Acne is a very common skin condition that usually starts during the teenage years but it may also begin in the twenties or thirties and persist resulting in adult acne.
Acne usually develops on the face, chest and back where there is abundance of hair follicles and their oil-producing glands called the sebaceous glands.
Acne should be treated early as it may leave permanent scars especially if the acne is severe. Acne and acne scarring can have significant impact on self-esteem and may affect the quality of life.
There are several causes of acne. One of the more common theory is that when male hormone (androgen) level increases during puberty, there is increased sebum secretion resulting in blocked pores causing comedones (commonly known as ‘blackheads’ and ‘whiteheads’). Cutibacterium acnes bacteria, may act upon the sebum and trigger inflammation resulting in inflamed pimples (papules, pustules, nodules and cyst). When the inflammation eventually settled, it may result in acne scars. These scars can either be red/brown marks or depressed and sunken (pitted, rolling, boxcar scars) or bulging (acne keloid scar).
Treatment for acne
We offer a comprehensive range of treatments for acne. For very mild acne, proper skin cleansers and special anti-inflammatory creams or prescription-only antibiotic creams can be used. For more severe acne, a combination of topical, oral antibiotics, hormonal treatment or oral Vitamin A derivatives (Oratane) are highly effective.
Treatment for acne scars
Most of the red or brown remaining marks left by previous acne may resolve with time. We will assess your condition and certain topical treatment or chemical peels can be done to hasten the recovery.
But for deeper scars, different procedures such as laser treatment and injectables can be combined to improve the appearance of the scar. Thick acne keloid scars (bulging scars) usually response well to intralesional steroid injections. Your experienced dermatologist will assess your skin carefully and discuss with you the appropriate treatment tailored to your type of acne scars.
