Acne Scarring Need Not Be Chronic

Acne scarring is the principal fear for acne sufferers. Many people don't understand that the primary reason for acne scarring is the unhealthy way in which they handle acne. Pinching or pricking acne spots in an unhygienic manner damages the skin tissue that is found in and around the acne spots. When this happens, dead cells, injured cells and re-infection combine to create a scar that can be temporary or permanent.

Temporary scars usually take a time to heal. They might fade away after 6 months or take up to two to three years to fade way. This is the same time as is needed for the removal of pseudo scars or macules, which are flat reddish spots which are left on the surface of the skin after the inflamed lesion dies. Sometimes there is a slight discoloration of the skin in the vicinity of the inflamed region. This can last for up to 28 months or more. But it can deteriorate if the skin is exposed to excessive sunlight.

Scars are mainly caused by the loss of skin tissue at the site of the acne. The scars which are routinely seen on the face are also called pick scars. They are small and the depressions can be shallow or deep. Ice pick scars, if soft, can be stretched to remove the scar but hard ice pick scars are unyielding. Ice pick scars over time may change into depressed fibrotic scars. These are quite deep, have steep sides and are firm and unyielding. Typically, surgery is required to remove traces of these scars.

Scarring can also result from excess tissue formation. These scars are referred to as Keloids or hypertrophic scars, and are caused by increased collagen production. The accumulation of collagen can form an amorphously shaped scar, which is usually about 1-2mm in size.

Several dermatological and cosmetic procedures exist to eradicate the scar. The simplest method is to inject collagen in the scarred portion. The collagen lifts the skin and fills soft scars and small depressions. However, it does not work as well in filling ice pick scars. In this case, the treatment needs to be repeated every three months.

However, before injecting collagen the individual should be checked for allergy. Those found to be allergic should then opt for autologous fat transfer. They can also consider dermabrasion and microdermabrasion, two latest techniques that are used for erasing acne scars.

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