Adult Acne Treatment (Acne Vulgaris) in Georgia
MD-only online acne evaluation for adults in Georgia with guideline-based treatment, personalized skincare plans, and clear safety screening. $49 flat-fee video visit, no insurance required.
Adult acne often improves with a consistent, simple routine over 8 to 12 weeks. TeleDirectMD focuses on evidence-based topicals first, antibiotic stewardship, pregnancy-safe screening, and escalation to oral options when appropriate. No controlled substances are prescribed.
- Acne type assessment: comedonal, inflammatory, hormonal pattern, or mixed
- Topical options: benzoyl peroxide, retinoids, and targeted prescriptions when appropriate
- Oral options when appropriate: doxycycline or spironolactone screening for adult women
- Adults only (18+)
What Is Adult Acne?
Acne vulgaris is a common inflammatory skin condition caused by clogged pores, excess oil production, bacteria, and inflammation. Adult acne often affects the face, jawline, chest, or back and can be persistent or recur in flares.
TeleDirectMD provides adult-only, MD-only video visits in Georgia focused on identifying acne type, choosing an evidence-based routine, and setting realistic timelines. Most regimens take weeks to show clear improvement, so consistency matters more than frequent product changes.
Acne Symptoms and Red Flags
Acne severity and pattern help determine treatment. TeleDirectMD also screens for conditions that can mimic acne or require in-person evaluation.
| Finding | What it suggests | Telehealth appropriate? | Red flag requiring in-person care |
|---|---|---|---|
| Whiteheads and blackheads | Comedonal acne | Often yes | Significant scarring or failure after multiple consistent regimens |
| Red inflamed pimples and pustules | Inflammatory acne | Often yes | Rapid worsening with fever or spreading redness suggesting infection |
| Deep painful nodules or cysts | Nodulocystic acne with higher scarring risk | Often yes for initial plan and triage | Consider dermatology referral for scarring risk and advanced therapies |
| Jawline predominant flares in adult women | Hormonal pattern acne | Often yes | New concerning systemic changes or rapid hair pattern changes |
| Rash around mouth with burning or scaling | Perioral dermatitis rather than acne | Often yes | Eye involvement or worsening rash despite stopping irritants |
| Itchy follicular bumps after sweating | Folliculitis including yeast-related folliculitis | Often yes | Spreading redness, warmth, fever, or significant pain |
Conditions That Can Mimic Acne
Not every bump is acne. TeleDirectMD evaluates pattern and triggers to avoid the wrong treatment plan.
Folliculitis
Inflamed hair follicles, often after sweating or friction, can resemble acne on the chest, back, or buttocks.
Perioral Dermatitis
Small bumps around the mouth or nose with burning and scaling, often worsened by topical steroids or heavy skincare.
Rosacea
Central facial redness and bumps without comedones. Flushing triggers are common.
Contact Dermatitis
Skincare or hair products can cause irritation and breakouts that look like acne.
When Acne Can Be Managed Through Telehealth
TeleDirectMD is a good fit for most adults with acne who want a clear regimen and safe medication options when appropriate.
When a Video Visit Is Appropriate
- Adult 18+ with facial or body acne without urgent skin infection signs.
- Comedonal, inflammatory, or hormonal pattern acne.
- Need for topical prescriptions or regimen simplification.
- Willing to follow a consistent plan for 8 to 12 weeks.
- Physically located in Georgia at the time of the visit.
When In-Person Dermatology Is Better
- Severe nodulocystic acne with scarring risk.
- Concern for isotretinoin evaluation or complex acne requiring procedures.
- Widespread infection signs, fever, or rapidly spreading redness.
- Significant diagnostic uncertainty after a video evaluation.
- Eye involvement or severe allergic reactions to medications.
Telehealth Limits and What We Do Not Offer
- TeleDirectMD does not prescribe isotretinoin through urgent care acne visits.
- We do not prescribe controlled substances for acne care.
- Severe scarring acne may need dermatology for advanced therapies.
- If your presentation suggests a non-acne diagnosis, we guide the safest next step.
How TeleDirectMD Treats Adult Acne
Acne treatment works best when it is simple and consistent. TeleDirectMD builds an evidence-based regimen, prioritizing topicals first and adding oral options when appropriate.
Guideline-based approach: for most adults, the foundation is a topical retinoid plus benzoyl peroxide. When topical or oral antibiotics are used, they are typically paired with benzoyl peroxide and used for limited time periods when possible to reduce resistance.
Core Routine
- Gentle cleanser once or twice daily.
- Non-comedogenic moisturizer and sunscreen daily.
- Avoid harsh scrubs and frequent product switching.
Topical First-Line
- Benzoyl peroxide helps reduce bacteria and inflammation.
- Topical retinoids help prevent clogged pores over time.
- Topical antibiotics are used selectively, typically with benzoyl peroxide.
Oral Options When Appropriate
- Doxycycline can help moderate inflammatory acne for short courses when indicated.
- Spironolactone may help hormonal pattern acne in appropriate adult women after screening.
- Pregnancy status and medication safety are reviewed before prescribing.
Medication Table for Adult Acne
These are common adult regimens. Your TeleDirectMD physician individualizes treatment based on acne type, skin sensitivity, pregnancy considerations, and your medical history.
| Medication | Dose | Duration | When used |
|---|---|---|---|
| Benzoyl peroxide wash | 2.5% to 5% once daily | Ongoing | Foundation option for inflammatory acne and to reduce antibiotic resistance risk. |
| Adapalene 0.1% gel | Apply thin layer nightly, start 2 to 3 nights weekly then increase | Ongoing | Comedonal or mixed acne, maintenance therapy. Avoid in pregnancy unless directed. |
| Tretinoin 0.025% cream | Apply thin layer nightly, start 2 to 3 nights weekly then increase | Ongoing | Alternative topical retinoid for comedonal or mixed acne. Avoid in pregnancy unless directed. |
| Clindamycin 1% gel | Apply thin layer once daily | 8 to 12 weeks | Inflammatory acne, typically paired with benzoyl peroxide. |
| Doxycycline | 100 mg by mouth 1 time daily | 8 to 12 weeks | Moderate inflammatory acne when topical regimen is not enough. Avoid in pregnancy. |
| Spironolactone | 50 mg by mouth 1 time daily | 8 to 12 weeks then reassess | Hormonal pattern acne in appropriate adult women after screening. Avoid in pregnancy. |
TeleDirectMD does not prescribe isotretinoin through urgent care acne visits. If severe scarring acne is present, we can recommend an appropriate dermatology pathway.
Home Care and What to Expect
Many patients notice early improvement within 4 to 6 weeks, with clearer results around 8 to 12 weeks. Mild dryness and irritation can occur early, especially with retinoids, and can often be managed by slowing the schedule and using moisturizer.
Practical Tips
- Use only 1 new active product at a time.
- Moisturize after retinoids if dryness occurs.
- Do not pick, which increases scarring risk.
- Use sunscreen daily, especially with retinoids.
When to Recheck
- No improvement after 8 to 12 weeks of consistent use.
- Significant irritation, rash, or swelling after starting a medication.
- New painful deep cysts or scarring.
- Pregnancy or plans for pregnancy while on acne medications.
TeleDirectMD Acne Care: What to Expect
TeleDirectMD provides MD-only virtual urgent care for adults for $49 flat-fee video visits in 25+ states. Your physician reviews acne pattern, prior treatments, skin sensitivity, medication safety, and pregnancy considerations when relevant. We prescribe non-controlled acne medications when appropriate and give clear timelines and follow-up guidance.