How I Do It: Treatment of Papular Acne Scars of the Nose

Papular scars, a less often discussedmorphology, have been described and are reportedly most common on the nose and chin, particularly in skin of color. Previously reported treatments for papular acne scars are flawed, and herein, we present an effective, safe treatment using an electrocautery machine (Hyfrecator 2000 Electrosurgical System, ConMed). Prior described treatments for papular scars include CO2 lasers, dermabrasion, chemical peels, the Erbium (ER): YAG laser, infrared lasers, and intralesional radiofrequency; although, these methods are not ideal for papular scars, given the pain, long healing time, technical expertise needed to operate a laser, and the cost. The inadequateness of current treatments demonstrates the need for a safe, convenient, and effective method to treat papular acne scars. Cauterization is a safe, economical, and efficient way to treat papular acne scars. The authors evaluate the efficacy and safety of using cauterization as an alternative treatment for papular acne scars.