Skip to main page content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Dot gov

The .gov means it’s official.
Federal government websites often end in .gov or .mil. Before sharing sensitive information, make sure you’re on a federal government site.

Https

The site is secure.
The https:// ensures that you are connecting to the official website and that any information you provide is encrypted and transmitted securely.

Access keys NCBI Homepage MyNCBI Homepage Main Content Main Navigation
Review
. 2017 Sep;10(9):12-23.
Epub 2017 Sep 1.

Acne Scarring-Pathogenesis, Evaluation, and Treatment Options

Affiliations
Review

Acne Scarring-Pathogenesis, Evaluation, and Treatment Options

Deirdre Connolly et al. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2017 Sep.

Abstract

Acne vulgaris is a ubiquitous problem affecting 80 percent of people ages 11 to 30 years, with many patients experiencing some degree of scarring. This review focuses on atrophic scars, the most common type of acne scar. We briefly address the cellular sequelae that lead to scar formation and the initial evaluation of patients with acne scars. We then discuss an algorithmic approach to the treatment of acne scarring based on the classification of scars into erythematous and atrophic types. Lastly, we discuss the future treatment of acne scars and ongoing clinical trials.

Keywords: Acne scarring; acne; acne vulgaris; laser; light devices; resurfacing agents.

PubMed Disclaimer

Conflict of interest statement

FUNDING:No funding was provided for this study. DISCLOSURES:The authors have no conflicts of interest relating to the content of this article.

Figures

FIGURE 1.
FIGURE 1.
The three types of atrophic acne scars: A) icepick, B) boxcar, and C) rolling
FIGURE 2.
FIGURE 2.
Acne scarring treatment algorithm

References

    1. Jacob CI, Dover JS, Kaminer MS. Acne scarring: a classification system and review of treatment options. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2001;45:109–117. - PubMed
    1. Kang S, Cho S, Chung JH, et al. Inflammation and extracellular matrix degradation mediated by activated transcription factors nuclear factor-kappaB and activator protein-1 in inflammatory acne lesions in vivo. Am J Pathol. 2005;166:1691–1699. - PMC - PubMed
    1. Layton AM. Optimal management of acne to prevent scarring and psychological sequelae. Am J Clin Dermotol. 2001;2:135–141. - PubMed
    1. Kircik LH. Re-evaluating treatment targets in acne vulgaris: adapting to a new understanding of pathophysiology. J Drugs Dermatol. 2014;13:s57–60. - PubMed
    1. Davis EC, Callender VD. Postinflammatory hyperpigmentation: a review of the epidemiology, clinical features, and treatment options in skin of color. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2010;3:20–31. Jul. - PMC - PubMed

LinkOut - more resources