How Can My Primary Care Provider Treat My Acne?

Do you really need a referral to a dermatologist for acne? Not always. The solution to clearer skin often sits in your primary care provider’s office, with treatments that work surprisingly fast for adult and teen acne alike.

Many people assume that treating stubborn acne requires a dermatologist, special insurance approval, and months of waiting for an appointment. The reality is that your primary care provider already has the knowledge and tools to clear most types of acne.

At Peaks Medical and Urgent Care in Dillon, Colorado, our team helps patients of all ages address acne concerns — during routine checkups or dedicated appointments — even resolving issues that have persisted for years.

Primary care doctors understand acne’s deeper causes

Acne forms when hair follicles (pores) clog with oil and dead skin cells. Bacteria multiply in these plugged follicles, causing inflammation. But what triggers these processes varies among patients.

Your primary care physician examines the whole picture, not just the acne itself. They consider hormonal fluctuations, medication side effects, family history, and lifestyle factors. This approach often identifies underlying causes that targeted acne treatments alone miss.

Most effective acne treatments don’t require specialists

Primary care physicians regularly prescribe powerful acne treatments, including:

• Prescription-strength topical retinoids that accelerate skin cell turnover
• Antibiotics that target acne-causing bacteria
• Hormone regulators for women with cyclical breakouts
• Benzoyl peroxide and salicylic acid combinations
• Specialized cleansing regimens

These treatments match what dermatologists prescribe because they’re standard medical approaches to fighting acne.

Adapting treatments to your specific skin concerns

Teenage acne differs from adult-onset acne. Hormonal breakouts require different approaches than stress-related flares. Your primary care provider tailors treatment to your situation.

We begin by examining your skin’s condition, breakout pattern, and previous treatment responses. Next, we may order lab work to investigate your acne’s underlying cause further.

This personalized assessment leads to targeted recommendations rather than one-size-fits-all solutions.

Regular follow-ups lead to better outcomes

Unlike specialists you might see occasionally, your primary care doctor monitors your progress regularly. They adjust treatments based on your response, increasing effectiveness while minimizing side effects.

This consistent oversight allows for treatment modifications before minor issues become major problems. Your doctor can switch medications, adjust dosages, or recommend complementary approaches like dietary changes when needed without consulting a specialist.

Insurance coverage simplifies acne treatment

Most insurance plans cover acne treatments that primary care providers prescribe, and they don’t require special authorization. This accessibility removes financial barriers that sometimes prevent patients from seeking dermatology care.

When to make that appointment

Consider seeing your primary care provider about acne when:

• Over-the-counter products haven’t helped after 6-8 weeks
• Previous treatments stopped working
• Breakouts appear suddenly in adulthood
• Your acne causes emotional pain
• You notice scarring

You don’t always need to wait for a dermatologist for effective acne treatment. Contact Peaks Medical and Urgent Care today at 970-485-6826 or schedule an appointment online to discuss how we can help you achieve clearer, healthier skin without the wait for specialty care.