Acne Treatment in Jammu

Comedonal acne

Comedonal acne mainly causes blackheads and whiteheads because pores become blocked.

Inflammatory acne

Inflammatory acne causes red, tender or pus-filled pimples.

Nodular or cystic acne

Deep nodules and cysts can be painful and have a higher risk of permanent scarring.

Teenage acne

Acne commonly develops around puberty because hormonal changes affect oil production.

Adult acne

Acne may persist into adulthood or begin later, particularly around the lower face, jawline and chin.

Hormonal-pattern acne

Breakouts may follow a cyclical pattern or be associated with other hormonal symptoms. Medical evaluation may be needed when acne occurs with irregular periods, increased facial hair or scalp thinning.

Body acne

Acne may affect the back, chest, shoulders and upper arms as well as the face.

Acne with marks or scars

Dark marks and red marks are colour changes after inflammation. They are different from permanent textural scars.

Prescription topical treatment

Topical medicines may be used to:

• Unblock pores
• Reduce inflammation
• Control acne-causing organisms
• Prevent new lesions
• Improve post-acne pigmentation

Current acne guidelines support several topical treatment classes and often favour combinations that work through different mechanisms.

Oral treatment

Oral medicines may be considered for moderate, severe, widespread or treatment-resistant acne.

Options depend on the patient’s age, medical history, pregnancy potential, acne severity and previous response. Systemic antibiotics should be used carefully and generally alongside appropriate topical treatment rather than as indefinite stand-alone therapy.

Oral isotretinoin

Oral isotretinoin may be considered for selected patients with severe acne, acne at high risk of permanent scarring or acne that has not responded adequately to appropriate treatment.

It requires careful medical supervision, counselling, monitoring and strict pregnancy-prevention measures where relevant. NICE updated its isotretinoin recommendations in April 2026 to reflect current risk-minimisation requirements.

Chemical peels

Selected medical chemical peels may support treatment for comedonal acne, oily skin and post-acne pigmentation.

The peel type and strength must be chosen according to skin type, active inflammation, sensitivity and current medicines.

Comedone management

Selected blackheads and whiteheads may be treated through medically supervised extraction as part of a broader acne plan.

Treatment for painful individual lesions

A dermatologist may consider an in-clinic injection for selected large, painful inflammatory lesions when clinically appropriate. Current acne guidance recognises intralesional corticosteroid treatment as an adjunctive option for appropriate individual lesions.

How long does acne treatment take?

Acne generally improves gradually rather than overnight. The skin needs time to respond, and early dryness or irritation can occur with some medicines.

A treatment review is usually needed to assess:

• Reduction in new breakouts
• Tolerance of medicines
• Adherence to the routine
• New marks or scars
• Need for dose or product changes
• Whether maintenance treatment is required

Patients should not stop treatment immediately after the skin begins to improve. Maintenance therapy may help reduce relapse, and NICE acne guidance includes specific recommendations for recurrence and maintenance.

Can acne be cured permanently?

Acne can often be controlled effectively, but recurrence is possible because hormonal activity, genetics and skin behaviour may continue.

The aim of treatment is to:

• Control active acne
• Reduce the frequency and severity of breakouts
• Prevent scars
• Reduce marks
• Maintain improvement

Claims of an instant or guaranteed permanent cure should be avoided.

Acne marks

Acne marks are changes in skin colour after a breakout. They may appear:

• Brown or dark
• Red or pink
• Purple-grey in deeper skin tones

These marks may gradually fade, although treatment and sun protection can help.

Acne scars

Acne scars involve a permanent change in skin texture.

They may be:

• Ice-pick scars
• Boxcar scars
• Rolling scars
• Raised scars
• Keloids

Different scar types require different treatments. A scar plan should be based on examination rather than one standard procedure for every patient.

Why should active acne be controlled before scar treatment?

Continuing breakouts can produce new scars even while older scars are being treated. Dermatologists therefore commonly begin by controlling active acne and preventing new lesions before starting intensive scar procedures.

Once acne is controlled, a separate scar assessment may consider:

• MNRF
• Microneedling
• Subcision
• TCA CROSS for selected scars
• Fractional CO₂ laser
• PRP-supported procedures
• Combination scar revision

Acne-scar procedures are available at both Aastha Skin Centre branches.

Gentle cleansing

Cleanse without aggressive rubbing or frequent scrubbing.

Non-comedogenic moisturiser

Acne treatments can cause dryness. A suitable moisturiser may improve comfort and adherence.

Sunscreen

Sun protection helps reduce worsening of post-acne marks and supports the skin during treatment.

Prescribed acne treatment

Apply medicines in the amount and frequency advised by the dermatologist.

Suitable cosmetics

Choose products labelled non-comedogenic or less likely to block pores.

More products do not necessarily mean better acne control. Combining several strong ingredients without guidance can damage the skin barrier.

Does diet cause acne?

Diet is not the only cause of acne. Some people may notice that particular dietary patterns appear to influence their breakouts, but restrictive diets should not replace appropriate medical treatment.

Patients can maintain a balanced diet and observe whether a consistent personal trigger exists. NICE reviewed dietary evidence while developing its acne guideline, but acne care remains centred on evidence-based skin treatment tailored to the individual.

Can stress worsen acne?

Stress may worsen breakouts in some people through hormonal and behavioural pathways. Stress can also affect sleep, skincare consistency and picking behaviour.

Managing stress may support overall wellbeing, but stress reduction alone may not control moderate or severe acne.

Acne treatment during pregnancy

Acne treatment during pregnancy or while trying to conceive requires special care because several common acne medicines are not suitable.

Patients should tell the dermatologist when they:

• Are pregnant
• Are trying to conceive
• Are breastfeeding
• Have recently stopped contraception
• Are taking hormonal treatment

Do not continue or start prescription acne medicine during pregnancy without guidance from a qualified medical professional.

Acne treatment for teenagers

Teenage acne should not automatically be dismissed as something that must simply be endured.

Early assessment may help:

• Reduce painful inflammation
• Prevent avoidable scars
• Improve treatment habits
• Reduce inappropriate home remedies
• Support confidence and wellbeing

Parents and teenagers should understand that improvement usually requires consistent treatment over time.

Acne treatment for adults

Adult acne may differ from teenage acne in pattern, triggers and treatment considerations.

An adult-acne assessment may review:

• Menstrual pattern
• Hormonal symptoms
• Pregnancy plans
• Current cosmetics
• Hair and skin products
• Medicines
• Stress and sleep
• Previous acne treatment
• Scarring tendency

Treatment is customised rather than based solely on age.