Acne Scars
Acne Scars: Prevention and Treatment
Acne scars can be avoided if proper attention is paid to acne eruptions
when they occur. Most people with a mild case of acne -- or even a moderate one -- will not usually have to be concerned about the formation of
acne scars. Scarring, however, is almost unavoidable if the acne outbreak has been
severe.
There are new methods and technologies being used today that can minimize acne scars. Also, existing acne scars can be removed using a range of techniques depending on the
acne scar itself and the results you are seeking.
Acne Scars Prevention
Acne scars can be prevented entirely
in most caes. But it takes using care, proper treatment and good judgment on your part when you develp even the mildest
acne problem. For instance, do not squeeze or pick at pimples. It is risky to squeeze or do anything else to try
to get rid of blackheads and whiteheads. Since you more than likely do not know what you are doing, there is a danger of causing the
bacterial infection already in the pimple to spread, damaging the skin and possibly leading to acne scars. You should
consult a dermatologist for blackhead and whitehead removals because your dermatologist has the medical knowledge and equipment to
deal with these types of acne leisions, therefore lessening the chance of developing a severe case of acne
leading to acne scars.
 Mild cases of acne can be treated successfully with
over-the-counter-medications, lessening the chances of developing acne scars. Some moderate and all severe acne eruptions require treatment
by a dermatologist. The dermatologist can prescribe the best possible medicine, whether it's topical or oral, for your condition. The doctor
can also remove blackheads and whiteheads in such a manner that the chances of causing acne scars is
minimal. Doctors are also able to lance and drain pus filled nodules if necessary. They have the knowledge and the sterile
equipment necessary to perform these procedures for removal of acne scars which should never be
tried at home. The procdure includes using an anesthetic cream in the area and extracing the blackhead and whiteheads using a special
instrument designed specifically for this purpose. The procedure is followed by the application of an antibiotic cream.
Many acne scars result when someone
without the medical skill or knowledge attempts to deal with acne
eruptions.
Acne pimples contain bacteria which can cause inflammation. Once the initial problem is
cleared up, it is normal for some degree of surface scab, scar or discoloration to remain. Never pick at or remove a scab that has
formed over an old acne scar or lesion. Scabs are a natural part of the healing process, and picking them
off interferes with nature's healing process. Likewise, the various discolorations are not really considered to be acne scars, but are part of the normal rejuvenation and will disappear with time -- probably within a year or
so.
Retin-A, Renova and Alpha-Hydroxy acids are used to speed up the process and keep the discolorations and scarring to a minimum. Exposure to sun should be curtailed to prevent acne scars and always use sun screen when outside when using these medicines.
Acne Scars Treatment
Treatment for acne scars can accomplished in several different
ways, including:
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Laser resurfacing has
limitations in acne scars treatment. It can't remove deep wrinkles or eliminate excessive or sagging
skin (jowls). In addition, the effects aren't permanent because as you age, you continue to acquire expression lines —
lines that result from the natural movement of your face, such as when you squint or smile. Repeated acne scar treatments may be necessary. |
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Chemical peels can be
applied if the acne scars are not too severe. This acne scars
treatment procedure removes the microscopic top layer of skin which lets the cells underneath regenerate. Salicylic
acid or glycolic acid are the chemicls usually used in this procedure. |
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Lazers remove the
damaged layer of skin and tighten the skin underneath to raise the depression caused by the acne scar. Because of the pain involved during this acne scars
treatment procedure --although it is usually described as mild -- the dermatologist uses an anesthetic locally
to numb the pain. Healing generally takes 3-10 days. |
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Dermabrasion is an
acne scars treatment procedure that literally scrapes away the surface skin
where the acne scar appears. During the healing process, a new layer of skin is formed, replacing the
scarring. |
Both dermabrasion and lazer treatments cause the skin to turn red, but this complication of treatment
for acne scars usually disappears after several months.
For additional information about acne scars and acne treatment, see:
Acne Scar Removal - Many Available Methods
Acne Treatment - The Best Ways To Care For Acne
Acne Rosacea - What It Is and How To Treat It
Clearlight Acne Treatment
Laser Acne Treatment - Facts About Acne and Lasers
Nlite Laser Acne Treatment
Helpful Acne Information Source
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