Acne Scars
Treatment of Acne Scars

Acne scars can be avoided if  proper attention is paid to acne eruptions when they occur. Most people with a mild case -- or even a moderate one -- will not usually have to be concerned about 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.

Preventing Acne Scars

Acne scars can be prevented. But it takes using care, proper treatment and good judgment on your part. 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 - 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.

Mild cases of acne can be treated successfully with over-the-counter medications. Mild acne is not likely to leave 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 to lessen the chances of causing an acne scars. Doctors are also able to lance and drain pus filled nodules if necessary. Doctors have the knowledge and the sterile equipment necessary to perform these procedures, and these procedures should never be tried at home. Many acne scars result when someone without the 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  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 and always use sun screen when outside when using these medicines.

Acne Scars Treatment

Acne scars can be teated in several different ways, including:

• Chemical peel can be applied if the acne scars are not too severe. This procedure removes the microscopic top layer of skin which lets the cells underneath regenerate.
• 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 procedure --although it is usually described as mild -- the dermatologist uses an anesthetic locally to numb the pain. Healing generally takes 3-10 days.
• Dermabrasion is a 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 discoloration 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