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Scars

Scars

by  in Skin diseases
Updated April 8, 2023

Scars as a result of acne are changes that form during the healing phase of skin lesions.

They are a permanent side effect of this skin condition and can leave severe depressions in the skin.
The areas most affected by acne are:

  • face (cheeks, chin and forehead),
  • Breast
  • Back.

Acne can also occur on:

  • Legs
  • Poor.

In some cases, the scars may resemble large, dilated pores, but they are much deeper.

Contents

Types of acne scars

There are three types of acne scars:
1. hollows and depressions
2. raised tissue
3. other colored spots

Scars:

  • with depressions arise as a result of inflammation and infection of the skin during the disease. The skin is not able to properly scar and replace the damaged skin.
  • Raised acne scars appear above the surface of the skin. This type of scar can increase in size over time.

Hypertrophic scars

Hypertrophic scars rise above the skin level and resemble protuberances. They usually form:

  • Back
  • Breast.

However, they can also appear on the neck and face (below the jaw).
They are usually the result of severe acne (nodulocystica), remain within the boundaries of the former wounds and can become smaller over time.

Atrophic scars
These skin lesions occur when the acne has penetrated the deep layers of the skin (upper and deep dermis) and the superficial layers remain undamaged. As a consequence, there is a slight deepening of the skin in the scar area.
Most acne scars are atrophic.
Fortunately, it is the ones that improve the most.

Examples of atrophic scars:

  • Ice axe scars
    Ice axe scars are deep dents smaller than 2 mm in diameter. They spread over the skin and give it the appearance as if it had been carved with an ice axe.
  • Boxcar scars Boxcar scars
    have vertical edges and remind those who leave chickenpox.
    They can be superficial or deep and are often found on:

    • Cheeks
    • Temporal.
  • Rolling scars
    Rolling scars are caused by damage under the skin.
    This species has an aspect like waves on the skin. They are usually large and flat.

Other colored or hyperpigmented scars

Hyperpigmentation refers to red or dark scars that remain after pimples heal.
These skin changes are called spots, they are not deep scars; Spots are a few millimeters in size, are superficial and have no dents. They can persist for months or years before they pass again.

Treatment of atrophic acne scars

In most cases, remaining patches of superficial acne are reddish or dark after a pimple has healed and pass without the need for treatment.
However, when deep acne passes, scars often remain.
Expressing acne pimples increases the risk of scarring.
These signs persist forever, but can be greatly mitigated with proper treatment.
Regardless of the form of treatment:

  • Several sessions are necessary.
  • For a better result, the combination of different treatments is recommended.
  • As a rule, a more aggressive and in-depth therapy (e.g. laser) is more effective.

How to remove light acne scars with cream or gel

There are several creams for eliminating acne scars, they are:

  • prescription
  • freely available.

If you want to carry out a treatment with freely available, locally active pharmaceuticals, you should ask the dermatologist whether there are any interactions that can cause an allergic reaction.

Mederma
According to the “American Academy of Dermatology”, “Mederma” can effectively treat scar ointment:

Mederma is highly recommended by the American Academy of Dermatology because it also contains sunscreen that protects scars from the sun.
Sun protection is very important for scars, as they are very sensitive to the sun’s rays.
Mederma does not require a prescription.
It is recommended to use the ointment:

  • apply at least 30 minutes before the outdoors,
  • to be renewed every two hours for longer stays.

Creams for atrophic scars
Everyone wants to know what locally applied remedies will help to eliminate acne scars.
Certainly, it makes sense to choose such creams that have been shown to stimulate the formation of collagen fibers, for example:

  • skin creams containing vitamin A (these substances promote exfoliation and stimulate collagen production),
  • Creams rich in antioxidants and regenerating substances (often containing vitamin C).

Aloe vera Aloe vera
is a natural remedy often used to care for acne scars.
Aloe vera works:

  • soothing
  • exculpatory.

Regular application of the gel of aloe vera reduces these rashes.
Massage the gel directly into the scars several times a day.

Treatments for mild and severe acne scars

The therapies depend on the severity of the scarring.
In some cases, the doctor or dermatologist recommends:

  • Laser
  • microdermabrasion,
  • Needling with Dermaroller,
  • filling techniques,
  • chemical peel.

The treatments are helpful to improve the appearance of the damaged skin areas.
These forms of treatment can be carried out in a day clinic.

Laser for acne scar treatment

CO2 Laser Resurfacing
This method has been used for years to treat various skin problems, including:

The latest version is the CO2 laser with pulsating light or continuous light radiation, which are emitted to expose thin layers of skin to minimal heat damage.
Depending on the severity of the acne, 3 to 10 sessions are necessary.
The healing times are about one/two weeks; during this period, the skin shows:

  • Reddening
  • Crusts.

The treatment is carried out under local anesthesia.
The price per session is between 500 and 1000 euros.

Erbium Laser Resurfacing
Erbium Laser Treatment is designed to eliminate:

  • superficial scars,
  • Wrinkles on the face, hands, neck and chest.

This laser treatment is similar to CO2 laser resurfacing, but less powerful.
One of the advantages of this therapy is the minimal burning of the surrounding tissues. This laser causes fewer side effects (swelling, bruising, redness) and healing occurs faster than with Co2 laser resurfacing.
The treatment:

  • takes 30-45 minutes,
  • is performed on an outpatient basis.

