Acne Scar

What is Acne ?

Acne is a chronic and inflammatory skin condition that causes spots and pimples, especially on the face, shoulders, back, neck, chest, and upper arms. Acne occurs when the pores on the skin, which opens to hair follicles, are clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria.

Causes

The main factors that cause acne are:

• Excess Oil Production
• Hair Follicles that are clogged by oil and dead skin cells
• Bacteria
• Excess activity of the androgen hormone

What is Acne Scar ?

Acne scar is caused by the damage occurring around the pilosebaceous unit during the acne process. It is one of the dreaded outcomes from the inflamed lesions. It causes a strong impact on a patient’s psychological, professional and social life.

Types

The different types of Acne scars are:

• Atrophic or Depressed Scars : are usually found on the face below the surrounding skin. They are formed when adequate collagen is not produced while the wound heals.
• Hypertrophic or Raised Scars : usually occur from chest and back acne, standing above the surrounding skin’s surface. They are formed when excess collagen is produced during the healing process.
• Dark Spots: are discolourations that are left behind after a zit has cleared. They are usually purple, red or brown marks that fade after a couple of months.

Treatment

A dermatologist will try to achieve the following while treating for Acne Scar Removal :

• Controlling the acne
• Avoid scars and other damage to the skin
• Make the scars less visible

The doctor will then recommend the right treatment option for pimple marks removal depending on the patient’s age, severity, and type of acne scar and the patient’s willingness for the treatment.
Some of the most common acne scar removal treatments are:

• Laser Treatment is a popular treatment option to get rid of stubborn acne scars completely and permanently. This procedure is usually done in less than 40 minutes, depending on the size of the treated area. It might require 4 to 6 treatments over a period of two months to completely diminish the scars.
• Chemical peel involves a repeated application of a chemical solution.
• Dermabrasion is used to deeply exfoliate the skin’s top layer also helps in acne scar removal.

Authored By: Dr. Priya J Talageri