Acne Scars - Symptoms And Treatment

Acne scars are scars that are left behind after a person has had acne. There are two types of acne scars. Pitted scars happen when the underlying skin tissue has been damaged. Pigmented scars (either red or brown) are marks left behind after the acne has cleared up.

It is best to use an acne scar treatment as soon as possible after the scars appear.

After an acne lesion has healed, it can leave a red or hyperpigmented mark on the skin. This is actually not a scar, but rather a post-inflammatory change. The redness or hyperpigmentation is seen as the skin goes through its healing and remodeling process, which takes approximately 6-12 months. If no more acne lesions develop in that area, the skin can heal normally. Any color change or skin defect still present after 1 year is considered to be a permanent defect or scar.

Causes of Acne Scars

In the simplest terms, scars form at the site of an injury to tissue. They are the visible reminders of injury and tissue repair. In the case of acne, the injury is caused by the body’s inflammatory response to sebum, bacteria and dead cells in the plugged sebaceous follicle. Two types of true scars exist, as discussed later: (1) depressed areas such as ice-pick scars, and (2) raised thickened tissue such as keloids.

Acne Scar Treatment

So you've followed our tips on combating acne and your skin is blemish free, but now you're left with red or brown spots or your skin appears to be pitted. There are two ways to deal with acne scars. The easier option is prevention. Most acne scars are caused by the type of acne known as cysts. These are painful, red bumps underneath the skin. If you pop this type of blemish it is more than likely that you will develop a scar. Even though it may be uncomfortable, you need to use the right treatments and let your skin heal.

If you have done your best to treat your acne and you still end up with scars, it is not the end of the world. Pigmented scars are red or brown marks left behind after an acne blemish has disappeared. Pitted scarring is a result of damage to underlying skin tissue. There are ways to plump up and repair that tissue. Pigmented scarring is the most common and while it is not permanent, it can take weeks or months for it to clear. This news may make you want to run and hide under a rock, but don't worry there is hope for your damaged skin.

Surgical Treatment

Subcision is a process used to treat deep rolling scars left behind by acne or other skin diseases. Essentially the process involves separating the skin tissue in the affected area from the deeper scar tissue. This allows the blood to pool under the affected area, eventually causing the deep rolling scar to level off with the rest of the skin area. Once the skin has leveled, treatments such as laser resurfacing, microdermabrasion or chemical peels can be used to smooth out the scarred tissue.