Acne Treatment: Active Acne, Causes and Dermatology Options

Active acne and acne scars are different problems and should be managed separately. Acne treatment focuses first on controlling new comedones, inflammatory papules, pustules, nodules or cysts and reducing the risk of permanent scarring.

What causes acne?

Acne develops through a combination of increased sebum production, follicular plugging, inflammation and changes in the follicular microbiome. Hormonal factors, genetics, some medications, occlusive cosmetics and friction can influence severity.

How is acne treated?

Treatment depends on lesion type, severity, distribution, previous response and scar risk. Options may include topical retinoids, benzoyl peroxide, azelaic acid, selected topical antibiotics and, when appropriate, systemic treatment. Moderate or severe inflammatory acne, nodulocystic disease, truncal acne or acne that is already causing scars may require oral treatment and closer follow-up.

Why scar prevention matters

Repeated deep inflammation can produce permanent atrophic or raised scars. Picking and squeezing lesions can also worsen inflammation and post-inflammatory colour change. Early control of active disease is therefore part of scar prevention.

Existing textural scars should be evaluated separately. See the Acne Scar Treatment page for scar types and procedural options.

Acne marks are not always scars

Flat red, purple or brown marks after acne are often post-inflammatory colour changes rather than true scars. Their management differs from that of ice-pick, boxcar or rolling scars.

Skin care during acne treatment

A gentle cleanser, non-comedogenic moisturiser and broad-spectrum sunscreen usually support treatment. Harsh scrubs, repeated peeling and excessive cleansing can damage the skin barrier and make prescribed treatment harder to tolerate.

When should a dermatologist assess acne?

Evaluation is particularly useful when acne is painful, nodular, leaving scars, affecting the chest or back, appearing suddenly in adulthood, affecting quality of life or failing to improve despite appropriate care.

Acne Treatment Cost in Izmir: What Affects the Price?

Acne treatment cost depends on the type and severity of active acne and on the medical follow-up required; it is not one standard procedure with a fixed session fee.

• Acne severity and distribution: mild comedonal acne differs from widespread inflammatory, nodular or truncal disease.
• Treatment type: topical treatment, oral medication and selected supportive procedures have different clinical requirements.
• Follow-up needs: treatment response, side effects and scar risk may require periodic reassessment, especially with systemic therapy.
• Laboratory or diagnostic testing: tests are not automatically required for every patient, but may be selected when the diagnosis, medical history or planned medication creates a clinical need.
• Scar treatment: procedures for established acne scars are a separate treatment category and should not be bundled into the cost of controlling active acne.

For meaningful comparison, patients should distinguish the cost of diagnosing and controlling active acne from later procedural treatment of scars or pigmentation.

Frequently asked questions

Should acne scars be treated while active acne continues?

In most cases active acne should be stabilised first so that new inflammation does not continue creating new scars.

Does acne always need antibiotics?

No. Antibiotics are only one option and are not appropriate for every acne pattern.

Can acne return after improvement?

Yes. Some patients need maintenance treatment after the initial disease is controlled.

This page is for general medical information and does not replace an individual dermatologic examination, diagnosis or treatment plan.