How can I tell what kind of acne I have? (photo)

Hi, Your photo suggests that you have papular (small raised bumps) post-acne scars rather than true keloids. These are common on the nose, chin, chest and back in susceptible patients after active inflammatory acne. It is most important to control your acne activity to minimize new scars from occurring. Actual treatment is difficult and in my experience, repeated fractional CO2 lasering may give some modest improvement by leveling the raised papular scars. Hope this helps!

Thanks for the question. Acne often does improve as you grow older and many people do 'outgrow' their acne. However, acne vulgaris can persist into adulthood in 15 to 25% of individuals. It is difficult to predict who will get persistent adult acne. Some individual may have underlying conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome which can cause the acne to persist. It is best to get active acne treated and not wait for the acne to outgrow. Acne treatment can help control the acne and improve the appearance, but importantly, it prevents acne scars from forming, which may be permanent.