Commonly, a mild form of acne occurring in most people does not leave scars, or if it does, the scars erase naturally over time. But people suffering from severe forms of acne such as nodular cystic acne might be left with deep scarring in the skin.

If you suffer from nodules or cyst, rather than trying out any over the counter medication, you better get treated by a dermatologist. This is because for this kind of acne you won't find any alleviation or comfort trying out any over the counter acne medication.

A dermatologist will usually prescribe isotretinoin and a retinoid to alleviate a case of nodular or cystic acne. With the help of isotretinoin, the size of oil glands that produce oil is reduced. With this, there is a diminution in the growth of microbes too. It is usually recommended once or twice a day, with food, for about 15- 20 weeks.

Isotretinoin is a good choice in helping you cure acne as it literally avoids scarring. And once your treatment has been completed, you will most likely be healed of your acne condition. However if there is a reappearance of acne after your course of isotretinoin, the doctor may either prescribe some other medications or institute another course of isotretinoin.

Even though isotretinoin is efficient in offering a treatment for acne, it can cause birth defects in the embryo. This is why it is very important that women in child bearing years take care not to conceive a child while taking isotretinoin.

It is crucial that women use two safe forms of birth control for a month before using isotretinoin, during its use and for a month after stopping isotretinoin. In fact, it is better to ask your doctor before stopping medication of isotretinoin.

It has also been noted that people using isotretinoin tend to get depressed by the variations of their skin's appearance. In fact, many cases of suicides and suicide attempts have been registered by people on isotretinoin.

Other side effects of isotretinoin are muscle aches, nosebleeds, changes in blood and liver function and sensitivity to the sun. Ask your doctor if you find that you are experiencing any of these side effects. The doctor may test blood before actually initiating treatment, and during the treatment itself.

Post Inflammatory Acne Spots & Pigmentation

There are also spots and pigmentation related with acne that are not exactly scars but resemble them in appearance. These fade eventually but are noticeable enough to cause embarrassment. Macules are like pseudo- scars, which are sometimes left behind by an inflamed acne lesion. A macule is nothing but a flat, reddish spot that is the final stage of any inflamed lesion. Unlike a scar, a macule might take time to disappear, but once it vanishes, it leaves no trace behind.

Then there is the discoloration of skin after the healing of any inflamed acne lesion. It is more frequent in dark skinned patients, but might take place in white skin also. This is called "Post inflammatory pigmentation." It may need treatment by a dermatologist.