Acne scars can be more than skin deep

t's the fear many teens face -- an acne outbreak, especially at prom time.

Britany Hutton is taking steps to make sure it doesn’t happen to her. Under the care of nationally-known dermatologist Dr. David McDaniel, the Salem High School senior is undergoing a combination of treatments to clear up her skin.

McDaniel says teens want a more aggressive treatment to get rid of acne faster.  Injecting a mild steroid called kenalog into the pimple can make it disappear nearly overnight by reducing the inflammation.

Kathryn Zapatka began the injection treatment last year as she prepared for prom, but the outbreaks continued.  She was referred to Dr. McDaniel.

Acne scars can be more than skin deep; they can damage your self image.

“I tried it and it was like a Godsend. I was so lucky to be referred to him,” she said.

Five months later, Zapatka's skin – and outlook on life -- has improved.

“Before, I really did not have that type of ambition. I was kinda like fine where I was, wasn't trying to venture out, but now I have the confidence to just pursue everything I've wanted to,” she relates.

With a few weeks to go before the prom, Hutton is ready to face the prom and the future with a bright smile.

“It’s working very well and I've only been seeing him for about a month. Lots of people have noticed the breakouts have stopped, so I'm very happy,” Hutton says.

Some medications and injections are often covered by insurance, but other treatments are not.  The parents of these teens are paying $200-$300 every two weeks for surface treatments and they say it’s worth it.