Q. I recently saw an ad for a patch that is supposed to help acne scars. It says that it can reduce the appearance of scars and make the skin look smoother and more even. I don't know the name of the drug, but was wondering how good it works? What type of scars does it work best on?

A. I can't comment on the patch since I don't know its contents, but several methods are available to treat the scarring from acne. The scarring results from changes in color or texture of the skin so that it stands out from the surrounding unaffected skin. The treatments availble include chemical, laser, and surgical techniques depending on the type and location of the skin damage. There are several excellent websites which describe these in detail. Your doctor can help you decide which would work best for you.

http://www.familydoctor.org/healthfacts/001/

http://www.aad.org/PressReleases/acnescars.html

http://www.aad.org/PressReleases/teenageScars.html

http://www.facial-plastic-surgery.org/patient/procedures/facial_scar.html

http://www.asds-net.org/acne_scars.html

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