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.
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