Acne is a chronic and chronic issue that effects an estimated 85% of adolescents and often continues into adulthood. It is caused by a combination of several factors:
Acne can often resulting in scarring secondary to the trauma the skin undergoes. Early and effective treatment of acne is the best means to minimize and prevent acne scarring.
Acne scarring is thought to be a direct result of your skin’s response to inflammation. Not everyone will experience acne scarring and those who do may not experience the same type of scarring.
Acne scarring is broken down into the following classifications:
Often these types of scars will have associated erythema (or redness).
You may hear your provider refer to this as post-inflammatory erythema (PIE) or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH). Though just as frustrating, PIE and PIH are not true forms of acne scarring. PIE and PIH can be thought of more as a “foot print” of acne or other sources of inflammation in the skin (eczema, fungal rashes, etc). When acne is well-controlled and inflammation is no longer persistently causing injury to the skin, this foot print will fade over time. However, this process can take months to even over a year.
Your provider can discuss the best option for addressing your PIE or PIH with you, but the foundation of treating PIE and PIH is time and sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher). The sun will darken these marks and elongated the amount of time required for them to fade.
Treatments do exist for true acne scarring, but there is no treatment that will completely resolve a textured acne scar. Scars are considered permanent. It is also important that your active acne is well-controlled prior to attempting to treat your scars.
There is no one treatment that is effective for all scarring. Your provider can discuss the best options for you. Some options include:
If you are suffering with active acne or are left with acne scars, the general dermatology providers at Braun Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center would love the opportunity to meet with you, review your concerns and create a treatment plan that works for you and your lifestyle. Call 571-302-5377 to schedule in Kingstowne, VA or 202-293-7618 to be seen in our Washington, DC location!
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