Whiteheads & blackheads
Small clogged pores and tiny bumps, often with little redness. This is common in early or mild acne.
Dermatologist-led acne care · Dehradun
Acne not settling? Treat breakouts early. Protect your skin.
From blackheads and inflamed pimples to deep, painful acne on the face, chest or back, effective care starts with identifying your acne type and scarring risk — not trying product after product.
Teenage & adult acnePainful / cystic acneMarks & scar preventionWhen should I see a dermatologist? ↓
Consultation fee ₹800 · Pre-booking required · No advance booking payment
✓Early acne care can reduce the risk of lasting scars.
MEET YOUR DERMATOLOGIST
Dr Neeraj Garg
MBBS (IMS-BHU), MD (IMS-BHU)
Dermatologist & Venereologist · Dehradun
Dr Neeraj Garg completed both MBBS and MD at the Institute of Medical Sciences, Banaras Hindu University (IMS-BHU). He provides evidence-based assessment for skin, hair, nail and sexually transmitted conditions, with individualised care, clear counselling and patient privacy.
Book Consultation Consultation ₹800
MBBS + MDBoth from IMS-BHUDermatologist-led assessmentAcne severity and skin needs reviewed
Evidence-based treatmentMedicines first; procedures if suitable
Realistic follow-upImprovement takes weeks, not overnight
01 / Recognise the pattern
Not every pimple is the same.
Some breakouts are mostly blocked pores; others are inflamed or deep. Different acne patterns often need different treatment plans.
Red pimples & pustules
Inflamed or pus-filled breakouts that can sting, recur and may leave dark marks after healing.
Painful nodules & cysts
Deeper tender lumps with a higher risk of acne scars. Early treatment is important in this type.
Important: acne marks and acne scars are not the same.
Brown/red marks often fade over time with suitable care. Pitted or raised scars involve a change in skin texture and may need separate treatment after active breakouts are controlled. Explore acne scar care →
Recognise acne mimics
Not every acne-like bump is acne.
Some conditions need a different diagnosis and treatment plan. A closer examination can prevent inappropriate acne creams or repeated self-treatment.
Inflammation or infection of hair follicles, sometimes involving the back and chest, can resemble acne.
Facial flushing, redness and papules or pustules may occur without the blackheads typical of acne.
Small inflammatory bumps may be triggered or worsened by topical steroids and require a different approach.
A practical guide for patients
When should you see a dermatologist for acne?
Not all acne needs intensive treatment. These signs suggest that a personalised clinical assessment may help prevent prolonged breakouts or permanent marks.
Deep, painful pimples
Large tender nodules, cyst-like lesions or repeated swelling deserve early review because the risk of scarring is higher.
Marks or new scars
If spots leave persistent colour changes or pits in the skin, address active acne rather than waiting for damage to accumulate.
Acne that keeps returning
Seek advice when consistent over-the-counter care is not helping, acne keeps recurring or breakouts affect day-to-day confidence.
You do not need to wait for severe acne. Assessment can help determine whether basic skincare, prescription medicines or closer follow-up is appropriate.
Book an acne consultation ↗02 / Treatment options
There is no single “best acne cream” for everyone.
Treatment is selected according to severity, skin sensitivity, previous medicines, scarring risk and relevant medical history. These are examples of pathways — not a prescription.
Mild / predominantly comedonal
Build the right topical routine
Gentle cleansing and targeted medicines such as retinoids, benzoyl peroxide or azelaic acid may be used as appropriate. Avoid introducing too many irritating products together.
Focus: clear pores & prevent new lesionsModerate / inflammatory
Control inflammation
Combination topical treatments are common. Some patients require a limited course of oral medication. Antibiotics should not be the only acne treatment.
Focus: fewer new breakoutsSevere / scarring / resistant
Prevent permanent damage
Deep or repeatedly scarring acne needs prompt specialist review. Isotretinoin may be appropriate for selected patients with counselling, contraindication checks and monitoring.
