More than 40 million young adults and teenagers will suffer from acne this year, making it the most common skin disorder, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). Of these, 40 percent will develop scarring serious enough to require a dermatologist's attention, the AAD says. Effective treatments are available through dermatologists to treat acne scarring, although getting good results may take time and could involve trying several different approaches.
Significance
Acne develops when the skin's sebaceous glands, located below the skin's surface, produce too much of a thick oil called sebum, according to the Mayo Clinic. Sebum normally lubricates the skin, but this excess sebum then combines with dead skin cells and forms a paste that irritates hair follicles and clogs pores. Oily skin provides the perfect home for acne-causing bacteria, which then reproduces and causes infection along with inflammation. Pimples erupt, and as they heal, scars form.
Types
Acne scars generally fall into one of three categories, according to the AAD. Depressed scars are most common, and they look like pits or deep depressions on the face. Raised acne scars, meanwhile, are not as common, but can be extremely unsightly and painful. And acne also can leave behind pink, red, tan, brown or even purple spots. These skin color changes from acne are not permanent and will fade in time, but the process can take months or even longer, and many sufferers seek treatments that can fade them more quickly.
Treatment Choices
Depending on the type of scar you have, you may have several treatment choices. Many people seek over-the-counter (OTC) treatments first, and the AAD says that creams or gels containing the active ingredients retinol, vitamin C and glycolic acid may be somewhat effective in reducing the appearance of saucer-shaped scars, as long as they are not very deep. These OTC products also can flatten raised scars somewhat, and may fade colored spots. However, the most effective treatments are available only through a physician.
More Treatment Options
To treat depressed acne scars, dermatologists may recommend one or more physical procedures, such as surgery that removes the scars and replaces them with skin grafts, the AAD says. Laser therapy also can make depressed scars look less deep by encouraging the skin to produce collagen, which fills in the depressions. Raised acne scars likely will require injections of corticosteroids, and if those don't work, dermatologists may recommend surgery to remove the scars. And prescription hydroquinone cream can bleach out acne-darkened skin effectively.
Considerations
Patients may find that their acne scars stubbornly resist efforts at treatment, although dermatologists generally can find an effective approach for nearly every patient, the Mayo Clinic says. Often, the key involves combining different types of treatments, either in succession or at the same time, and to follow through on your dermatologist's recommendations for good skin care.
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