How to treat the acne scars that result from picking and squeezing acne?

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I went through your query and understood your concern.

According to the history provided by you, they may be acne vulgaris with atrophic scarring. Acne appears most often due to hormonal fluctuations, especially due to androgen imbalances, genetic reasons where there is a family history of similar conditions, climate changes, food habits, stress, etc. Also, acne can occur when consuming oily, fried, and sweet foods and also as a reaction to using new products on the face. It can also occur due to the intake of certain medications for an underlying medical condition. Since you take tablet Sertraline (antidepressive), it may also cause acne by triggering excess sebum production. However, they can be managed with the right treatment. Acne may appear on and off, and dark spots and deep pores accompany acne each time they are triggered or appear. They develop following acne inflammation and due to excess oil secretion from the skin. There are medications and procedures available for managing acne. So I suggest you to follow the instructions mentioned below,

1. Use CeraVe SA (Salicylic Acid 2 %, Hyaluronic Acid, and Ceramides) facial cleanser. Apply and massage gently in circular motions and wash off within one minute. Use it twice daily.

2. Use Actreat (Clindamycin and Nicotinamide) gel. Apply on the pimples twice daily if new acne lesions appear.

3. Use Azelaic acid (bactericidal) 20 % cream. Apply a thin layer on the affected area on alternate days at night. Make sure your face is cleansed and dried well. Your hands and face should be dry without any moisture. Apply the cream in a pea-sized quantity only on the affected areas in a very thin layer. Do not use it all over the face; do not use it in large quantities since the medication is strong and may cause irritation. Do not use if the acne is mild. They are used only for severe acne and dark spots. If there are no acne or dark spots, they can be avoided.

4. Take tablet Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C) 500 mg. It is a chewable tablet, and take it twice daily after food. These medications are for active acne lesions, new acne, and dark spots. They do not help with atrophic scarring, also called as depressed scarring. For treating PIH (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation) and atrophic scarring, there are procedures that can be combined with these medications to help reduce their appearance. However, in severe cases, antibiotics may also be needed.

5. Take capsule Evion (Vitamin E) 400 mg once daily at night after food. This pill has to be taken with water.

6. Refrain from using skin care products and review the contents of the products before use, as they may cause allergic reactions and may lead to breakouts.

Kindly consult a specialist, talk with them and take the medications with their consent.

The PIH and acne scarring can be managed by undergoing certain procedures, as medications have limitations. In contrast, procedures have the capacity to penetrate through the skin to help with internal problems and correct them. Most scarring is caused to inflammatory reactions and habitual picking of acne. Therefore, they lead to the formation of depressed scars (as you have already mentioned), which require intervention through these procedures.

1. Laser therapy may be done once a month to help reduce current acne, fading of hyperpigmented spots, and atrophic scarring. The combination of Q-switched and Erbium lasers is beneficial and works wonders for treating acne, post-acne scarring, and dark spots. They are done in one session monthly and may require consultation with a dermatologist to undergo the procedure.

2. Other superficial procedures like chemical peels, including Glycolic Acid peels, may be done once in two weeks to one month to manage the existing acne, scarring, and dark spots. They cause mild peeling of the affected area and are done in sessions, thereby rejuvenating the skin and reducing its appearance. You may need to consult a dermatologist for the details and to undergo the procedure. The medications can be used along with these procedures.

3. PRP (platelet-rich plasma) injections are also beneficial where blood is withdrawn in a tube. And using a centrifugal machine, the components of your blood will be separated to form growth factors. And they are injected using a small insulin syringe into the affected areas of the skin. They promote collagen growth and help in reducing scars. Lack of collagen most often leads to scarring. PRP with microneedling can also be done. This procedure also combines PRP with a derma roller, rolling up and down one's face, and the PRP fluid is applied to the areas to penetrate through the pores to help manage scarring. Both these procedures are done in monthly sessions for at least six sessions. Kindly consult a dermatologist in person to undergo the treatment.

4. Avoid oily, fried food, milk, sweets, chocolates, and dairy products. They trigger acne.

5. Consume more fruits, vegetables, and fiber-rich foods.

6. Drink at least ten glasses of water a day.

I suggest you to provide an image of the affected area to assess the severity and further management. I would also like to mention that acne may be on and off depending on the above-mentioned factors. However, they may be managed with medications and procedures also by protecting yourself from external triggers, as mentioned earlier. On the other hand, internal factors that trigger acne depending on hormonal fluctuations cannot be controlled but can be managed by consulting an endocrinologist. For most individuals, acne fades as they grow older with the regularisation of hormone levels. Refrain from picking up acne as it may lead to hyperpigmentation.

I hope it was informative and provided clarity.

I hope this was helpful.

Take care.