Focus: high scar-risk acneWhat about chemical peels? Salicylic or other selected peels may complement medical care in suitable cases, but are not essential for everyone. The priority is controlling active acne. Topical retinoids and oral isotretinoin should be avoided during pregnancy or when planning pregnancy. Oral isotretinoin additionally requires strict pregnancy-prevention measures and specialist monitoring.
Evidence-led choicesMedicines control acne.
Medicines control acne.
Procedures have a selective role.
Good acne care is not a fixed package of facials, peels or devices. The aim is to stop new lesions first. Additional procedures may be considered according to clinical need, suitability and availability.
Treatment categories at a glanceBlocked pores / maintenanceTopical retinoids Inflammatory acneBenzoyl peroxide and combinations Moderate inflammatory acneShort courses of oral antibiotics Selected female patientsHormonal treatment Severe / scarring / resistantOral isotretinoin Supportive careMoisturiser and sunscreen
Choosing the right acne medicine.
The following are treatment categories, not a prescription. A dermatologist selects and combines them according to lesion type, severity, past response, age, pregnancy potential and safety considerations.
Adapalene, tretinoin or other selected retinoids help prevent comedones. They may initially cause dryness and must be avoided during pregnancy or when planning pregnancy.
Benzoyl peroxide helps treat inflammatory acne. When used with topical or oral antibiotics, it also helps reduce antibiotic resistance. Antibiotics should not be used alone.
Used selectively for the shortest effective duration alongside appropriate topical therapy, generally including benzoyl peroxide. Antibiotics alone are not a maintenance plan.
Combined hormonal contraception or spironolactone may be considered after checking indications, contraindications and reproductive plans.
An important option for appropriately selected patients, requiring counselling, pregnancy prevention where relevant, and monitoring.
Gentle cleansing, non-comedogenic moisturiser and sun protection improve tolerability and help manage post-acne pigmentation.
Acne is a medical skin condition, not simply poor hygiene.
03 / Why pimples recur
Acne develops beneath the surface of the skin.
Acne results from an interaction between follicles, oil production, inflammation and Cutibacterium acnes. Genes and hormones influence the pattern. Scrubbing harder cannot solve these underlying processes.
1Extra oil productionOil glands become more active.
2Blocked poresSkin cells collect inside follicles.
3C. acnes & inflammationInflammatory lesions develop.
4Individual triggersHormones, products and medicines may play a role.
What may worsen breakouts?
Know your acne triggers.
These factors can aggravate acne in some people. They are not universal causes, and you do not need to eliminate everything.
Hair & skin productsHeavy or pore-clogging products, especially along the forehead and hairline.
Sweat & frictionHelmets, tight clothing, straps and prolonged sweaty contact.
Medicines & supplementsSome steroids, testosterone or anabolic agents; whey protein may aggravate acne in some people.
Diet & hormonesHigh-glycaemic foods and cow’s milk may worsen acne in some people; hormonal changes also influence breakouts.
Never stop prescribed medicines without medical advice. Dietary links vary by individual; no restrictive diet is routinely required.
Acne is not limited to the face.
Chest, shoulder and upper-back acne may need a different practical routine. Deep, tender body acne or lesions leaving marks or scars deserve assessment.
- Shower or change out of sweaty clothing after exercise.
- Choose breathable clothing and reduce friction from straps or tight sportswear.
- Use gentle, non-comedogenic products; avoid harsh scrubbing or picking.
- Large, painful, widespread or scarring breakouts need a dermatologist’s review.
ChestShouldersUpper back
04 / Your clinic visit
Your first acne visit, explained.
A straightforward assessment followed by a practical treatment plan. Routine hormone testing is not necessary for every acne patient; investigations are considered when indicated.
01
Examine & classify
Assess types of lesions, affected areas, current marks/scars and how much acne is affecting you.
02
Review possible triggers
Discuss products, medicines and, when relevant, menstrual patterns or other hormonal symptoms.
03
Plan & reassess
Choose a suitable routine, explain expected irritation and set a follow-up to judge response.
When will it improve?
A realistic acne-treatment timeline so patients know what to expect after starting treatment.Week 0Assessment, acne grading and treatment start.
