Although acne itself can cause scarring, the constant picking of otherwise minor pimples can also lead to permanent damage to the skin. This is known as acne excoriée, or ‘picker’s acne’.
Acne excoriée is usually associated with significant anxiety or depression, and it is an important outward sign of a person’s underlying emotional state. This form of acne may require treatment with oral medications to prevent scarring, but it is also important to assess the need for psychological counselling.
Other acne variants include drug-induced acne and ‘endocrine acne’.
Drugs that can cause acne include topical or oral corticosteroids, anabolic steroids, lithium, TB medications and cyclosporin. Endocrine disorders associated with acne may include polycystic ovarian syndrome, Cushing’s disease, acromegaly, late-onset adrenal hyperplasia and androgen-secreting tumours.
SOURCE: Dr Adrian Mar, Melbourne Women’s & Children’s Health Update & Education Day 2009
Editor Dr Ramesh Manocha