Author: Raffaella Ducoli
Source: ezinearticles.com
In the simplest terms,acne scar occur when the deep layer of skin is damaged. The worse the damage is, the worse the lesion will be.
Acne scars should not be confused with post inflammatory hyperpigmentation which is a red or hyperpigmented mark left on the skin after an acne lesion has healed.This is not a scar, but simply a post-inflammatory change.Only if a color change or skin defect is still present after 1 year, it is considered to be a permanent acne scar.The post-inflammatory mark on the skin is only a part of the skin’s natural healing process. Generally the deeper the original acne lesion or more prolonged the infection, the darker the resulting post-inflammatory mark.
Mild cases of post inflammatory hyperpigmentation may respond well to over-the-counter products.You can try a combination of alpha and beta hydroxy acids ,including glycolic acid, vitamin A, vitamin C, and other ingredients to exfoliate the skin. Others, use lightening agents to fade discolorations.Using tretinoin speeds up the skin’s remodeling process and helps heal post-inflammatory changes. Hydroquinone is a used treatment for post inflammatory hyperpigmentation. It is available over-the-counter at 1% to 2% strength, and in 3% to 4% prescription creams. Hydroquinone works by blocking the enzyme responsible for melanin production, thereby lightening the skin.Risks and benefits of all procedures should be discussed with your dermatologist.
People with darker skin tones have a greater predisposition to experience post inflammatory hyperpigmentation. They are also at a greater risk of reacting adversely to agressive treatments with further pigmentation problems. Treatments typically sited by users and dermatologists as being well tolerated are Mandelic Acid, Lactic Acid, Hydroquinone, and combination topicals like Triluma.
Have you a permanent acne lesion, a real acne scar?The only sure method of preventing or limiting the extent of scars is to treat acne early in its course, and as long as necessary.
Acne scars are classified as icepick, rolling, and boxcar based on the appearance of the skin lesion.
Ice pick scars are sharp scars that make the skin appear it has been punctured with an ice-pick. The best treatment for ice pick scars is excision treatment.
Boxcar scars are angular scars that have sharp vertical edges and can be superficial or deep. Deep boxcar scars require treatment techniques like punch excision.
Rolling scars give the skin a wave-like appearance. Subcutaneous incision, also known as subcision, is used to break up the fibrous bands that cause rolling scars.
The scar treatments that are currently available include:Chemical Peel, Laser, Exoderm Peel, Isolagen treatment, Fillers, Microdermabrasion, Dermabrasion, Scar excision, Subcision, Needling.
It is important that all the acne is clear before treating scarring. Otherwise, new scars form and the procedures are wasted. Before you look over some of the FDA approved treatments though, you should always remember to be realistic with your expectations. The visibility of acne scarring can be affected by age. One percent of dermal collagen is lost annually which combined with reduced skin tone can make scar more visible.Surgical treatment of acne scarring can be both painful, and expensive and may not be covered by insurance.Deep acne scars, may require several procedures or a few different types of therapy for great results.
The short term side effects of surgery treatments include redness of skin, inflammation, allergic reactions, hyper pigmentation (increased skin color), infections, etc. Long term side effects can be Hypo pigmentation scarring or keloids, etc. Injectable fillers can include granuloma formation, over-correction, and infection. Non-ablative procedures such as low level lasers can also cause hypo- or hyperpigmentation depending upon your skin type, facial fat loss and ensuing contour irregularities.
Finding a cosmetic surgeon that you feel comfortable with and is committed to working with you over a period of time to correct the problem is the first step.Only a qualified medical professional may be able to determine an appropriate treatment for your individual case. After checking a few doctors’ backgrounds and credentials, you will make an appointment for a consultation. Think carefully about your expectations and discuss them with your surgeon.
Raffaella Ducoli suffered from severe acne for many years. Acne scars guide
