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See an Online Doctor for Acne and Breakouts

Foundation won't hide the sore, deep lumps along your jaw, and the chemist products ran out of ideas months ago. In a video consult about your skin, a Prime Medic GP looks at the breakouts and asks about hormones and what you've tried. Tests, treatment changes or a dermatologist referral follow if the doctor agrees.

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About Skin & Hair Care

Discuss common concerns like hair thinning, scalp issues, or skin changes. Our doctors listen and guide you through possible options based on your individual needs.

Acne Breakouts Skin Health GP Consult

Important Information

Our doctors provide assessment and treatment when clinically appropriate. This service is not for emergencies.
If you are in urgent need of help, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or 000 in an emergency.

Acne happens when hair follicles clog with oil and dead skin cells, then become inflamed by bacteria that live on everyone's skin. Hormones called androgens push the oil glands harder. That explains the puberty start, and the flare plenty of women get before a period. Dirt isn't the cause. Adults get it too, often along the jaw and chin. When redness and flushing are the main problem, it may be rosacea instead.

Painful lumps that sit deep and never come to a head

Marks or pitted scars left behind as spots fade

Over-the-counter washes and gels haven't shifted it.

Breakouts spreading to the chest or back

You skip photos or nights out because of your skin.

Video lets the GP see your skin, then line up tests or referrals

Seeing the skin matters with acne. On camera the GP can tell blackheads and whiteheads from red inflamed spots or deeper nodules, and each type is handled differently. You'll be asked about your cycle, skincare, stress levels and any family history of scarring. Prescription options only come up where the doctor thinks they fit.

Treatment review of the products and any prescription you use now, with changes only if your GP agrees

Hormone blood tests via a pathology referral when irregular periods, extra hair or sudden adult acne point that way

Deep, cystic or scarring acne: a dermatologist referral, once the GP decides a specialist should see it.

Feeling low about your skin is worth raising. Mental health support sits within the same service.

Squeezed spots and deep lumps are the ones that scar

Picking feels productive. It pushes inflammation deeper, though, and can turn a spot that would have faded into a mark that stays. The Australasian College of Dermatologists' acne page notes that very inflamed lesions often lead to scarring. That's why nodules and cysts are worth showing a doctor early.

Hands off the deep, sore ones especially.

Friction counts too: helmet straps, a phone pressed to your cheek, tight masks.

Take front and side photos by a window before the call

Laptop cameras wash out redness and hide texture. Photos taken in daylight, ideally on a bad skin day, show the GP what the call can't.

Front, left and right of the face, plus chest or back if affected

Names of every cleanser, moisturiser and sunscreen you use

Cycle details: date of your last period, and whether they come regularly.

Medicines and supplements you already take

Pathology results and the dermatologist letter come by email

Hormone test requests and referral letters are emailed once the call ends. Take a blood test form to any collection centre and your GP goes through the results with you at a follow-up. Acne takes patience. Book a review if your skin isn't settling after a proper try of the plan, or if new scars start to show.

Fever with a spreading red patch needs a doctor in the room

Video suits most teens and adults with ongoing breakouts. A few skin problems only look like acne at first, or arrive suddenly with fever, and those need hands-on care.

Swollen lips, face or tongue after a new skin product, or trouble breathing: call 000

A hot, red patch spreading out from a spot, plus fever. Head to an emergency department.

Sudden painful, crusting acne with fever or aching joints needs a same-day GP visit in person.

Thoughts of harming yourself: call 000, or Lifeline on 13 11 14

Reviewed by: Dr Muhammad Mohsin

CEO, Founder and Chief Medical Officer, Prime Medic.

The content on this page has undergone a final expert review by Dr Muhammad Mohsin for medical accuracy. Last reviewed 03-Nov-2026 02:05:00.

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