Acne Scars & Its’s Treatment
In This Blog
What is Acne Scars? | What are the different type of Acne? |Why do Acne Scars Occur? | What’s the best treatment for Acne? | Information about different type of Acne Scars.
Are you wondering how to get rid of acne scars? Moreover, have you ever suffered from severe acne that left unattractive scars? Well, acne scars might seem like a double punishment – you already had to cope with the pimples, and now you have permanent markings to remind you of that traumatic experience. Have you been surfing the internet about how to get rid or acne scars?
The good thing is that acne scars are treatable, and with consultation of Well-Known & Best Aesthetic Dermatologist in town Dr. Mubashir Mushtaq Daha you’ll get rid of these Acne Scars.
However, before treatment can begin, you must clear up any acne permanently, since fresh breakouts might result in new acne scars.
You’ll find out how to get rid of acne scars in this post.
What is Acne Scars?
Acne scars are the result of inflammation caused by acne breakouts. When acne lesions, such as pimples, cysts, or nodules, penetrate the skin deeply, they can damage the surrounding tissue and leave behind scars. Acne scars can vary in appearance and severity, depending on factors like the type and extent of acne, as well as individual skin characteristics.
What are the different type of Acne?
Acne scars can vary in appearance and severity depending on the type of acne and the individual’s skin. Here are some different types of acne scars:
- Ice pick scars: These are deep, narrow, and pitted scars that resemble small puncture marks on the skin. They are often the result of severe acne and are more common on the cheeks.
- Boxcar scars: Boxcar scars are broad, shallow depressions with sharp edges. They are usually wider than ice pick scars and can give the skin a pitted or uneven appearance.
- Rolling scars: Rolling scars have a wavy or rolling texture and are caused by bands of scar tissue that form under the skin. They create a wave-like appearance on the skin’s surface.
- Hypertrophic scars: Hypertrophic scars are raised, thickened scars that develop when the body produces too much collagen during the healing process. They can be firm and red, and they often occur on the chest, shoulders, or back.
- Keloid scars: Keloid scars are similar to hypertrophic scars but extend beyond the original site of the acne. They are raised, thick, and may be larger than the original acne lesion. Keloid scars can be itchy and painful.
- Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH): PIH is not a scar itself but a discoloration of the skin that can occur after an acne breakout. It appears as flat, dark spots or patches on the skin and usually fades over time.
Why do Acne Scars Occur?
Why do some people have acne scars, while others don’t?
The reasons vary, but genetics is one risk factor for scarring. If a blood relative struggles with acne scarring, you might, too, according to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD). Also, scarring tends to happen more as the skin loses collagen with age. Because collagen plays a role in the healing process, your skin produces new collagen as it repairs itself after a breakout. But sometimes, it produces too little or too much, resulting in a scar. Keep in mind that acne is an inflammatory condition. Scar development has a lot to do with the extent and duration of skin inflammation, so delaying acne treatment raises the risk of scarring.
What’s the best treatment for Acne?
Acne scars are stubborn, and no single treatment is best for everyone. One or a combination of the following approaches might improve the appearance of your skin, depending on your scar type, your skin type and the severity of the scarring.
GET RID OF ACNE SCARS AT HOME
⦁ Home skin care. Using sunscreen can help limit the contrast between unscarred skin and a scar. Some medicated creams, such as those containing azelaic acid or hydroxyl acids, might help too.
⦁ Salicylic acid: This organic compound is often found in acne treatment skin care products. Salicylic acid aids in the removal of dirt, dead skin cells, and other debris from the pores of the skin that contribute to acne. Additionally, it aids in the reduction of redness and swelling in the skin, which may assist to lessen acne scars. However, if it’s too strong and you use it too often, it can make things worse.
⦁ Natural remedies: Many individuals use natural therapies to assist in getting rid of acne scars, but the science behind them is murky. Some may cause further discomfort or other difficulties, so individuals should exercise care while using them.
