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How to identify post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Are these acne marks (post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation) or scars? If they are marks, will they go away on their own? I am currently taking Doxycycline 100 mg. I am not currently pregnant, and I have no history of breastfeeding. Please see the pictures.

Thank you.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

From the image attached (attachment removed to protect the patient’s identity), a pimple is somewhat hormonal and due to oily skin.

  1. Do not use hair oil or any sticky cream on your face.
  2. Avoid oily foods, chocolate, and dairy products.
  3. Avoid dust and use sunscreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) of 30 or higher.
  4. If using any cream, do not rub it on your face.
  5. Avoid using steroid creams.
  6. Continue treatment for at least one month.
  7. Facewash and soap are not treatments and are not very useful.
  8. Do not touch acne and avoid pressing it.

I suggest the following medicines for the treatment. Consult your specialist doctor, discuss with him/her, and take the medicines with their consent.

  1. Apply Clindamycin all over the face in the morning as it is both preventive and curative.
  2. Apply Adapalene gel at night specifically to the acne-affected areas.
  3. Take a tablet of Doxycycline 100 mg once daily.

Post-acne scars come in three types: box scars, icepick (pinpoint scars), and rolling scars. Pinpoint scars are difficult to treat, while box scars are easy.

  1. No creams or tablets can help you with scars.
  2. The most effective technique for post-acne scars is a combination of CO2 fractional laser and subcision. It takes five to six sessions, but the results are better than any other method.
  3. Dermaroller and subcision are other options, but they are less effective than the above method.
  4. Fillers have a hiding effect; they fill the pits and give the impression of fullness, but they are not permanent.
  5. Chemical peels may also be effective if the scars are not very prominent.

All procedures take four to six sessions and five to six months for better results.

Thank you for consulting me.

You can always come back and reach me at icliniq.com.

Medically reviewed byiCliniq medical review team

Published At June 19, 2023
Reviewed AtJune 21, 2024

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