The idea of self-medication even for ‘small’ health issues as acne can lead to complications. People prescribe doses of antibiotics and other powerful drugs to themselves and others without worrying about consulting a licensed and qualified doctor.
Today, self-medication has increased many health issues and it’s most unfortunate. Take a look at pimple and acne treatment, for instance, what patients do is buy over-the-counter (OTC) meds which are erroneously believed are easier to acquire. The doctor is not there to check the composition of the medicine and the possible side effects. And the results? Drastic! A patient may be under medication for different health issues and boom! one acne strays along and he self-medicates. This attitude may lead to adverse reactions. This is because one drug may react differently when consumed with another drug, thereby, worsening the case. It can even lead to death. Hence, consulting a doctor is a must.
It only takes a doctor to explain the basis of any acne treatment which is to ensure that the patient has a good understanding of their skin condition. It is the doctor’s responsibility to give the patient a fact sheet full of medical information and easy to follow advice and dos and don’ts to help improve the skin. Either way, the information will help you understand what choices are available for you.
Consulting a doctor remains the best choice for any medical recommendations and treatment and not self-medication.
So, how long should you try over-the-counter (OTC) acne treatments? Eternity? No. You should see a doctor. You shouldn’t consider acne as a case too little to see a doctor for, a research carried out in 2018 showed that acne has an impact in the health-related quality of life of individuals with the condition. The best practice is to be evaluated and treated by a professional for your acne condition and every other ailment.
Acne is a common skin condition. It occurs when your hair follicles become clogged with oil and dead skin cells. It often causes whiteheads, blackheads or pimples, and usually appears on the face, forehead, chest, upper back and shoulders. A Survey confirm, about 85% of us will have it one point in our lives or the other.
And it’s ridiculous to see that with the abundance of over-the-counter acne treatment products available today, people have forgotten acne is not just a cosmetic issue but a medical condition.
Very often, acnes are treated by a physician. Undoubtedly, mild cases of acne can be cleared with over-the-counter acne products. But many cases just don’t respond well to OTC treatments. In this case, it’s best to see a doctor for proper acne diagnosis and treatments.
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