People suffering from either moderate or severe forms of
acne vulgaris are particularly prone to scarring or pigmentation.
Hence, it is advisable for patients suffering from severe acne to
seek immediate treatment that will reduce their chances of
developing deep, or untreatable, scars.
Types of Scars
I. Color changes due to inflammatory lesions The healing of inflammatory acne lesions can lead to the
emergence of patches of pigmentation in the affected area. These
changes in skin color are temporary and curable. With the right
treatment, the patches disappear after a few months and do not
recur.
The color changes are classified into three types:
(1) Post- inflammatory pigmentation: Results in brown
pigmentation
(2) Post- inflammatory hypopigmentation: White marks appear
on the skin
(3) Post- inflammatory erythema: Purple, or pink, patches are
seen.
Treatment for post- inflammatory pigmentation Treatment options for post-inflammatory pigmentation include:
Chemical peel-offs: These are face packs with glycolic acid or
Jessner's solution added to them.
Azelaic acid cream: This cream, also prescribed for treating
moderate acne, is successful in treating pigmentation.
Protection from the sun: Brown marks darken under moderate
to excessive exposure to the sun. Always apply an oil-free
sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or more before going out of the
house.
II. Physical disfigurations in the form of pits or lumps Severe acne causes three kinds of scarring. These are -
1. Ice Pick scars: Appear as a series of small pits.
2. Hypertrophic/ Keloid scars: Extremely thick, lumpy scars
that protrude from the skin.
3. Atrophic scars: In contrast to keloid scars, atrophic scars are
thin, flat scars.
Treatment Options
There are various treatment options for each type of scar. Most
scars heal completely with the right treatment, though it may take
many months for this to occur. However, in a few cases, the scar
recurs, even after being successfully treated. For details on the
procedures, please refer to the Section on Treatment, pg 81.
In the next tips, you'll learn more about causes of Acne.
All The Best, until next time!
Raymond
www.green-rectangle.com
