Studies indicate that acne affects about 80% of the adolescent population. Sometimes it prolongs into adulthood although only about 5% of older people experience the problem. It is a skin condition that leaves people with dark spots or pimples mainly around their face and sometimes on other parts of the body like the arms, back, or chest. Some people do recover quite fully from acne with no visible permanent marks but others remain with permanent scars and have to seek acne scar treatment.
Types Of Acne Scars
There are usually four types of acne scars depending on the shape, size and depth of the scarring.
Ice pick scars
This is one of the most common types of acne scars. They normally scar people in various ways. The scars are narrow and sharp, giving the impression that the skin was punctured with an ice pick. Laser resurfacing or dermabrasion and skin resurfacing treatments cannot correct these types of scars because they are normally relatively deep, extending to the subcutaneous layer.
Boxcar scars
These are round or oval depressions with sharp vertical edges. They are not as deep as the ice pick scars, going to a depth of about 0.1 mm to 0.5 mm. Skin resurfacing treatments can be used to correct the scars.
Rolling scars
In this type of acne scar, the normal skin appears to tether to the subcutaneous tissue below making the skin appear to be rolling or undulating. The subcutaneous fibrous bands must be broken up in order to correct the scars, which means that rolling scars are beyond any skin resurfacing treatment.
Hypertrophic scars
These are a type of raised scars. They normally don’t grow beyond their border and they become less noticeable with time.
Acne scars bring physical damage to the skin and untold suffering or self-consciousness to people who have them. The scars can also be a source of embarrassment and inconvenience to many because after every acne breakout, there remains behind discoloration and scars. However, people should not be overwhelmed with this problem because there is enough medical technology developed for the treatment and removal of acne scars.
Treatment For Acne Scars
There is hope today with the increasing development of more new technologies that the fight against acne scars is moving forward. Today there is already the use of non-invasive lasers that are used to rebuild and to rejuvenate the skin. There is also the use of invasive techniques to remove the scarred skin.
1. Laser surgery/ laser surfacing
Depending on the size, shape, and the degree of the scars one may have, the doctor may advice on the use of laser surgery. This is one of the best and most popular acne scar removal methods though it remains considerably expensive, which makes the majority of people try the use of topical skin creams first to see if they can clear the scars before resorting to it.
In laser treatment, the top layer of the skin is removed. Then the underlying layers are tightened to help remove the scar tissue. This is the most modern and the highest technology in the treatment of acne scars. However, the technique works better on some acne scars than others.
2. Micro-dermabrasion
Acne scars can also be removed by another simpler method that does not necessarily require a doctor to perform. This is done through micro-dermabrasion and can be performed at skin care clinics or salons because they usually have the pieces of equipment needed to do the procedure.
Nevertheless, it should be done by a physician who has relevant knowledge and experience. Uttermost care should be taken during this treatment to avoid any further damage to the skin during the operation.
In dermabrasion or micro-dermabrasion method of treatment, a wire brush that spins at high speed is used to remove the top layer of the skin. They normally bring to the surface the dead skin cells which are sloughed off the surface thereafter. This method manages to bring amazing results in only a matter of minutes. It leaves a fresh and clear skin complexion behind.
3. Topical skin creams/ natural treatment
The more mild treatments of acne scars include the use of medicated and non-medicated acne skin care creams and natural products that can simply be applied by the sufferers. This is the simplest method because the cream can be used right at home by the patient. These skin creams have also proved to be very effective in removing a wide variety of acne scars when people apply them over time. They are also relatively inexpressive.
4. Subcutaneous incision/subcision
This method is used to treat a number of acne scars, especially the rolling scars. It is used to break up the fibrous scar tissue. Fibrous brands are the main cause of these types of scars that make the skin to roll thereby leaving uneven surface on the skin.
5. Dermal fillers
This method is used to attenuate and prevent any formation of scars. Dermal fillers are obtained from fat, hyaluronic acid, polytheyl-mathacrylate microspheres, collagen, and derivatives.
6. Home remedies
Several home remedies are available for acne scar treatment. You may use one or a combination of several home remedies, but it’s important to check with a doctor first. Examples are:
- Cucumber and tomato juice
- Tea tree oil
- Lemon juice
- Balanced diet
- Water
7. Self care tips
Finally, self-care tips can also be an important alternative that some people may consider to use. Examples are:
- Don’t pick at acne spots as this can cause scarring
- Ensuring an intake of balanced diet that is especially rich in raw foods, fiber and zinc.
- Avoiding alcohol, caffeine, sugar, processed food, tobacco and reducing salt intake.
Therefore, with proper acne scar treatment, it may be possible to improve the appearance of most scars.