⦁ Natural home treatments for acne scars include the following:
⦁ lemon juice
⦁ shea butter
⦁ aloe vera gel
⦁ coconut oil
⦁ baking soda
⦁ raw honey
CLINICAL ACNE SCARS TREATMENT
A number of medical therapies are available to assist in the removal of acne scars. A plastic surgeon or dermatologist may propose a variety of treatments based on the individual’s skin type and the degree of scarring.
Medical therapy options for acne scars include the following:
⦁ Soft tissue fillers. Injecting collagen, fat or other substances under the skin can plump the skin over indented scars. The goal is to make the scars less noticeable. Results are temporary, so repeat treatments are needed to retain the effect. This method has little risk of changes in skin color.
⦁ Steroid injection. Injecting steroids into some types of raised scars can improve the appearance of your skin.
⦁ Laser resurfacing. This approach is increasingly popular and is often used on scars that were once treated with dermabrasion. This technique has an increased risk of side effects for people with darker skin or a history of keloids.
⦁ Other energy-based procedures. Pulsed light sources and radiofrequency devices help make scars less noticeable without damaging the outer layer of skin. Results are subtle, and you might need repeat treatments.
⦁ Dermabrasion. This procedure is usually reserved for more severe scarring. Your doctor removes the top layer of skin with a rapidly rotating brush or other device. Surface scars may be completely removed, and deeper acne scars may appear less noticeable. Potential severe side effects include scarring and changes in skin color.
⦁ Chemical peel. Your doctor applies a chemical solution to the scar tissue to remove the top layer of skin and minimize the appearance of deeper scars. You can repeat mild and medium peels to maintain results. You can have only one deep peel. Potential side effects include changes in skin color, especially with deep peels used on dark skin.
⦁ Skin needling. Your doctor rolls a needle-studded device over the skin to stimulate collagen formation in the underlying tissue. It’s a safe, simple and possibly effective technique for acne scarring. It has minimal risk of discoloring the skin. Results are subtle, and you may need repeat treatments.
⦁ Surgery. Using a minor procedure called punch excision, your doctor cuts out individual acne scars and repairs the wound with stitches or a skin graft. With a technique called subcision, your doctor inserts needles under the skin to loosen fibers below a scar.
⦁ OnabotulinumtoxinA (Botox). Sometimes the skin around acne scars puckers. Injecting Botox relaxes the surrounding skin, which may improve the appearance of an acne scar. Results are temporary, so repeat treatments are needed to retain the effect.
Pictures of Different Types of Acne Scars
Not all acne scars look the same. They can take various forms. For example:
Rolling Scars
According to Schweiger Dermatology, this is the most common type of acne scar. They’re shallow, wide, and have sloping edges. These scars tend to get more noticeable with age.
Red Spots
These are flat, red (or brownish) spots that form in the spot of a previous acne lesion. They usually fade without leaving a permanent mark.
Dark Spots
Sometimes, healed acne leaves a temporary dark spot on the skin, known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
Boxcar Scars and Ice-Pick Scars
Acne scars caused by a loss of tissue are called depressed fibrotic scars (sometimes called boxcar scars) and ice-pick scars. They tend to appear sunken and look like pits in the skin, though ice-pick scars are deeper than boxcar scars.
Hypertrophic Scars and Keloids
Some types of acne leave scars that appear as enlarged, raised growths of tissue. These acne scars are caused by too much scar tissue. Hypertrophic scars and keloids look similar, but the latter are more raised than the former.
A Final Word on Improving Acne Scars
Some acne scars fade over time. For those that don’t, over-the-counter products and certain procedures might help.
But while dermatological procedures can help improve your skin’s appearance, your health insurance might not cover these cosmetic procedures, and treatment might not completely restore your skin. So be realistic about your expectations & if you are facing the problem of acne scars from ages don’t waste more time, get your appointment now with Best Aesthetic Dermatologist of PIMS Islamabad – Dr. Mubashir Mushtaq Daha and get best treatment from him.