How to cures Acne Scars? Got rid of acne? Stay alert, because it’s not over yet! The real threat of acne is acne scar; perhaps more devastating in terms of the psychological trauma it stirs up in a victim’s social life, adding insult to injury. Scars generated by acne lesions are more persistent in nature and in most cases they are permanent. However modern technology of medicine has successfully intervened and established its triumph over this insurmountable zone of ailment as well. And today scarring caused by acne is not as irreparable as it used to be.
What is Acne Scar and How It Forms?
Scar is the residual impact of acne. To understand it first we need to understand acne. The formation of acne is an indirect outcome of surplus amount of sebum or body oil discharged by the over stimulated oil glands embedded below the epidermal layer of the skin. Also they are connected directly with the hair follicles. Exfoliation is the natural bodily process in which the dead skin cells peel off and newer cells come up to the skin surface. Due to the presence of an excess amount of body oil the dead cells around the hair follicle lining get stuck inside the follicle or skin pore, thereby blocking it up totally or partially.
Some bacterial microorganism within the hair follicles starts proliferating within this affected follicle. They feed on the sebum and metabolize it. The metabolized sebum is a kind of substance which generates irritation within the follicles yet remains unable to penetrate through the blocked pore. As an outcome of this, they find their way in deeper skin layer called dermis. But for dermis these are entirely foreign substances. The natural bodily process gets active in order to expel this inflamed debris. Our skin responds back with profound inflammation. This inflammation generates a wound or lesion within the affected region which we see as scars even after the acne is gone.
What are the Possible Cures Acne Scars?
Scars could be cured by a number of methods, depending on the case history and severity of acne one is suffering from. And for patients with severe acne condition, the most valuable advice from the dermatologists is to take care of scarring simultaneously with treating acne.
Laser acne resurfacing:
One of the most popular and modern medical technique of acne scar removal is laser resurfacing. This treatment procedure might take 3 to 10 days to provide complete cure. The basic principle of this methodology is to remove the damaged upper surface of the skin layer to unveil the rather undamaged and fresh layer next to it. The whole procedure is conducted in doctor’s office. An initial local anesthesia might be administered to rule out the possibility of any kind of pain. The treatment might involve a number of sessions each of which could range from a few minutes to an hour depending on the severity of the case.
Dermabrasion:
Dermabrasion is another successful acne scar removal technique used extensively by dermatologists all over the world. It is also called “lunch time peel”. In this method, a very superficial layer of the skin is removed with the help of a rotating wire brush or a spinning diamond instrument. Apart from fixing the damaged tissue and evening the skin texture, this technique is also useful in removing pigments generated by acne. Nevertheless, the remedial process might take around 10 days to 3 weeks – a fairly longer time as compared with laser resurfacing.
Fractional laser treatment:
Recently evolved fractional laser treatment is a relatively costly cures acne scars remedy used in special cases. Often it is found that deeper scars are not completely reparable using the above techniques. Fractional scar treatment becomes essential in such cases. They are especially designed to work on deeper skin layers without disturbing the upper layers. Due to this and a few other reasons, fractional laser treatment is able to provide a faster and intense cure in a rather short period. This indeed is a cost effective technique.
Natural remedy for mild scars:
These days, natural or home remedies have won the hearts of many acne patients who are suffering from mild acne scars. Sandalwood, cucumber juice, turmeric, aloe vera, lavender oil, etc. are the names of a few natural ingredients which have been proven to be very effective in removing cures acne scars.
Acne is the umbrella term for plugged pores, pimples, cysts and nodes that occur mostly on the face, neck and chest and less frequently on upper arms and shoulders. Acne ranges in severity from occasional, random whiteheads and blackheads (papule, pustule) to more severe forms (macule, nodule, and cyst). It is considered normal among teenagers and young adults belonging to the age group 12-24, and its effects are usually temporal.
Cures for Acne scars
Harry Potter buffs may remember how Eloise Midgen tried to curse off her acne. And also how even curses proved ineffective with acne, and how her nose got displaced: the effects using treatments without prescription or consultation.
Let us first clarify a few myths and facts about acne, before jumping on to its cures. There are three truths when it comes to acne cures:Â There are no “instant” or “miracle” treatments to acne. Treatments take about six weeks to show initial results. Cures Acne Scars are subject specific: if one cures produces near-miracle effects for one person there is no guarantee that it should produce the same results for another. Cures depend on the skin-type of the individual and the type and severity of his/her acne.