6–8 weeksEarly improvement often becomes visible.
After controlAdjust and maintain the plan to reduce relapse.
Before your visit: a 30-second checklist
If possible, note which creams or tablets you have already tried, bring product or prescription names, and mention any medicine allergies. Tell your dermatologist if you are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning pregnancy, because some acne medicines are unsuitable.
Using acne medicines safely
Starting treatment? Know what to expect.
Mild, temporary irritation can occur with some topical acne treatments, but severe reactions should not be ignored.
Topical retinoids and benzoyl peroxide can cause tightness, flaking or mild stinging. A gentle moisturiser and adjusted frequency may help when advised.
Response is gradual; improvement often takes 6–8 weeks or longer. Persistent worsening should be reassessed rather than dismissed as inevitable “purging”.
Marked swelling, blistering, intense burning or suspected allergy need review. Seek urgent care for breathing difficulty or facial/tongue swelling.
05 / Daily skin care
Simple skincare. Better support for treatment.
Keep your routine consistent and gentle. Expensive products and frequent facials are not automatically better.
What usually helps
- Wash gently, generally twice daily and after heavy sweating.
- Use a suitable non-comedogenic moisturiser and SPF 30+ sunscreen.
- Follow the prescribed plan consistently; allow time for improvement.
- Discuss new scars, painful deep lesions or suspected side effects promptly.
What to avoid
- Picking, squeezing or repeatedly touching pimples.
- Harsh scrubs, frequent exfoliation and multiple new actives at once.
- Using steroid-containing or unlabelled "instant clear skin" creams.
- Stopping or changing prescription medicines without guidance.
06 / Common patient questions
Acne questions, answered clearly.
Brief answers to questions frequently raised during acne consultations.
How long does acne treatment take to work?
Many topical regimens need about 6–8 weeks before fewer new pimples are apparent. More complete improvement can take longer, and maintenance may be needed. Overnight cures are not realistic.
Can acne cause permanent scars?
Yes. Deeper inflammatory acne has a higher scarring risk, but even smaller inflamed lesions can sometimes scar. Early appropriate treatment lowers the likelihood of scarring, although it cannot guarantee prevention.
Are post-acne dark marks the same as acne scars?
No. Brown or red marks generally involve colour changes, whereas true scars involve altered skin texture such as pits or thickened areas. The treatments differ.
Do I need hormone tests or PCOS tests?
Not routinely. They are considered when there are suggestive symptoms or signs, such as irregular periods, excessive facial hair or other features of androgen excess.
Does oily food or dirty skin cause all acne?
No. Acne involves multiple biological factors and is not caused by poor cleanliness alone. Some dietary patterns may affect acne in some people, but there is no universal food ban that treats everyone.
Is isotretinoin the best acne medicine for everyone?
No. It is an important option for selected severe, scarring or treatment-resistant cases, but not for every patient. Assessment, side-effect counselling and appropriate monitoring are essential, along with strict pregnancy-prevention precautions for anyone who could become pregnant.
Are chemical peels necessary for acne treatment?
No. They may be offered as an adjunct in carefully selected cases. Dermatologist-prescribed medicines and a tolerable daily routine are often the foundation of treatment.
Can acne occur on the chest and back?
Yes. Acne can develop wherever oil glands and follicles are active, including the chest, shoulders and upper back. Deep or painful body acne is a reason to seek assessment.
Can acne come back after treatment?
Yes. Acne can recur, especially when underlying triggers persist. A suitable maintenance routine and periodic reassessment may help reduce future breakouts.
Acne consultation in Dehradun
Get a plan for your acne — not a one-size-fits-all package.
Dr Neeraj Garg · MBBS (IMS-BHU), MD (IMS-BHU)
Maheshwari Hospital, Dalanwala, Dehradun, Uttarakhand
Consultation ₹800 · Pre-booking required · No advance booking charge
Patient education · Based on widely accepted dermatology treatment principles; not individual medical adviceRead more: American Academy of DermatologyClinical reference: AAD acne treatment guideline ↗