Acne can appear as pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, or even painful cysts. Some people are able to manage their acne with over-the-counter products.
Others need specialized medical treatment for the best results. But when should you see a doctor for adult acne treatment in Singapore? And should you visit a General Practitioner (GP) or a skin specialist?
If you’re like many people, you are probably unsure where to start. Now, GPs are usually the first point of contact for medical concerns.
However, skin specialists (dermatologists or aesthetic doctors) offer advanced treatments. Choosing the right expert depends on your acne type, severity, and treatment needs.
This article explains the key differences between GPs and skin specialists for acne treatment in Singapore. On this page, you will learn what each doctor offers, their treatment methods, cost differences, and how to decide which is right for you.
If you’ve been struggling with acne, this guide is for you. Read it to the end to make an informed choice.
When Should I go to the Doctor for my Acne?
Acne occurs when your hair follicles get clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria. It can be triggered by hormonal changes, genetics, stress, or diet.
Some people experience mild acne, while others suffer from deep, painful breakouts. Here are four instances when you should go to the doctor for your acne;
- If acne is persistent and does not improve with over-the-counter treatments.
- If you have painful, swollen, or cystic acne.
- If acne leaves dark marks or scars on your skin.
- If breakouts affect your self-confidence or quality of life.
GPs and skin specialists both treat acne. However, their methods and expertise differ for example, if you have mild acne, a GP may be enough.
GPs are the first step for most medical concerns, including acne. They can assess your skin, diagnose acne type, and prescribe treatments. Common treatments your GP may recommend or prescribe include topical medications, oral antibiotics and hormonal therapy.
Topical medications include creams or gels containing benzoyl peroxide, retinoids, or antibiotics. Oral antibiotics helps reduce bacteria and inflammation.
Hormonal therapy includes birth control pills or anti-androgen medications which can be used for hormone-related acne. GPs focus on mild to moderate acne.
They help control breakouts but may not have advanced tools for severe acne or scarring. If your acne does not improve with GP treatments, they may refer you to a skin specialist for tailored acne treatment in Singapore.
One advantage of seeing a GP is convenience and affordability. Many GPs offer acne treatment at clinics island-wide.
The cost is lower than seeing a specialist, and some treatments may be covered by insurance or CHAS subsidies. However, for stubborn or severe acne as already mentioned, a GP may not be enough. In such cases, a skin specialist provides more advanced solutions.
Skin specialists are medical experts who diagnose and treat skin, hair, and nail conditions. They manage issues like acne, eczema, psoriasis, infections, and skin cancer, offering medical and cosmetic treatments.
If your acne needs a skin specialist’s attention, you may be referred to a dermatologist or an aesthetic doctor. Dermatologists are certified doctors who specialize in skin diseases, including severe acne.
Aesthetic doctors focus on cosmetic skin treatments for acne and scarring. To effectively treat or manage your acne, a skin specialist can offer;
- Stronger prescription medications such as isotretinoin (Accutane) for severe acne.
- Laser treatments to reduce acne, scars, and pigmentation.
- Chemical peels to remove dead skin and to improve acne and post-inflammatory marks.
- Extraction procedures to drain large cystic acne to prevent scarring.
- Corticosteroid injections to reduce swelling in painful acne cysts.
The good thing with seeing a skilled skin specialist for your acne treatment in Singapore is that these doctors provide personalized treatment plans based on skin type and acne severity. Unlike GPs, they have advanced tools and treatments that can target acne at its root cause.
This is especially useful for severe, resistant, or scarring acne. However, the cost of seeing a skin specialist is higher.
Consultation fees start from around $100 to $300 per visit, and treatments like lasers or peels can be expensive. If acne significantly affects your life or has led to scars, a skin specialist may be the best choice. If you’re concerned about the cost of acne treatment in Singapore, here’s a quick summary of how GP and skin specialist costs compare;
GP costs:
- Consultation: $20 – $80.
- Medications: $30 – $100 per month.
- Covered by insurance or CHAS subsidies.
Skin specialist costs:
- Consultation: $100 – $300.
- Prescription treatments: $80 – $200 per month.
- Advanced procedures (lasers, peels): $200 – $800 per session.
GP visits are more affordable and accessible. However, they offer basic acne care at a lower cost. If budget is a concern, starting with a GP makes sense.
Skin specialists charge more, but they provide stronger medications and specialized treatments. Insurance rarely covers aesthetic procedures.
This means that you may have to pay out of pocket. If acne is severe or leads to scarring, investing in a skin specialist may give better long-term results.
When to Go to the GP or Skin Specialist for Acne?
Acne affects people differently. Ideally, choosing between a GP and a skin specialist depends on your acne type and treatment goals.
For example, if you have mild acne (whiteheads, blackheads or occasional pimples, you can just go to the GP or use over-the-counter treatments. For moderate acne (frequent breakouts and some inflammation, you can see the GP with possible specialist referral if acne persists.
If you’re dealing with severe acne (cystic acne, nodules, scarring), it would be best to see a skin specialist for stronger treatments. And if you’re dealing with acne scars and long-term skin damage, it may also help to see a skin specialist for laser treatments, peels, or extractions.
Generally, if your acne is mild, a GP is convenient and budget-friendly. If acne is painful, scarring, or persistent, a skin specialist is a better choice.
Some patients start with a GP and upgrade to a specialist if needed. Consider your acne severity, budget, and treatment expectations when making your decision.
Final Thoughts
Both GPs and skin specialists can treat acne, but they serve different roles. GPs are great for mild acne and basic prescriptions. Skin specialists offer advanced treatments for stubborn acne and scars.
If you’re unsure, start with a GP. If acne does not improve or worsens, consult a dermatologist or aesthetic doctor.
The most important thing if you’re struggling with acne, is to not wait. If you’re looking to see a skilled skin specialist for personalized acne treatment in Singapore, call or visit us at;
One Face Skin Care – Melasma | Pigmentation | Acne Treatment Singapore
1 Tras Link, #02-03/04 Orchid Hotel, Singapore 078867
https://onefaceskincare.com.sg/
+65 8809 9066