Online dermatologist for acne.
A focused video consultation for acne that has not responded to standard topical routines, or for patients who want a physician-led plan that considers oral, hormonal, and combination therapy.
Medically reviewed by Gibran Shaikh, MD, FAAD· Last reviewed September 2026
Board-certified dermatologist · Clinical Instructor, Dermatology, Mount Sinai
4.76/5 from 500+ patient reviews on Zocdoc
Who this consultation is for
- Persistent acne despite over-the-counter or prior topical treatment
- Hormonal patterns along the jawline, chin, or neck
- Inflammatory nodules or cystic lesions
- Acne with scarring risk or active scarring
- Patients seeking a longitudinal plan and continuity of care
Symptoms and situations
- Comedonal (blackheads and whiteheads)
- Inflammatory papules and pustules
- Deep, painful, nodulocystic lesions
- Premenstrual flares and jawline distribution
- Post-inflammatory pigmentation or scarring after breakouts
What Dr. Shaikh will review
- Previous topical and oral treatments and how you tolerated them
- Hormonal patterns, menstrual history, and relevant medications
- Skincare routine, actives you are using, and product tolerability
- Scarring risk, photographs, and long-term goals
- Maintenance planning to reduce recurrence
Potential treatment categories
Treatment is individualized. Categories below may be discussed when clinically appropriate. No prescription or specific outcome is guaranteed.
- Prescription topicals (retinoids, azelaic acid, benzoyl peroxide combinations)
- Oral antibiotics such as doxycycline when clinically appropriate
- Hormonal options including spironolactone when appropriate
- Isotretinoin evaluation and iPLEDGE pathway when appropriate
- Post-inflammatory pigmentation and scar-management discussion
When video care may not be appropriate
Some presentations require in-person examination, dermoscopy, biopsy, procedures, or urgent evaluation. If video care is not appropriate, Dr. Shaikh will explain when in-person evaluation is recommended.
- Suspected serious infection or systemic illness
- Findings that require in-person examination, biopsy, or procedure
- Deep scarring management that requires in-office treatment
What the $250 visit includes
A comprehensive live video consultation with Dr. Shaikh — not an asynchronous topical pathway.
- A 30-minute live video visit directly with Dr. Shaikh
- Review of history, prior treatments, and photographs
- A written treatment plan tailored to your acne pattern
- Prescriptions sent to your pharmacy when clinically appropriate
- Guidance on follow-up timing and monitoring
Medication, laboratory testing, and follow-up visits are not included unless explicitly stated.
Common questions
- Is this different from an asynchronous topical acne service?
- Yes. This is a live 30-minute video consultation directly with Dr. Shaikh, designed for acne that has not responded to standard topical routines or that may benefit from oral or combination treatment.
- Can Dr. Shaikh prescribe oral acne medication?
- When clinically appropriate, options such as doxycycline, spironolactone, or isotretinoin evaluation can be discussed. No medication is guaranteed at any visit; prescribing depends on your history and clinical picture.
- Do you treat acne scarring?
- Scarring risk and prevention are part of the plan. Certain scar treatments require in-person procedures; Dr. Shaikh will explain what is and is not appropriate for telemedicine.
- How long until I see results?
- Acne treatment typically takes 8–12 weeks before meaningful improvement, with continued progress over several months. A follow-up visit is often planned to adjust the regimen.
Online dermatology available in 13 states
Eligibility follows the state you are physically located in on the day of the appointment, not your mailing address. See where care is available by state — including New York, Florida, Texas, Illinois and Arizona.
Reviewed by a board-certified dermatologist
This page was written and medically reviewed by Gibran Shaikh, MD, FAAD. Board-certified dermatologist · Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology. Last reviewed September 2026. This information is educational and does not replace an individual consultation, diagnosis, or treatment plan.