Acne scarring—pathophysiology, diagnosis, prevention and education: Part I - 14/05/24

Doi : 10.1016/j.jaad.2022.04.021

Tara Jennings, MD ^⁎ , Robert Duffy, MD, Matt McLarney, MD, Michael Renzi, MD, Warren R. Heymann, MD, Ashley Decker, MD, Naomi Lawrence, MD
Cooper University Hospital and Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, Camden, New Jersey

^∗Correspondence to: Tara Jennings, MD, The Cooper University Hospital and Cooper Medical School of Rowan University, 3 Cooper Plaza, Suite 504, Camden, NJ 08103.The Cooper University Hospital and Cooper Medical School of Rowan University3 Cooper PlazaSuite 504CamdenNJ08103

Abstract

Acne scarring is common and can occur even with effective acne management. In addition, patients with acne scarring suffer from significant psychosocial morbidity, including depression and suicidality. Despite the availability and advancement of therapeutic modalities, treatment for acne scarring is not always optimized and often overlooked in patients with acne encounters. Using acne scarring assessment tools and identifying specific acne scar subtypes allows for a tailored therapeutic approach. Part I of this continuing medical education series covers the pathophysiology and morphology of textural and pigmented acne scars, scarring assessment tools, and medical treatment options. The principles reviewed will aid in approaching and initiating acne scar treatment in the outpatient setting.

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Key words : acne scar, boxcar, hypertrophic, ice pick, keloid, microdermabrasion, microneedling, popular, patient assessment, retinoid, rolling, treatment timeline

Abbreviations used : ECM, PIH

Plan

Pathophysiology of acne scarring

Key points

Pathophysiology of atrophic scars

Pathophysiology of hypertrophic, keloidal, and papular scars

Classification of acne scars

Key points

Scar color

Considerations in skin of color

The patient encounter

Key points

Assessment of acne scarring

Key points

Noninvasive management of acne scars

Key points

Microneedling

Key points

	Funding sources: None.
	IRB approval status: Not applicable.
	Reprints not available from the authors.
	Patient Consent on File: Written consent for the publication of recognizable patient photographs or other identifiable material was obtained by the authors and attested to at the time of article submission to the journal stating that all patients gave consent with the understanding that this information may be publicly available.
	Date of release: June 2024.
	Expiration date: June 2027.