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Acne is one of most common skin conditions in the world, afflicting 40 to 50 million Americans. The term "scarring" refers to a process where collagen within the skin is damaged from inflammation, leading to permanent texture changes in the skin. Macules or "pseudo-scars" are flat, red or reddish spots that are the final stage of most inflamed acne lesions. After an inflamed acne lesion flattens, a macule may remain to "mark the spot" for up to 6 months. When the macule eventually disappears, no trace of it will remain-unlike a scar. Most serious scarring is caused by the more severe forms of acne, with nodules more likely to leave permanent scars than other types of acne. Most cases of acne responds to treatment and clears up without leaving scars. Acne scars is two types of tissue response to the inflammation of acne. (1) increased tissue formation, and (2) loss of tissue.
Nearly 80 percent of people aged 11 to 30 years have acne, most often on the face, chest and back. Scars caused by increased tissue formation are called keloids or hypertrophic scars. The typical keloid or hypertrophic scar is 1 to 2 millimeters in diameter, but some may be 1 centimeter or larger. Hypertrophic and keloid scars persist for years, but may diminish in size over time. Acne scars associated with loss of tissue-similar to scars that result from chicken pox-are more common than keloids and hypertrophic scars.Using tretinoin speeds up the skin's remodeling process and helps heal post-inflammatory changes. Appropriate formulations of Alpha-Hydroxy Acids (AHAs) and Beta-Hydroxy Acid (BHA) that contain the correct concentrations and are at the appropriate pH also help the skin's remodeling process. Accutanea may be prescribed for severe cases. Acne staining can be treated with exfoliating creams and facials
Acne staining can be treated with exfoliating creams and facials while scarring may require the use of fillers, dermabrasion or laser treatments. Picking at scabs should be avoided at all costs. Scabs form to protect the healing process that is going on underneath them. Collagen, a normal substance of the body, is injected under the skin to "stretch" and "fill out" certain types of superficial and deep soft scars. Surgical removal (or excision) of acne scars is especially effective for ice pick and boxcar scars. Unprotected exposure to the sun causes more skin damage and delays healing, therefore wearing a good sunscreen is important. Lasers of various wavelength and intensity may be used to recontour scar tissue and reduce the redness of skin around healed acne lesions. Skin grafting may be necessary under certain conditions.
Acne Scar Treatment Tips
1.Using tretinoin speeds up the skin's remodeling process and helps heal post-inflammatory changes.
2.Surgical removal (or excision) of acne scars is especially effective for ice pick and boxcar scars.
3.Accutanea may be prescribed for severe cases.
4.Acne staining can be treated with exfoliating creams and facials.
5.Skin grafting may be necessary under certain conditions.
6.Lasers of various wavelength and intensity may be used to recontour scar tissue and reduce the redness of skin around healed acne lesions.