Acne atrophica refers to a condition characterized by the development of depressed or pitted scars on the skin, primarily caused by severe acne. The phonetic transcription for the word "acne atrophica" is /ˈækni əˌtrɒfɪkə/. The word is composed of the two roots acne, pronounced /ˈækni/, and atrophica, pronounced /əˈtrɒfɪkə/. The first root, acne, refers to a skin condition, while the second root, atrophica, comes from the Greek word for "wasting" and denotes the wasting away of tissue, referring to the loss of collagen that leads to the formation of pitted scars.
Acne atrophica is a dermatological term that refers to a specific type of acne that leads to the development of atrophic or depressed scars on the skin. These scars are characterized by a loss of tissue or indentation, usually resulting from the healing process of severe or persistent acne.
Acne is a common skin condition that affects the hair follicles and oil glands present in the skin. When these follicles become blocked by excess oil, bacteria, or dead skin cells, it can lead to the formation of pimples, blackheads, or whiteheads. In some cases, if the acne lesions are particularly severe or if improper treatment is administered, the healing process may result in the formation of acne atrophica scars.
The atrophic scars associated with acne atrophica are typically shallow and have a sunken appearance. They occur due to the loss of collagen and elastin, which are proteins that provide support and elasticity to the skin. The severity of the scars can vary, ranging from small indentations to larger, more noticeable depressions.
Treatment options for acne atrophica may include the use of topical creams or gels containing ingredients such as retinol or hyaluronic acid to promote collagen production and improve the texture and appearance of the skin. In some cases, more aggressive treatments like dermal fillers, laser resurfacing, or chemical peels may be recommended to help reduce the appearance of the atrophic scars.
Overall, acne atrophica is a specific type of acne that can leave behind atrophic or depressed scars on the skin, and its treatment options may vary depending on the severity and extent of scarring.
A. vulgaris in which the lesions leave a slight amount of scarring; a. varioliformis.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The term "acne atrophica" is derived from the words "acne" and "atrophica".
1. Acne: The word "acne" comes from the Greek word "akme", which means "point" or "peak". Its Latin form "acne" specifically refers to a skin eruption or pimple.
2. Atrophica: "Atrophica" is derived from the Greek word "atrophos", which means "without nourishment" or "wasting away". It refers to the degeneration or shrinkage of a tissue or organ.
When combined, "acne atrophica" describes a specific form of acne characterized by the appearance of lesions that cause degeneration or wasting away of tissue.