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Are Acne Red Spots Permanent?

If you have light skin, there is one acne-related phenomenon that you may find happens to you often: red spots appear on your skin, where the acne used to be. And because you have light skin, these red marks are often clearly visible. Some call these marks "acne red spots," and understandably, many fear that they are permanent.

In fact, these spots occur after an acne outbreak, when pimples are on their way to disappearing. This would make acne red spots similar to scars. These spots may be classified as pseudo-scars: after-acne marks that are not as difficult to remove as pockmarks or fissures, and certainly not as long-lasting.

People who have dark complexions may notice similar but darker spots on their skin after an acne outbreak. These could take the form of unsightly blemishes. If the acne condition is severe enough, marks that are clumped together may produce the illusion of having differently colored patches on the skin - not at all painful, but potentially awkward and uncomfortable.

It may be a comfort to know that these spots often disappear naturally within six months, and do not leave a trace. But if you want these spots to fade sooner and more thoroughly, you should consult a dermatologist. For light spotting, dermatologists would normally recommend the use of benzoyl peroxide, an over-the-counter (OTC) chemical that is also known as an effective medication against acne.

Many OTC acne preparations contain 10% benzoyl peroxide. OTC preparations of benzoyl peroxide are usually safe for general use even by teenagers with delicate skin, but if you are concerned that your facial skin may be too sensitive for certain OTC medications, a doctor's opinion would definitely help.

Any anti-blemish medication must be applied every day so that it works best in clearing facial discolorations, including acne red spots. Note that burning or itching is a common sensation, when using this chemical. If the itching or burning becomes too troublesome, however, your dermatologist may be able to prescribe a gentler medication. Your skin specialist should also be able to tell you if your acne condition stands a chance of leaving any permanent scars.