Acne scars
can be one of the biggest concerns for sufferers of the condition. Teens
and young adults in particular, for obvious reasons. It doesn't help
that this scarring is a very common result of acne. For some, it can
even lead to significant psychological problems.
There are several types of acne scar, some of which can be very deep
such as what are termed "ice pick scars" which is characterised by deep
pitting, and is probably the most usual form of acne scarring.
There
are other types of scarring caused by acne, such as "boxcar scars", the
angular scars usually found on the temple and cheeks (these can also be
very deep, but not always), and "hypertrophic" or "keloid" scars.
Keloid scars are the result of an over production of collagen. This
produces the characteristic lumpy appearance. They are difficult to
treat.
people suffering with acne scars need to bear in mind that
any treatment is probably going to be a long process, and may never
competely eradicate them. Although most treatments will reduce the
appearance and impact of them.
As to cause. It is generally
recognised that the popping of pimples, scratching, and generally not
keeping the skin clean can lead to scarring. Also not seeking treatment
early enough when acne developes. However it is also fact that a person
can do all the "right" things and still get acne scars.
Cystic
acne in particular is likely to leave very visible scars. It's really
the result of the body trying to heal itself. Sometimes over
enthusiastically as in the case of keloids.
Carbon dioxide
resurfacing, or CO2 resurfacing has been an effective method of treating
acne scars. It is really a deep peel process using CO2 instead of
chemicals (which could furthur aggravate the condition).
This does
leave the skin pretty red and raw, but the patient can usually return
to normal activities within a couple of weeks. However the skin will
remain pink for some time before returning to normal, sometimes for
months.
For keloid acne scarring sometimes surgical removal can be
successful. The procedure may not eliminate it completely, but an
experienced specialist surgeon will certainly produce an acceptable
result.
Laser treatment has also produced good results. This is
really just another method of peeling away the uppermost layers of the
skin. Lasers have the advantage that they are a very accurate tool and
can remove skin to a very precise depth, taking the scars with it.The
skin then heals, to replace the damaged skin with new. It won't always
be perfect, but infinitely better than before.
Treatment of acne
scars with laser has now become the preferred way to go for many, as it
is considered to be one of the most effective forms of treatment. Able
to heal the deeper scarring that other treatments are less effective in
handling.
Acne laser treatments usually last from between fifteen
minutes to up to an hour, and is painless. A common result of this
procedure is pigmentation loss. This can look a bit scarey, but is not
permanent although it can take several weeks or even months to resolve
itself.
Collagen injections are another weapon in the armoury.
These are usually injected under the scar, plumping and smoothing the
skin. This can be a long term treatment, with injections given over a
period of time. This treatment does have the advantage that collagen is a
natural substance produced by our body, and is therefore pretty risk
free.
Microdemabrasion is yet another technique for the treatment
of acne scars. This gently removes the uppermost layers of skin,
encouraging your body to produce a fresh, unblemished layer. This is
very effective, but only if your scars are not too deep. Then you would
need to consider laser treatment, traditional dermabrasion, or a
chemical peel.
Whichever method you choose to deal with your scars
remember that it is not going to be a quick fix. You are in for the
long haul. However, with the right advice from a specialist
dermatologist, and the right treatment for your particular case, you
don't need to be a martyr to it.
No comments:
Post a Comment
Thank you for reading my blog , please leave a comment.