Prescription skin treatments online

Mild acne typically appears as non-inflammatory lesions like blackheads and whiteheads, which appear as small bumps on the skin's surface and are relatively manageable. However, if left untreated, this can progress and become more severe. Mild acne may not have a specific cause and can usually be treated with over-the-counter medications.   

OTC acne treatments, such as salicylic acid, tea tree oil, sulfur, and benzoyl peroxide, are designed to help reduce inflammation, unclog pores, and kill bacteria. Retinol is another popular treatment, available either OTC or in prescription form. Retinols help clear excess sebum and unclog pores for clearer  skin.   

Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, causes itchy, dry, and bumpy skin. In more severe cases, it can cause scaly patches, blisters and skin infections. It’s hard to self diagnose eczema, because it can be easily confused for other skin conditions. Eczema can affect people of any age², though it’s more common in infants and children.  

Whether you see a doctor locally or schedule a doctor appointment online, it’s important to get a proper diagnosis. Your doctor will take a detailed health history and may request blood, allergy, or skin biopsy tests to confirm the diagnosis and rule out other conditions.  

In addition to lifestyle and self-care treatments, your doctor might prescribe creams such as triamcinolone, fluticasone, Elidel, Lidex, Ultravate or hydrocortisone to control itching and aid skin repair. Other options for more severe symptoms include immunosuppressants and antihistamines, which may be combined with medicated creams. Eczema, or atopic dermatitis³, can be a persistent condition that requires ongoing management over time.  

Psoriasis is another chronic skin condition that can cause ongoing misery if left untreated. It’s characterized by the overproduction of skin cells, leading to flaky patches and scales. Psoriasis can affect any body part but commonly appears on the elbows, knees, scalp, and lower back.  

Psoriasis is believed to be caused by abnormalities in the immune system, specifically the attack of healthy skin cells. While the exact triggers and genes responsible are not fully understood, it is known that psoriasis can run in families.⁴  

Once your doctor confirms your diagnosis, he or she will work with you to develop an ongoing treatment plan depending on the severity of your symptoms and your individual health history. A combined approach of ointments, creams, oral and injectable medications may be recommended to help manage your symptoms.

Your doctor may also recommend changes to your skincare and lifestyle tips to help control your symptoms. Some commonly prescribed medications include biologics such as Humira, Remicade, and Enbrel, topicals such as retinoids, Lidex, Desonate or Ultravate, or immunosuppressants such as cyclosporine and methotrexate. These medications should be managed by a specialist in-person, such as a dermatologist or rheumatologist.

Rashes are swollen and irritated areas of skin that can be painful, itchy, and red, leading to raw skin or blisters. They can be caused by a number of triggers, such as insect bites, overheating⁵, infections, irritants, or other related skin disorders.  

Treatment usually depends on the underlying cause, severity of symptoms, and the affected area. Treatment options include steroids, topical ointments or topical creams, phototherapy, injectable/injectable corticosteroids for severe cases, antibiotics, or antifungal creams. Home remedies such as oatmeal baths, fragrance-free lotions, and non-prescription ointments can relieve pain. Always consult with your doctor to help determine the most suitable treatment plan for your rash. 

Hives, also known as urticaria, are itchy, raised rashes that usually manifest on specific body parts, sometimes covering larger areas. Common triggers include infections, stress, temperature changes, and insect bites. Allergic reactions are another common culprit–pollen, caffeine, alcohol, or certain foods can all be triggers. In many cases, it can be tricky to pinpoint the exact cause.  

Acute hives typically last up to 24 hours, while chronic hives⁶ persist for over six weeks. Infections, certain foods, or medications commonly cause acute hives. Chronic hives can be caused by a number of underlying causes, such as autoimmune disease (like lupus or rheumatoid arthritis) or bacterial or viral infections. 

Our doctors are able to provide online hives treatment or you can see your local primary care provider.  When talking to you doctor, it’s helpful to mention any recent illnesses, suspected food reactions, and any supplements and medications that you take. Consider documenting your hives with photos that you can share with your doctor.  

