Acne Scarring: Prevention and Treatment Options

Acne is an aesthetically unappealing issue all on its own. But long after this problem clears up, it can leave unpleasant reminders in the form of acne scarring. At Advanced Dermatology and Mohs Surgery, serving Batavia, Wheaton, Elgin, Dekalb, Naperville, Aurora, and St. Charles, IL, and the nearby regions, Dr. Sharon Horton and her team can help clear this issue.

Why Scarring Occurs

If you don't have any acne scarring yet or are ready to get treatment and want to know how to prevent it from occurring in the future, it's helpful to know what causes it.

For instance, some forms of acne are inflammatory, which can worsen. Ultimately, this can damage the skin and cause scarring. Moreover, certain types of acne cause lesions that reach deeper into the skin, such as cystic or nodular acne. Genetics can also make you more prone to suffer from acne scarring. And if you pick or pop, this can lead to scarring. We'd also like to note that your diet can slow down healing, and so can the medications you take and even hormone fluctuations, particularly in women.

Treatment

Our office offers a number of acne-scarring options. It serves Batavia, Wheaton, Elgin, Dekalb, Naperville, Aurora, and St. Charles, IL, and the surrounding areas. 

The first step in determining your treatment is understanding the acne that caused it and the severity of the scarring. We'll also check into any medical conditions and medications you take. 

One option we offer is steroids, which work by reducing inflammation and improving the overall appearance of the scarring. Botox and fillers may plump the skin around the lesions and even out with the rest of your skin. 

Chemical peels, laser treatments, and surgery are all options as well. 

Prevention

To prevent recurrences and any current acne from scarring, you should eat a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, omega-3 fatty acids, and whole grains while limiting sugars and heavily processed foods. 

You could also prevent acne scarring by focusing on not picking or popping your acne. It also helps to always wear sunscreen to shield your skin from the sun, which can cause inflammation or darken the appearance of your scarring. 

A solid moisturization routine is also essential because moist skin promotes healing.

When you visit Advanced Dermatology and Mohs Surgery, serving Batavia, Wheaton, Elgin, Dekalb, Naperville, Aurora, & St. Charles, IL, and the surrounding areas, you'll meet with Dr. Horton or another specialist who can help you obtain less flawed, healthier skin, even if you have acne scarring hindering your skin's appearance.

Call us at 630-482-3700.