Dermatology Research and Practice · 2010 · 435 citations · 80 references
MedicineDermatologySurgeryCosmetic DermatologyDermatologic SurgeryPediatric DermatologyAcne Scar TreatmentInflammatory DermatosesInflammatory Skin DiseasesInflammatory Skin DisordersScar ManagementSkin SurgeryAdolescent AcneAtrophic Acne ScarsDermatologic Laser TreatmentHypertrophic Acne ScarsIntralesional Steroid TherapyLaser Scar TreatmentPunch ExcisionScar Classification
Acne affects over 90 % of adolescents and persists into adulthood in 12–14 % of cases, often resulting in atrophic or hypertrophic scars whose pathogenesis is not fully understood and which can be treated with a range of modalities including chemical peels, laser therapy, and surgical options. This paper reviews acne scar pathogenesis, classification, and treatment options.
Acne has a prevalence of over 90% among adolescents and persists into adulthood in approximately 12%–14% of cases with psychological and social implications. Possible outcomes of the inflammatory acne lesions are acne scars which, although they can be treated in a number of ways, may have a negative psychological impact on social life and relationships. The main types of acne scars are atrophic and hypertrophic scars. The pathogenesis of acne scarring is still not fully understood, but several hypotheses have been proposed. There are numerous treatments: chemical peels, dermabrasion/microdermabrasion, laser treatment, punch techniques, dermal grafting, needling and combined therapies for atrophic scars: silicone gels, intralesional steroid therapy, cryotherapy, and surgery for hypertrophic and keloidal lesions. This paper summarizes acne scar pathogenesis, classification and treatment options.
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