Acne scars are caused by the clogged pores in pimples which lead to clogging in the follicle walls. So the collagen produced by the body to fix the problem becomes excess and causes a raised scar on the surface of the skin. This is acne. Acne scars are formed when the body, in an attempt to heal the inflammation which initially caused the acne, deposits collagen on the site of the inflammation, leading to a raised scar tissue. In this repetitive process, the altered keratin deposition in the sebaceous duct leads to blocked hair follicles and thereby results in the retention of sebum. This is the first stage of acne, called comodones.
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How are Acne Scars Formed?
The injury of the skin or dermis results in the body reacting to it as it would to any inflammation. The bacterial concentration at the site leads to papules or pussules, which are the next level of acne. The retention of sebum and other enzymes result in inflammatory cells piling up deep under the skin in the dermis. Such piling up leads to the formulation of nodules where affected glands converge leading to the formation of pus in fourth stage acne, and large cysts. Such large acne cysts leave scars whether they are treated or subside naturally, the size and depth of the scar depending on the individual’s propensity to scarring. If there is tissue loss under the dermis, then shallow scabs are formed with the skin atrophied in an acne pit. If there is confluence of collagen, it results in hypertrophic scars which can be red, itchy and raised.
How Can Severe Scars Be Prevented?
Forcing a pimple to break increases the chances of scarring. It can either be treated or left untreated; it is up to the individual patient’s preferences. Some people might choose to ignore the acne scars as part of life. Others might feel that the scars are affecting the quality of their life. In any case, the treatment depends on the individual and what type of scars they have and what is the required result of the treatment. One person may be looking for just alleviating the severity of the scars while another might be looking for removal of any trace of the scars. One should approach any acne scar treatment after carefully evaluating the involved costs, plausible results and the time frame.
The best way to avoid acne scars is to stop poking at the pimples and trying to break them. Doing so might push the bacteria deeper into the follicle and increases multifold the chance of scarring and more acne sprouting up. Though there is no typical treatment for acne, the general treatments try to reduce scarring by fastening the process of skin rejuvenation. First one should address the causes behind the formation of acne and then treat it before attempting to treat the acne scars, for best results. Because treating the acne scars without addressing the underlying problem that causes the acne can result in more scars after the old ones are treated, leading to a vicious cycle.
Can Acne Be Inherited Genetically?
Research has established a strong relationship between hereditary factors and acne scars. The tendency for acne runs in families and there has been a correlation between severe acne and persistent scarring. Mild scarring with atrophied skin can be easily treated by products containing retinol, glycolic acid or Vitamin C; they help in production of collagen which the body uses to plump itself, thereby reducing the scar visibility.
Are There Any Ways to Remove Acne Scars?
Skin scrubs can be used to remove dead cell and encourage faster growth of new cells. Popular home remedies include Vitamin E oil, olive oil and cocoa butter for local applications to help the skin in faster regeneration.
In extreme cases, where the patient feels the need, the dermatologist might recommend scar removal surgery. Laser skin resurfacing, microdermabrasion and chemical peels are other options for treating acute acne scarring. Your dermatologist can suggest unique methods to treat your acne scars depending on your unique circumstances like family history, medical history and response patterns. Skin lightening preparations, silicone bandages and over the counter skin creams can also be used to get rid of acne scars.
