Which department should I see for acne?

Name: Which department should I see for acne?
Creator: Which Department
Published: 2026-09-16

2026-09-16 · Neutral information that names no hospital, doctor or region. No rankings, recommendations or reviews.

Short answer

Dermatology(피부과) is generally the first department to see for acne, as dermatologists specialize in diagnosing and managing skin conditions. If acne appears to be linked to hormonal imbalances or other internal causes, a dermatologist may refer you to Endocrinology(내분비내과) or Obstetrics & Gynecology(산부인과) for further evaluation.

Which department

1Dermatology(피부과)
Dermatologists specialize in conditions affecting the skin, including acne of varying types and severity. They are generally the primary point of care for evaluating the pattern, location, and possible contributing skin factors of acne. — First / second line: A local dermatology clinic(의원) is generally the first place to visit for acne. Referral to a larger hospital(병원) dermatology department may occur if the condition is unusually severe or does not respond to initial management.
2Endocrinology(내분비내과)
When acne is suspected to be associated with hormonal disorders — such as elevated androgen levels or conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome — an endocrinologist may be involved to assess underlying hormonal factors. — First / second line: This department is generally not the first stop for acne alone. A dermatologist will typically refer you here if blood tests or clinical signs suggest a hormonal cause that needs specialized evaluation.
3Obstetrics & Gynecology(산부인과)
For women whose acne appears closely tied to menstrual irregularities or suspected hormonal conditions affecting the reproductive system, an OB-GYN may evaluate the gynecological aspect of the underlying cause. — First / second line: This is generally a secondary referral from dermatology or endocrinology, particularly when reproductive hormonal imbalances are suspected rather than purely skin-surface causes.
4Pediatrics(소아청소년과)
For children and adolescents, a pediatrician may be the first point of contact, especially if the child already has an established care relationship there. The pediatrician can assess whether a direct referral to dermatology is appropriate. — First / second line: A pediatric clinic(의원) can serve as the starting point for younger patients, after which a referral to dermatology is common if the acne requires specialized skin care evaluation.

Go to the ER / call 119 if

If any of the following applies, do not choose a department — go to an emergency room or call 119 (Korea's emergency number).

A rapidly spreading area of red, warm, swollen, or painful skin around the face or jaw develops suddenly.
Fever accompanies severe facial swelling or skin inflammation.
Difficulty breathing, swallowing, or a swollen throat occurs alongside a sudden skin reaction.
Vision changes or eye swelling appear together with facial skin symptoms.
Extreme pain, numbness, or skin that turns dark or black around the affected area develops quickly.

Before your visit

Note approximately when the acne first appeared and whether it has been getting worse, staying the same, or improving over time.
Observe which areas of the face or body are affected, and whether the pattern changes with your menstrual cycle (if applicable).
Make a list of all skincare products, cosmetics, and topical items you currently use, including how long you have been using them.
Bring a list of any medications, supplements, or vitamins you are currently taking, as some can influence skin condition.
Record any other symptoms you have noticed, such as irregular periods, unexpected weight changes, or unusual hair growth or loss.
If you have had any previous skin evaluations or blood tests related to this concern, bring those results or records to your appointment.

General principles

Acne is one of the most common skin conditions evaluated in Dermatology(피부과), and dermatologists are trained to assess various factors including skin type, lesion pattern, severity, and possible triggers. Because acne can range from mild surface-level breakouts to more complex presentations involving deeper tissue or hormonal influences, the initial dermatology visit typically focuses on understanding the overall clinical picture rather than applying a single standard approach.

In the Korean healthcare system, it is generally advisable to start at a local clinic(의원) level before moving to a larger hospital(병원), as the latter often requires a referral letter(진료의뢰서) for certain specialist departments under the national health insurance(건강보험) framework. Dermatology clinics at the primary level are widely accessible and can address the majority of acne-related concerns directly.

When a dermatologist suspects that internal factors — such as hormonal imbalances — may be contributing to acne, they may coordinate with other departments or request laboratory evaluations to get a fuller picture. This multidisciplinary approach is more common in moderate to severe or treatment-resistant presentations, and the flow of care is guided by the clinician based on your individual findings.

General dermatological evaluation for acne may involve examining the type and distribution of lesions, reviewing lifestyle and skincare habits, and considering your medical and family history. Any decisions about further tests or next steps are determined by the consulting physician after a face-to-face assessment.

FAQ

Should I go to a local clinic or a large hospital for acne in Korea?

In general, a local dermatology clinic(의원) is the recommended first step for acne, as it is more accessible and typically does not require a referral. Larger hospitals(병원) are usually visited when a referral is made due to more complex or severe presentations, and using a referral letter is generally required under the national health insurance system to receive the same coverage level.

Is acne always treated by a dermatologist, or can another doctor handle it?

Dermatology(피부과) is generally the primary specialty for acne, but other doctors — such as a general practitioner or pediatrician — may provide initial guidance, especially for younger patients or mild cases. If the acne is thought to be related to internal or hormonal factors, involvement from Endocrinology(내분비내과) or Obstetrics & Gynecology(산부인과) may be appropriate based on the consulting doctor's judgment.

What kind of evaluation might a dermatologist carry out for acne?

A dermatologist will generally begin with a visual and clinical assessment of the skin, looking at the type, location, and severity of lesions, as well as your skincare and lifestyle history. In some cases, blood tests may be suggested to check for hormonal or other internal factors, though the specific approach depends entirely on the individual clinical situation as assessed by your doctor.

Does acne evaluation or treatment differ for teenagers versus adults in Korea?

For teenagers, a pediatrician(소아청소년과) may initially be involved before referring to dermatology, while adults typically go directly to a dermatology clinic. The clinical approach may differ depending on age-related hormonal patterns and skin characteristics, but these distinctions are evaluated case-by-case by the treating physician rather than following a fixed rule.

Find a clinic (external directories)

External directories for finding a clinic by region once you know the department (public data, no rankings or recommendations).

This page is general medical information and does not replace diagnosis, treatment or choosing a clinic. Consult a doctor for any symptom. In an emergency, go to the ER or call 119 immediately.