Acne is a problem for many teens and adults alike, and can have serious physical and psychological ramifications. Add to this the scars that form as a result of acne and it isn’t hard to understand why its effects are so long lasting.
There are different types of acne, and each can leave different types of scars. The good news is these scars can be treated, and with the right daily acne regimen, in many cases prevented.
It is important to understand, not only the type of acne you have and how to treat it, but also your skin type. Treatment and scarring can both vary according to skin type, and you must know this information before you can begin treating the problem.
The occurrence of scarring is different for different people. It is often difficult to predict who will and won’t scar, how extensive or deep the scars will be, and how long the scars will persist.
Likewise, it is also difficult to predict how successfully scars can be treated and prevented.
The only sure way to treat and prevent acne scarring is to treat acne early on in its course, and to do so for as long as it takes to clear up the problem. Remember, treating acne may not be a short-lived process. While some people with mild forms of acne are able to treat breakouts as they occur, others must constantly treat the condition to help prevent breakouts from occurring more frequently.
The more inflammation can be eliminated, the more likely it is that scars can be prevented. This is especially true when preventing acne aggravation. The more you irritate an inflamed an area, the more likely it is to scar.
If you have a known tendency to scar from acne, whether mild, moderate, or severe, you should seek the care of a dermatologist who can suggest treatments to help eliminate and prevent further acne scarring.
There are two general types of acne scars, which are defined by tissue response to inflammation. They are: scars caused by tissue formation, and scars caused by loss of tissue.
Scars caused by increased tissue formation are called kelloids or hypertrophic scars. The term hypertrophy means “enlargement”, or “overgrowth”. These scars are associated with excessive amounts of collagen in the skin, overproductions of which, is due to the skin cells’ response to injury.
This excess collagen builds up to form a smooth, irregularly shaped scar. This type of scar can persist for years, but may diminish over time.
Scars that result from loss of tissue are similar to those caused by Chickenpox, and are more common than hypertrophic scars.
One such type is an ice pick scar. This type of scar is usually small, with a jagged edge. This type of scar can be improved by stretching the skin, though; hard ice pick scars cannot be stretched out. This is a very common type of acne scar, and, perhaps, one of the easiest to treat.
There are various types of scars that fall under each of the two categories, and treatment for each may vary. A physician can help you decide if surgical treatment is necessary or even advisable. The best way to prevent acne scars is to prevent acne.
