Acne Treatment for Teens and Adults: When to See a GP
Acne is common, but it can still be painful, embarrassing and upsetting. It can affect confidence, school, work, relationships and mental health. A GP can help with acne that is not settling with pharmacy products, is leaving marks or scars, is painful, or may be linked with hormones or medication.
Why this matters
Early treatment can reduce scarring and months of frustration. Many people use harsh routines that irritate the skin, stop treatments too early, or try several active ingredients at once. A GP can simplify the plan, explain how long treatments take to work, and decide when prescription options or dermatology referral are needed.
A few helpful terms
· Topical treatment: A treatment applied to the skin, such as a cream or gel.
· Retinoid: A vitamin A related acne treatment; some forms are not safe in pregnancy.
· Isotretinoin: A specialist acne medicine for selected severe or scarring acne, with strict safety rules.
Common reasons to book a GP appointment
· Acne is painful, cystic, scarring or affecting confidence.
· Over-the-counter products have not helped after a reasonable trial.
· Acne started or worsened in adulthood.
· You have irregular periods, excess hair growth or possible hormonal symptoms.
· You want advice about prescription creams, tablets, contraception options or referral.
What we can talk through together
Treatment may include gentle skin care, benzoyl peroxide, topical retinoids, topical or oral antibiotics, hormonal contraception, anti-androgen options for selected patients, or referral for isotretinoin when acne is severe, scarring or resistant. The right choice depends on age, pregnancy possibility, skin sensitivity, acne type, previous treatments and how distressing it is.
What to expect at the appointment
Acne treatment usually needs patience. Many options take 8 to 12 weeks to show clear improvement, and some can irritate skin at first if started too quickly. Your GP should explain how to apply treatments, what to avoid in pregnancy, how to manage dryness, and when to review rather than silently continuing a plan that is not working.
How to prepare
Bring a list or photos of products you have tried, including prescription and pharmacy treatments. Tell your GP if you are pregnant, trying to conceive, breastfeeding, using contraception, or have mood concerns.
Care close to home in Maroubra and the Eastern Suburbs
Dr Amanda Henderson is a GP consulting at GP Maroubra, 14 Meagher Ave, South Maroubra NSW 2035. At GP Maroubra, she provides family-focused general practice care across pregnancy and pre-pregnancy health, shared antenatal care, women's health, contraception, paediatrics, skin checks, lifestyle medicine, travel medicine, men's health and preventive care. Patients commonly look for local care from Maroubra, South Maroubra, Coogee, Randwick, Malabar, Matraville, Pagewood and nearby parts of Sydney's Eastern Suburbs.
Choosing a GP is personal. It is reasonable to consider location, appointment availability, communication style, continuity and whether the services offered fit the reason you are booking. The aim is to help you feel prepared for a useful appointment and to know when a concern needs more urgent attention.
When to seek urgent help
Book promptly for painful cysts, rapid scarring, severe distress, acne with irregular periods or excess hair growth, or side effects from medication. Seek urgent care for severe allergic reactions or symptoms such as lip or tongue swelling, breathing difficulty or collapse.
Common questions
Will acne just go away on its own?
Sometimes, but waiting can increase scarring risk. If acne is painful, persistent or affecting confidence, it is reasonable to seek help.
Can diet cause acne?
Diet may influence acne for some people, but it is rarely the only factor. Your GP can discuss practical changes without extreme restriction.
Can contraception improve acne?
Some hormonal contraception can help selected patients, but suitability depends on medical history and side effects.
When is dermatology referral needed?
Referral may be needed for severe, scarring, cystic or treatment-resistant acne, or when isotretinoin is being considered.
Further reading from trusted Australian sources
Practical next step
If this sounds like the help you need, book a GP appointment with Dr Amanda Henderson at GP Maroubra. A longer appointment is usually best if the issue is complex, emotional, involves paperwork, or includes more than one concern. Appointments can be made online or by calling GP Maroubra on (02) 9311 9311 during practice opening hours.
General information only: This information is general and does not replace a consultation with a doctor who knows your history. Health advice can change, and your own risks may be different. In an emergency, call 000.