Acne - Scarring

Acne scarring is caused by the body's inflammatory response to sebum, bacteria and dead cells. There are two types of scars, those formed by loss of tissue and those formed by increased tissue formation, such as ice pick and atrophic macules. Ice pick are usually found on the cheeks and are also referred to as pitted scars. Atrophic macules are flat and thin, and when on the face they are small but larger on the body.

The prevention of scars is difficult because the prediction of how long it would last, extent and localization is not possible. The best thing to do is to treat the acne as early as possible so as to avoid the scars. Natural aloe Vera can also be used by extracting the liquid and applying it on the face at least twice a day, in the morning and in the evening before going to bed.

There are various methods of treating scars. Some of these methods include collagen injection. Collagen is a normal substance of the body and is injected under the skin to fill out certain types of scars. It does not work as well for ice-pick scars. Autologous fat transfer is another method that involves taking fat from one part of the body and injecting it beneath the surface of the skin in another part to elevate depressed scars.

Laser Treatment uses lasers of various wavelength and intensity to reconstruct scarred tissue and reduce the redness of skin around healed acne lesions. The type of laser to be used is determined by the desired results. Some ice-pick scars may be removed surgically using the punch method, whereby each scar is excised down to the layer of subcutaneous fat. The gap that results may be repaired with sutures or with a small skin graft.

Not all the methods are used to treat the same type of scars. It would therefore be advisable to consult a dermatologist before undertaking any of the mentioned methods.

Josemaria Wanjau writes informative and useful articles on health. For more health tips and advice, read more of his articles here Acne Management [wanjau.com/acne]. If you enjoyed this article make sure you subscribe to his feeds [wanjau.com/]