It is believed that 50 million individuals suffer from acne each year, which indicates that the same number may develop acne scarring. According to a study, acne and acne scars cause emotional distress, and physicians and researchers are always searching for new treatments.
What causes acne scars?
Inflammatory blemishes caused by blocked pores due to excess oil, dead skin cells, and microbes often result in acne scarring. A breach in the follicular wall occurs as the pore expands. Infected material may pour out into adjacent tissue if there is a substantial rupture in the pore’s wall, resulting in deeper lesions. This causes irritation or blemishes like blackheads, whiteheads, and pimples. These imperfections often create scars and discoloration. By generating new collagen fibers, the skin attempts to heal wounds. Understanding the cause of acne scars and how to cure them is a crucial first step in their Acne Scars treatment and care.
Types of Acne Scars
Acne scars vary in appearance and occur in different forms. Typically, acne scars fall into five categories: atrophic scars, hypertrophic (keloid) scars, boxcar scars, rolling scars, and icepick scars. Treatment varies according to the kind of scar, and it is conceivable for an individual to have numerous forms of scarring at once.
- Boxcar and Icepick Scars are depressions on the skin’s surface. Boxcar scars are depressed and broad, whereas icepick scars are narrow, deep, and small.
- Atrophic and Rolling Scars are both skin depressions. Rolling scars are wide with sloping corners, while atrophic scars are often narrow and flat.
- Hypertrophic, or Keloid, Scars are characterized by a thickening of the skin and are less prevalent than other scar forms. A doctor or dermatologist will be able to assess the kind of scars present and recommend a treatment plan accordingly.
Why do we Treat Acne Scars?
Acne scars should be treated for a variety of reasons, including the physical, emotional, and social considerations, and for:
- Aesthetic enhancement
- Increased Self-Esteem
- Improvement in skin health
Treatment of Acne Scars
Acne scarring may be treated using a variety of techniques. Treatments may vary in length and intensity depending on the kind of scar being treated. The majority of treatments may cause scars and redness less noticeable. In addition to oral or topical drugs, several treatments are available for the treatment of acne scars. The following are some of the most common treatments for acne scars:
Topical Remedies:
Dermatological treatments may be applied to the skin to reduce the appearance of scars, redness, and discoloration. They may also prevent further outbreaks and scarring.
Injectable Dermal Filler:
A dermatologist may inject a scar with a medication such as a steroid to diminish its appearance. In particular, if the scar is big and keloid, additional treatments are required.
Chemical Peels:
A chemical peel is a medical procedure employed by dermatologists to remove the outer layer of skin. This treatment is efficient for treating superficial scars, discoloration, and dark patches.
Dermabrasion:
This treatment process removes the outermost layer of skin to expose newer, smoother skin and is often used on minor scars. Microneedling is a kind of dermabrasion that resurfaces the skin with the use of very fine needles. A healing time is required after dermabrasion or microdermabrasion.
Laser Therapy:
Lasers generate monochromatic light, which encourages the creation of new collagen and elastin. This form of treatment may significantly minimize the appearance of scars, although numerous sessions are often necessary.
Oral prescriptions:
Medication provided by a physician targets the quantity of sebum the skin generates. Acne and its resulting scars are less likely to form if the skin generates less oil.
The Bottom Line
A specialized dermatologist with substantial knowledge in scar detection and treatment should be consulted as the initial step in treating acne scars. They will examine your skin to identify the sorts of acne scars you have, the degree of your scarring, and the optimal therapy for each scar type. Depending on their skin type and acne scars, most patients need a combination of treatments over time for optimal results. Dermatologists who specialize in treating acne have spent decades researching and treating this skin problem, so they are well-qualified to advise you on the best method of treating acne scars based on your unique acne type.
