Diagnosing & Treating Acne Online

Acne is most common among teenagers and younger children are increasingly getting acne as well. If the acne is severe, it can scar the skin and cause emotional distress. If you start your treatment early, you will have a lower risk of physical and emotional effects. You and your online doctor can help determine the severity of your acne and what type of treatment is needed, or if a referral to a specialist is required.

During a video consult on TelaCare your doctor will ask you a series of targeted questions to determine if your symptoms point to acne. Then your provider will proceed to determine the best treatment plan for you. Your provider may recommend in-person examination by a specialist if this is needed. Your treatment plan is based on the duration and severity of your symptoms and your medical history.

Our platform has an image upload feature that is extremely helpful for both providers and patients. With this feature, our physicians can get a precise, detailed look at your acne before the visit even begins. This feature is very useful for all patients, but specifically for those that wear makeup – you can take a picture when you have a clean face, save it and upload before your visit!

Once a diagnosis has been made, your doctor will go over the risks and benefits of the various treatment plans. Treatment for acne is different depending on the severity. A consistent skin care routine is imperative for successful treatment. This is sometimes difficult for adolescent patients, so follow up visits, especially in the beginning of treatment, will be important.

Options for treatment of acne may include:

  • For mild acne:
    • Gentle cleansing
    • Applying benzoyl peroxide (i.e. Brevoxyl)
    • Applying salicylic acid (i.e. Stridex)

  • For moderate to severe acne:
    • Benzoyl peroxide
    • Draining of large pimples
    • A prescription for:
      • Antibiotic gels, creams or lotions
      • Retinoids
      • Azelaic acid

Practice Telemedicine

Are you a provider interested in practicing telemedecine? Learn more about how to list your practice and start seeing patients within days.

How to register your practice >


Got Questions? We've got answers.

See below for answers to some of our most common questions. You can also call us anytime 24 hours a day at 1-800-317-0280 to speak to a medical professional about your symptoms or conditions.



 What are some home remedies for painful, cystic acne?

When someone experiences cystic acne, it’s important they stick to a regular skin care routine that includes specialized soaps, moisturizers, and toners. Other remedies include icing the acne so that the blood vessels will contract, avoiding popping the pimples, and regularly washing all items that may touch your face including your towels and pillowcases.

 Can an online dermatologist determine if a skin growth is cancerous?

If you have skin lesions that fit the ABCDE criteria, in that they are Asymmetric with jagged Borders, multiple Colors, a Diameter larger than a pencil, and have been Evolving (you have observed them change over time) -- then you will likely need a biopsy to test for melanoma.

The ABCDE algorithm is just one of many tests a trained dermatologist uses in assessing risk of skin lesions, if you are unsure about whether your lesion merits a biopsy an online dermatologist can quickly examine your skin and either exclude the possibility of it being malignant or tell you that you have sufficient risk factors to merit going in person for testing.

 Does TelaCare offer refunds?

No, All sales are final, and no refunds will be offered or accepted on services purchased from TelaCare. As we are a medical benefits company like any other benefit, once you accept our terms and conditions, you have purchased our services and accept this refund policy as a whole. Services can be canceled in the system at your discretion under account settings if your account is completed. Your satisfaction with your purchase is essential to us. If you are unsatisfied with your purchase for any reason, please contact us at support@telacare.com


 Can I get a prescription online?

Yes, in general you can get a prescription online. There is support for this nationwide, however there are several exceptions. 


 How do you get rid of acne scars?

Treatment for acne scars depends on the type of scar. Some popular treatments include over-the-counter topical treatments, laser resurfacing, soft tissue fillers, dermabrasion, and chemical peels. Other treatments include surgery, needling, and botox.

 How do I activate, access or enroll my account?

To get started, first activate your account by watching this video https://vimeo.com/386140347 and downloading the new member kit https://www.telacare.com/member-kit then if you still need assistance please email support@telacare.com.

You must first CHECK ELIGIBILITY and then activate your account. After, you can LOG IN to your TelaCare account and schedule a visit.

Many people have questions before and after experiencing TelaCare services, especially after their first time. We want to make your experience with TelaCare as smooth and pleasant as possible. Therefore, we have answered the most commonly asked questions and outlined them in our FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQ) section.

Don't see your question?

Don't worry. Just e-mail support@telacare.com. We have highly trained service specialists standing by to assist, 24/7.

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