAGNOSIS |
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Acne patients are often treated by
family doctors. Complicated cases are referred to a dermatologist, a
skin disease specialist, or an endocrinologist, a specialist who
treats diseases of the body's endocrine (hormones and glands)
system.
Acne has a characteristic appearance and is not difficult to
diagnose. The doctor takes a complete medical history, including
questions about skin care, diet, factors causing flare-ups,
medication use, and prior treatment. Physical examination includes
the face, upper neck, chest, shoulders, back, and other affected
areas. Under good lighting, the doctor determines what types and how
many blemishes are present, whether they are inflamed, whether they
are deep or superficial, and whether there is scarring or skin
discoloration.
In teenagers, acne is often found on the forehead, nose, and chin.
As people get older, acne tends to appear towards the outer part of
the face. Adult women may have acne on their chins and around their
mouths. The elderly may develop whiteheads and blackheads on the
upper cheeks and skin around the eyes.
Laboratory tests are not done unless the patient appears to have a
hormonal disorder or other medical problem. In this case, blood
analyses or other tests may be ordered. Most insurance plans cover
the costs of diagnosing and treating acne. |
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| ACNE RELATED ITEMS |
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