Acne treatment

Question 1

Acne vs. pimples: What's the difference?

Answer

A pimple is a general term for a clogged hair follicle (pore), which is also known as a comedone. There are a few different types of pimple, and they don't all mean you have acne:

• Blackheads: small, inflamed bumps with a black tip, also known as open comedones

• Whiteheads/pustules: small, inflamed bumps with a pus-filled tip, also known as closed comedones

• Papules: small, inflamed bumps that don't have a pus-filled tip

• Nodules: large (5mm+), inflamed lesions that are deeper than papules or pustules

• Cysts: a more severe form of nodule that often leads to acne scars

Question 2

What can I do to improve my self-esteem while getting acne treatment?

Answer

It may take time to find the right combination of acne medications for your skin, but while you're waiting for these clinically-proven acne treatments to work, you can remind yourself of the following:

• Acne isn't your fault. It doesn't mean that you're unclean or unhealthy. Acne is a chronic skin condition that's largely inherited. If your parents had acne, you're more likely to have acne.

• Acne affects all ages, not just teens. And it's the #1 reason that Americans visit the dermatologist. You are not alone.

If you're struggling emotionally as you and your provider evaluate the best acne medications for your unique skin profile, don't hesitate to reach out to a mental health counselor or a therapist. It's normal for heightened self-consciousness to lead to feelings of depression or social anxiety. A therapist can help you build strategies to work through your distress.

Question 3

Can I get a prescription for isotretinoin (Accutane) through Amazon One Medical On-Demand Care?

Answer

No. We recommend seeing a primary care provider for guidance on taking isotretinoin (Accutane). Prescriptions for this medication may require lab testing and follow-up care.

If you have severe acne that hasn't responded to the most aggressive treatments, virtual care isn't the most appropriate treatment pathway for you.

Question 4

Can I get a prescription for clascaterone (Winlevi) through Amazon One Medical On-Demand Care?

Answer

No. Clascoterone (Winlevi) can sometimes help with acne, but it’s often very costly and usually not covered by insurance. On-Demand Care providers don't prescribe Winlevi, even if you plan to pay for it yourself.

Because Winlevi is best managed by a dermatologist, we recommend seeing a dermatologist if you’re interested in starting or continuing this medication.

Question 5

Can I get a prescription for tretinoin (Retin-A) even if I don't have acne?

Answer

Tretinoin is a common acne treatment that's also FDA-approved for treating the signs of aging. If you're most concerned about sun spots, general skin firmness or texture, or fine lines and wrinkles, this isn't the most appropriate type of treatment for you. We recommend that you request treatment for anti-aging skin care.

Question 6

Can I get treatment for hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) through On-Demand Care?

Answer

No. If you have hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), a chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by painful lesions in areas where the skin rubs together, we recommend that you see a primary care provider for in-person care.

Question 7

Clinical sources

Answer

1. Heng, A. H. S., & Chew, F. T. (2020). Systematic review of the epidemiology of acne vulgaris. Scientific reports, 10(1), 5754.

2. Oge', L. K., Broussard, A., & Marshall, M. D. (2019). Acne Vulgaris: Diagnosis and Treatment. American family physician, 100(8), 475–484.

3. Zaenglein, A. L., Pathy, A. L., Schlosser, B. J., Alikhan, A., Baldwin, H. E., Berson, D. S., Bowe, W. P., Graber, E. M., Harper, J. C., Kang, S., Keri, J. E., Leyden, J. J., Reynolds, R. V., Silverberg, N. B., Stein Gold, L. F., Tollefson, M. M., Weiss, J. S., Dolan, N. C., Sagan, A. A., Stern, M., … Bhushan, R. (2016). Guidelines of care for the management of acne vulgaris. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 74(5), 945–73.e33.

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Acne treatment

How it works

Common acne treatments

Topical retinoids

Topical antibiotics

Oral antibiotics

Benzoyl peroxide

Salicylic acid and azelaic acid

Hormonal agents

What is acne?

Why do I get acne?

Frequently asked questions