Swelling on the skin after laser treatment is normal.
You should not expose the skin to the sun for 2 weeks.

Contraindications:

  • This form of therapy is unsuitable for dark-skinned people because they have more pigments that absorb the energy sent by the laser.
    The result is excessive heating and cell death.
  • People with diseases that attack connective tissue (such as lupus or Sjogren’s syndrome) have an increased risk of complications.

Fractional CO2 Laser Therapy
This type of treatment works on a deeper level than:

  • Laser resurfacing,
  • Dermabrasion.

Since fractional laser therapy does not injure the upper tissue layers, the healing time is shorter.
It seems as if the skin is sunburned for a few days.
The fractional laser costs between 200 and 500 euros per session.

Dermabrasion for acne scar treatment

To level the surface of the skin, this treatment uses:

  • a rotating metal microbrush,
  • various diamond micro milling cutters,
  • sterile aluminium sandpaper.

After healing, a new, even layer forms in place of the removed skin. Dermabrasion can take a long time to heal, usually 7 to 10 days.

Needling with Dermaroller

The Dermaroller is a small roller with many small surgical needles.
The Dermaroller acts on the skin by penetrating into the dermis (dermis); in this way, the needles “prick” the more superficial capillaries and stimulate the formation of new tissue, because they activate the body’s natural wound self-healing mechanism.
The microstitches cause the release of growth factors; These stimulate:

  • the healing
  • and deposition of new collagen.

Treatment must be repeated at least three times, every 40 days.
The price for each session is about 400 euros.

Techniques for filling acne scars

In the case of “rolling” scars, doctors sometimes inject the scars to bring them to the same level as normal skin.
In some cases, the doctor may recommend surgery to remove deep-seated, serrated scars.

Injectable fillers – hyaluronic acid injections

Fillers work best for superficial acne scars.
The results are immediately recognizable and last three to six months, depending on the type of filler used. Hyaluronic acid injections can correct deep scars, even if the imperfection of the skin does not disappear.

Fillers with adipose tissue Fat transplantation uses the patient’s adipose tissue
, which is suctioned with a small cannula, prepared and reintroduced at the site of scars.
The results can last three to six months.

Chemical peeling for hyperchromic and atrophic scars

Chemical peeling is done by applying a strong acid to the skin, for example:

  • trichloroacetic acid (the price is between 150 and 200 euros),
  • glycolic acid (usually not very effective, costs between 70 and 100 euros per session),
  • Salicylic acid
  • Pyruvic acid.

It is performed on non-deep-seated scars.

The procedure must be carried out by a dermatologist; self-treatment should be avoided, as this can lead to crust formation.
When the crusts dissolve, they cause further skin damage.

Penetration into the skin depends on the strength of the acid.
The aim of peeling is to eliminate imperfections for a:

  • Smooth
  • Radiant
  • younger skin.

This treatment consists of exfoliation of the skin, which is the removal of the outer tissue layers of dead skin cells.

After peeling
During the treatment you feel a burning sensation on the skin.
The redness lasts for about a week. Do not scratch the skin until it has returned to its natural pink appearance.

Therapy for hypertrophic acne scars

Treatment for hypertrophic acne scars includes:

  • fractional CO2 laser to improve appearance,
  • Cortisone injections or cryotherapy to prevent relapses.

Cosmetics for acne scars

Makeup
Makeup can be a good home remedy for masking blemishes.
For this purpose, corrective creams and make-up that do not clog the pores are recommended.

Natural remedies for acne scars

Olive oil
Olive oil can improve the appearance of older acne scars.
Massage the scars on the skin with olive oil. This product is:

  • Moisturizing
  • makes the skin supple,
  • reduces the visibility of acne scars.

Honey and lemon Honey
is another moisturizing natural remedy that can help treat acne scars.
You can apply honey together with lemon juice as a mask.

  • Apply the mask directly to acne scars with a cotton ball.
  • Leave on for at least 30 minutes so that the skin can absorb the lemon juice and moisturizing substances of the honey.
  • Rinse with water.

Lemon juice improves the appearance of the scars because the dark spots are lightened.

Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has a peeling effect on the aging cells of the skin. This exfoliating effect and antiseptic property are very helpful for acne scars.
However, the direct effect of vinegar can damage sensitive skin. Therefore, dilute the apple cider vinegar with water and apply the solution with a cotton ball.

Organic oil is an oil with ingredients of: chamomile, calendula, lavender, rosemary and vitamin E. It must be applied to scarred skin under light massage.

Rosehip oil contains many polyunsaturated fatty acids and promotes the regeneration of skin tissue. This oil also helps to lighten skin spots.
It is already enough to apply a few drops to the skin.

Avoid the sun because it can irritate the skin and aggravate the scar aspect.
If you are outdoors, a sunscreen should be applied (SPF 30) to protect the skin from UV rays.

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About The Author

Veronika

My name is Veronika and founded “Hickey Solution” in an attempt to pass plain and working solutions of Health, Fitness, and Skincare related issues.Feel free to subscribe here to receive free regular post updates in your inbox!