The unfortunate fact is that acne is a more common problem than may be realized, and it is not only confined to teenagers. Admittedly, a large number of teens are battling with acne, and some adults as well, and in many cases, these acne outbreaks leave scars. Scarring is usually confined to the more severe forms of acne, though.
It’s bad enough having to suffer the indignity of the acne years, but to be left with a permanent reminder is a double blow. And while the scars anywhere but on the face may be bearable, that is where they seem most likely to cause the most discomfort.
The scarring can be spontaneous, in that you do not have to have scratched or picked at the pustules to cause it. Because the very nature of the skin damage they cause, acne lesions and cysts can leave scars because they inflict serious damage to the collagen in the skin with their inflammatory action.
The scars left behind, are not attractive and very definitely leave their mark on more than the skin, with deep embarrassment and psychological issues possible, and likely. The scars come in 3 basic forms, called Boxcar scars, shallow (atrophic), or Ice pick, which are long and narrow.
Can they get worse without treatment?
Certainly. Several factors will influence whether they can worsen, amongst these is sun-exposure, picking or scratching them, and even, curiously, applying vitamin E to the scar. That old tale actually hinders, rather than helps any healing process.
While the body tries all it can to heal the scarred areas naturally, it is not always completely effective.
How can I treat them?
Self-help treatments include the use of cortisone-based creams, which should be obtained from a dermatologist. Don’t try to self-medicate too much without guidance, or you could make things worse. Once popular, the ingredient Hydroquinone in some acne treatments has been found to have possible irritational and carcinogenic action on the skin, and has largely fallen out of use. Some skin lighteners may help alleviate discoloured scars and make them slightly less visible, but in the long run, this is a case that needs a professional touch.
Can they be removed permanently?
Unfortunately, the answer is no, in most cases.
BUT, that does not mean that the treatmets available will not make a dramatic improvement in their appearance and visibility. To help you regain confidence and peace of mind you should seriously consider some of the following treatment options, especially if the scars are on your face.
Laser resurfacing – Just the way a damaged road gets resurfcaed, this procedure allows the laser to gently remove several layers of damaged skin, and in addition having a tightening effect. New cells grow, the damaged skin is replaced, and the skin surface heals over smoother and more natural, greatly reducing the appearance of the scrring. .
Profactional laser treatment – Rather than removing the top layers of skin, this treatment works at a deeper level, so healing time is shorter. Both these options are done in the specialist’s rooms, and take only a short wile with minimal discomfort. Several treatments are likely to be needed.
Dermabrasion – Rather less comfortable, but in effect heading for a similar outcome, this treatment scours the surface skin off with an abrader, and once the skin heals, in between 10 to 21 days, the new skin is smoother and less pitted.
Dermal fillers – Small amounts of this gel-like substance, composed of natural substances are injected where the depressions occur to raise and plump the area, making them less visible. It is a treatment that will require repeats at least every 6 months.
So, it is possible to minimize acne scarring on the face with any of these options. Speak to a qualified specialist at The Melrose Aesthetic Centre, who will give the right advice for the best treatment for your specific condition.