Following are some common cures Acne Scars and treatment methods for acne.
Homemade cures Acne Scars
Consumption of ample amounts of water: Easy, common, obvious.
Regular face wash/bath:
Regular cleansing of the skin is necessary to avoid blockages of pores. Wash twice a day, morning and before bed, and a soap that contains a moisturizer helps.
Paste of baking soda:
Reduces the redness and itching due to acne.
Oatmeal paste:
Mix your oatmeal with warm water to form a paste and apply it to the affected area for about twenty minutes. Ideal if you regularly eat oatmeal!
Facial masks:
A paste made of a combination of grated apples(made into pulp) and a splash of honey (about four tablespoons) can be used as a facial masks, apply it for ten minutes.
Physical Treatments
These are used for more severe cases of acne, where the need to prevent tissue scarring is to be addressed. It is advisable to see a dermatologist as his help will be required.
Chemical Peels:
Light chemical peels, consisting of mixtures of glycolic acid and some other chemicals (suggested by the dermatologist) are used to loosen blackheads.
Comedo Extraction:
Comedo is another name for acne. This involves direct removal of blackheads and whiteheads and must be done by an expert. If done without adequate supervision can lead to staphylococci or streptococci infection and increase chances of permanent scarring.
Surgical Extraction:
Used mostly for larger cysts, this involves draining the puss and surgically extracting them.
Laser Treatments:
Laser therapies are used t destroy the bacteria causing acne, namely P.acnes. This can also be used to treat scars by removing the irregularity of the scarred surface.
Acupuncture:
This may be suggested for the patient by the dermatologist, who will guide through the actual procedure. Though the success of this method is questionable, the fact that it does not have any negative side effects is an attractive benefit by itself.
OTC (Over-The-Counter) Treatments
There are medicines and chemicals that can be bought and used without prescription for acne. Thought they, may prove effective in mild cases, severe cases require expert attention.
Topical treatments, that can be applied directly to the affected areas include:
Benzoyl Peroxide:
Helps to clear up acne and reduces inflammation and itching caused by P.acnes. Care should be taken while applying as excess of t can cause the skin to become too dry. Being a bleaching agent it can affect the hair and clothing.
Resorcinol:
Controls small acne by breaking down whiteheads and blackheads.
Salicylic Acid:
Effective on non-inflammatory lesions, Might cause skin irritation. Does not reduce sebum or fight bacteria.
Sulfur:
Used in combination with the above chemicals found to be effective, though the reasons for its efficiency are still in the dark. B5 vitamins are tablets as opposed to the above applicable chemicals. It has been proved an aid to fighting acne. Expert consultation recommended before such vitamin courses are started.
Prescription Treatments
If the above methods fail to have any effect, then its definitely the time to see the doc. The medicines commonly prescribed by doctors include:
- Topical Microbials: Antimicrobials such as climdamycin and erythromycin are commonly used to fight P.acnes.
- Topical Retinoids: Vitamin derivatives used for inflammatory acne. Can cause irritation and increased sun sensitivity.
- Oral Antibiotics: Same effects as topical antimicrobials.
- Oral Contraceptives: Effective for women, work by suppressing overactive sebaceous glands thus reducing clogging.
Products
Products for acne control come in a variety of forms. They can be creams (best for dry and sensitive skin), gels (alcohol or water based for oily and dry skin respectively), solutions or foam (easily spread, easy reach ability).
The above said topical antimicrobials and antibiotics are used in combination with a variety of anti-acne products, so read the contents list on the carton next time you buy a new tube of cream.
When using products, there are chances of temporary side effects: peeling of the skin, stinging sensation, skin discoloration and other such effects. Don’t push the panic button in alarm, these effects go away with continued used of the medicines. Things need to get worse to get better: and this is not all philosophy!
A last word about products: ALWAYS follow the doctors instructions and the how to use instructions on the medicine. They may have something important to say.
Who does not wish for a clear, radiant, bright face? When faced with acne, don’t lose your head. Remember the above said information and it’ll be win-win from face-off! Advice and awareness can de-spot the despot of skin lesions: Acne.
