Persistent pimples, blackheads, painful cysts, or accumulating scars? Acne affects nearly 80 % of teenagers and many adults, and can have a significant impact on self-confidence and quality of life. At Virtuel MD, our CMQ-member physicians evaluate your skin via video and prescribe a treatment tailored to your type of acne. All without travel or waiting at a clinic.
Consult a doctor today to regain clear skin and your confidence.
Acne is a chronic skin condition caused by the obstruction and inflammation of pilosebaceous follicles—the pores of the skin. It manifests in different forms depending on its severity and can affect the face, back, chest, and shoulders.
How does acne develop?
Sebaceous glands produce sebum to naturally moisturize the skin. When sebum production is excessive, pores become clogged and bacteria—primarily Cutibacterium acnes—proliferate, causing inflammation and characteristic skin lesions.
The different types of acne:
Mild acne appears as blackheads (open comedones) and whiteheads (closed comedones) without significant inflammation. Moderate acne includes inflammatory papules and pustules—the red and white pimples we're familiar with. Severe or cystic acne is characterized by deep, painful nodules and cysts that can leave permanent scars if left untreated.
The main causes :
Hormonal factors: hormonal fluctuations during puberty, the menstrual cycle, pregnancy, polycystic ovary syndrome, and andropause can trigger or worsen acne.
Behavioral and environmental factors: certain occlusive cosmetics, mechanical friction, chronic stress, a diet rich in refined sugars and dairy products.
Genetic factors: A family predisposition significantly increases the risk of developing severe acne.
Important to know:
Adult acne is much more common than people think — affecting about 25 % of adult women and 12 % of adult men. It isn’t caused by a lack of hygiene and doesn’t always resolve with over-the-counter products. Appropriate medical treatment can dramatically transform your skin quality and prevent permanent scarring.
Our Virtuel MD doctors can evaluate your acne via video and prescribe the treatment best suited for your skin type and condition.
Open comedones (blackheads) and closed comedones (whiteheads) caused by the buildup of sebum and dead skin cells in the pores — often the first sign of early acne.
Red, painful bumps (papules) or pus-filled bumps (pustules) resulting from inflammation of blocked follicles—the most common type of acne.
Deep, hard, and painful lesions to the touch—the most severe type of acne, requiring prompt medical treatment to avoid permanent scarring.
Red or brown post-inflammatory marks and pitted scars resulting from untreated or poorly treated acne. Our doctors can also guide you toward solutions to minimize existing scars.
Recurrent breakouts linked to the menstrual cycle, concentrated on the chin and jawline in adult women, often associated with hormonal imbalances requiring a complete medical evaluation.
Find essential information on acne problems in our FAQ. For a personalized diagnosis and suitable treatment, consult a doctor online today.
Our doctors can prescribe a wide variety of treatments depending on the severity of your acne: topical retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, topical or oral antibiotics, hormonal contraceptives for hormonal acne in women, and in some cases, referral to isotretinoin (Accutane) with appropriate follow-up.
Yes, some studies suggest a link between a high glycemic index diet, dairy consumption, and the worsening of acne in some individuals. Our doctors can guide you on dietary changes to complement your treatment.
Isotretinoin requires rigorous medical monitoring, including regular blood tests. Our doctors can assess your suitability for this treatment and coordinate the necessary follow-up. For women of childbearing potential, a strict contraception program is required.
Most topical treatments show results in 6 to 8 weeks. Oral antibiotics generally work in 4 to 6 weeks. Patience is essential; effective treatment takes time and consistency.
Yes, adult acne is often hormonal in nature, concentrated on the lower face, and responds differently to classic treatments. It often requires a tailored therapeutic approach, including hormonal evaluation.
An online medical consultation at Virtuel MD starts from $139$. Our doctors evaluate your skin via video and prescribe the appropriate treatment, all from the comfort of your home.
Absolutely. All your medical consultations and data are protected and stored in Canada, in compliance with Bill 25 and PIPEDA.
Consult quickly, in complete confidentiality, from the comfort of your home. Our healthcare professionals are here to support you with attentiveness, expertise and care.
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