Contact dermatitis⁷ can cause a number of miserable symptoms, such as an itchy rash, dry, cracked or scaly skin, bumps and blisters, or even oozing, crusting or burning. There are two main types of dermatitis: allergic contact dermatitis and irritant dermatitis:  

• Allergic dermatitis is usually caused by an allergic reaction to something that your skin touched, such as nickel jewelry, pollens, plants or animal dander.  

• Irritant contact dermatitis is caused by irritating substances found in things like cleaning products, soaps, and detergents. The severity symptoms usually depends on how long the contact was and how strong the irritating substance is.   

Seborrheic dermatitis causes a scaly, flaky, and greasy appearance, usually. It is commonly known as "dandruff" in adults and adolescents and "cradle cap" in babies. It primarily affects the scalp but can also occur on other body parts, with a higher likelihood of affecting men than women.  

The exact cause of seborrheic is still unknown but may be related to hormones or an increase in the fungus called Malassezia on the skin⁸. It has also been linked to neurologic disorders such as Parkinson's disease and epilepsy. 

There are a number of different dermatitis treatment options your doctor may recommend, including prescription and OTC antifungal gels, lotions foams or shampoos. “Cradle cap” usually resolves on its own in babies, but brushing, gentle washing, and using mineral or baby oil can help. 

Rosacea is another common skin disease characterized by persistent redness and inflammation of the skin, spreading beyond the cheeks to other body parts. Some triggers include hot drinks, spicy foods, emotions, and sunlight.  

It can be mistaken for acne but has symptoms such as bumps, visible blood vessels, eye involvement, and facial flushing. While the exact cause is unknown, factors such as the immune system, environmental triggers, abnormal blood vessel function, and genetics may contribute. 

Prescriptions such as Finacea (azelaic acid) are available to help you feel better and get your symptoms under control.    

Other topical solutions, such as metronidazole and brimonidine⁹, are also available to reduce inflammation and redness. Your doctor might also recommend lifestyle changes to help you avoid triggers and gentle skincare products. 

Rosacea can often be mistaken for acne or other skin conditions, but it requires a different approach to treatment. Rosacea can be effectively managed with the right combination of medications and lifestyle changes. Once you get a treatment plan in place, be sure to be consistent to help avoid painful flare-ups.  

Both OTC and prescription-strength retinoids are powerful options for helping minimize wrinkles, slow collagen breakdown, increase skin thickness and elasticity, and fade brown spots caused by sun exposure. Retinoids promote cell turnover, thicken the skin, and reduce melanin production. Prescription-strength retinoids such as Tretinoin-A are more potent than OTC retinol products, offering better collagen preservation.  

When using retinoids for skin rejuvenation, be sure to follow your doctor’s recommendations. Start sparingly as you might experience side effects such as skin irritation, discoloration, and dryness as your skin adjusts. Be sure to protect your skin from sun exposure and avoid other irritating skin care products. If you're pregnant or breastfeeding¹⁰, consult your doctor first before using retinoids.

Fungal infections can be itchy and frustrating. However, there are effective treatments available. Common options include over-the-counter antifungal creams such as clotrimazole and miconazole. Clotrimazole also comes in prescription-strength for more severe cases. Ketoconazole can help alleviate dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. 

Oral antifungal treatments such as terbinafine and fluconazole are prescribed for stubborn or widespread fungal infections that affect nails, scalp, or other hard-to-reach areas.  

Fungal nail infections are another common infection that requires prescription-strength treatment. Some of the common treatment options include oral antifungal agents such as Sporanox (itraconazole) and terbinafine. Terbinafine is the first-line treatment for fungal nail infections, while itraconazole is prescribed for more severe or resistant cases. Topical nail treatments, such as amorolfine nail lacquers and ciclopirox, also help treat fungal infections. 

Infectious skin diseases like cellulitis and impetigo usually require oral or topical antibiotics. Treatment options include oral or topical antibiotics, while more severe or complicated cases may require an in-person visit. Your doctor will assess your symptoms online and give initial guidance. However, in-person visits may be necessary for a definitive diagnosis and treatment plan, especially if fever, rapid expansion of the affected area, or underlying health conditions are present. With Plushcare, you are assured of privacy while discussing your concerns with any of our doctors. Always follow the doctor's instructions and complete the prescribed treatment course for optimal care.