HomeAnswersDermatologyacneI am having painful pimples leaving scars. Kindly help.

What is the best possible treatment for painful pimples and scars?

Share

The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At October 29, 2022
Reviewed AtJanuary 23, 2024

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I have had pimple problems for the past seven or eight months. They are painful and are creating scars. I am a 25-year-old-male, my weight is 55 kilograms, and my height is 5 feet 4 inches.

Kindly advise.

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

As per the history provided, it may be acne vulgaris and post acne hyperpigmentation or PIH (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation) with atrophic scarring. Acne often appear due to hormonal fluctuations, imbalances, genetic reasons, climate changes, and food habits in case of consuming oily, fried, and sweet food items and as a reaction to new products being used on the face. Acne may be on and off, and each time the acne triggers or appears, they may be managed. Dark spots and pores accompany acne, which develop following inflammation of acne and due to excess oil secretion from the skin, respectively. There are medications and procedures available for managing the same.

My advice:

1. AHA glow S foaming face wash (Salicylic acid 2 % Glycolic acid face wash) to be applied, massaged gently in circular motions, and washed off within one minute twice daily.

2. Clinmiskin gel (Clindamycin Niacinamide gel) to be applied on the pimples twice daily.

3. Aziderm (Azelaic acid) 10 percent cream to be applied in a very thin layer on the affected area on alternate days at night only. Make sure your face is cleansed and dried well. Your hands and face should be absolutely 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 and do not use it in a large quantity since the medication is strong and may cause irritation. Do not use if the acne are mild. This is only for severe acne.

4.. Take tablet Ascorbic acid 500 mg chewable tablet twice daily after food to be chewed and consumed.

The above medications are the medications for active acne and management of new acne, and they do not help with atrophic scarring also called as depressed scarring. For the purpose of treatment of PIH (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation) and atrophic scarring, there are procedures which are the most helpful in reducing their appearances.

In severe case, antibiotics may also be needed.

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

6. Refrain from using skin care products as they may cause reaction depending on the contents of the product and may lead to breakouts.

The PIH (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation) and acne scarring may be managed only by undergoing procedures as medications have limitations, whereas procedures have the capacity to penetrate through the skin to help with the internal problems and correct them. Most scarring is caused to inflammatory reactions and due to habitual picking of acne, and therefore they lead to the formation of depressed scars which require intervention through procedures. Below are the procedures:

7. There are laser therapy procedures that may be done once a month for helping in reducing current acne, fading of hyperpigmented spots and atrophic scarring. Q switch and erbium lasers when combined can be very beneficial and can do wonders for the treatment of acne and post acne scarring and dark spots. They are done in sessions once monthly and may require direct consultation with a dermatologist to undergo the procedure.

8. Other more superficial procedures like chemical peels - glycolic acid peels once in two weeks to one month may be done on your skin 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 their appearances. You may need to consult a dermatologist in person for the procedure details and in order to undergo the procedure. The medications may be used along with it as well.

9. Continue to avoid oily, fried food, as you are already practising and also avoid milk and dairy products, sweets and chocolates. They trigger acne.

10. Consume more fruits, vegetables, fibre rich food, and ensure adequate hydration with at least ten glasses of water a day.

Having said that, I would like to mention that acne may be on and off depending on the factors mentioned above. However, they may be managed with medications and procedures, and by protecting yourself from external triggers as mentioned above. Internal triggers on the other hand are dependent on hormonal fluctuations which cannot be controlled but may be managed with the help of a gynaecologist. For most individuals, acne fades as they grow older with the regularisation of hormone levels. Refrain from picking of acne as well as they may lead to hyperpigmentation as well.

I would like to request you to provide an image of the affected area for further assessment and management.

I hope it was informative and provided clarity.

I hope I could be of help. Stay happy, healthy and safe.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Sandhya Narayanan Kutty
Dr. Sandhya Narayanan Kutty

Venereology

Community Banner Mobile
By subscribing, I agree to iCliniq's Terms & Privacy Policy.

Read answers about:

acneacne scars

Ask your health query to a doctor online

Dermatology

*guaranteed answer within 4 hours

Disclaimer: No content published on this website is intended to be a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, advice or treatment by a trained physician. Seek advice from your physician or other qualified healthcare providers with questions you may have regarding your symptoms and medical condition for a complete medical diagnosis. Do not delay or disregard seeking professional medical advice because of something you have read on this website. Read our Editorial Process to know how we create content for health articles and queries.

This website uses cookies to ensure you get the best experience on our website. iCliniq privacy policy