Infection scars from acne

An in-depth examination of acne scars begins with the reasons for scarring, the prevention of scarring, the many forms of scars, and the various treatments for scars.

Before we go into scars, let's speak about certain locations that may resemble scars but aren't really scars since they haven't undergone a permanent alteration. In spite of the fact that they are not actual scars and will go away, they are nevertheless noticeable and may be embarrassing.

Flat, red or reddish patches known as "macules" or "pseudo-scars" form at the end of most inflammatory acne lesions. For up to six months after the flattening of an inflammatory acne lesion, a macule may be left to "mark the location". Like a scar, the macule will ultimately fade away, but there will be no traces of it when it does so.

Discoloration of the skin at the location of a healed or healing acne lesion is known as post-inflammatory pigmentation. It's more common among those with darker complexions, although it may happen to anybody, even those with light skin. To avoid post-inflammatory pigmentation, see a dermatologist as soon as possible. After a sunburn, some post-inflammatory pigmentation may persist for up to 18 months. Post-inflammatory coloration may fade more quickly with chemical peeling.

How Acne Scars Occur

Scars occur as a result of tissue damage, to put it simply. Injuries and tissue healing may be clearly seen in these marks. An inflamed sebaceous follicle, bacteria, and dead skin cells are the primary culprits in acne, and the body's inflammatory reaction exacerbates the condition. As we'll see later, there are two sorts of real scars: Ice-pick scars and elevated thickening tissue, such as keloids, are examples of depressed regions.

The body's repair kit is sent to the location of an injury as soon as tissue is damaged. Two components of the repair kit are white blood cells and a slew of inflammatory chemicals, both of which are responsible for healing tissue and fending off infection. In the end, however, they may leave behind a scarred or degraded area of tissue as a result of their restorative work.

For a long period of time, an active acne lesion is likely to contain white blood cells and other inflammation-inducing chemicals. Acne scarring is possible for those who are prone to it. Scarring, on the other hand, is still a mystery to scientists. One person's scarring may be significantly different from another's, showing that certain individuals are more susceptible to scarring. Inflammatory nodulocystic acne that has spread deep into the dermis often leaves scarring in its wake. However, scarring may also result from inflammatory lesions that are less deep. These images show nodulocystic acne, which is most likely to result in scarring:

All photographs are copyrighted by the American Academy of Dermatology's National Library of Dermatological Teaching Slides.

Scars' life histories are likewise unknown. The skin of some individuals undergoes remodeling, resulting in smaller acne scars, while the scars of other people remain unchanged for the rest of their lives.

In addition, opinions on acne scars vary widely. Scars of about the same size that are psychologically unpleasant to one person may be considered "not too awful" by another person. Scarred people are more likely to seek therapy to reduce or eliminate the scars if they are upset by them.

Acne Scar Prevention:

Acne scarring may develop for a variety of reasons, some of which were described in the preceding section, Acne Scarring Causes. It's impossible to tell who will get scars, how deep they'll be, or how long they'll last. Acne scars may also be difficult to estimate how well efficient acne therapy can avoid them.

However, the only definite way to avoid or reduce the size of scars is to treat acne early in its course and for as long as is required. Scars may be avoided to a greater extent if inflammation can be reduced or avoided altogether. In order to learn more about treating mild, moderate, and severe acne, please see Acne Treatments. Acne sufferers who have a history of scarring should see a dermatologist. Locate a dermatologist near you by clicking on the link "Find a Dermatologist").

Types of Acne Scars

Depending on how the skin responds to inflammation, acne scars may be classified as either (1) scars induced by an increase in tissue production or (2) scars caused by a decrease in tissue formation.

Scarring as a Result of Excessive Formation of Tissue

Hypertrophic scars, also known as keloids, are scars that develop as a result of an overproduction of scar tissue. Enlargement or "overgrowth" are the meanings of the term "hypertrophy." Excessive levels of collagen are seen in hypertrophic and keloid scars. Collagen overproduction is the skin's reaction to damage. A typical hard, smooth, irregularly shaped scar results from the accumulation of extra collagen. The image depicts a typical severe acne keloid, as shown in this photo:

(Photo courtesy of the American Academy of Dermatology's National Library of Dermatologic Teaching Slides)

One to two millimeters is the average diameter of a normal keloid or hypertrophic scar; others might measure up to one centimeter in diameter. There is a tendency for keloid scars to "run in families," which means that scar tissue aberrant development is more likely to occur in those who have relatives who have comparable scars.

For years, hypertrophic and keloid scars remain, although their size may decrease.

Damage to tissue results in scarring.

Keloids and hypertrophic scars are less prevalent than acne scars linked with tissue loss, such as those from chicken pox. The following are the scars that result from tissue loss:

On the face, ice-pick scars are most common. Small, with a jagged edge and steep edges, they seem like ice pick wounds. Shallow or deep, hard or soft, ice-pick scars are all possible. There is no way to stretch out ice-pick wounds since they are so tough.

Sharp corners and steep sides are common features of depressed fibrotic scars. A hard foundation may be felt under the skin where these scars have been. In the long run, ice-pick wounds may become depressed fibrotic scars.

To the touch, both superficial and deep scars appear gentle. They feature smooth, rolled edges that blend in seamlessly with the rest of your skin. Most of the time, they're spherical or linear in form.

On the face, atrophic macules tend to be modest, but they may grow to a centimeter or more in size elsewhere. Their bases are frequently wrinkled, and they may seem blue owing to the presence of blood veins right underneath them. Over time, white-skinned individuals' scars gradually fade from blue to ivory white in hue.

Acne sufferers are more prone to developing follicular macular atrophy on their chest or back. Whiteheads that haven't completely developed are little, white, soft lesions that are frequently barely visible on the skin. "Perifollicular elastolysis" is another name for this disorder. For several months or even years, the lesions may be present.

Acne Scar Treatment Options

For acne scars, dermatologic surgery offers a variety of options. When choosing a therapy, consider your skin type, cost, goals, and scarring susceptibility when making your decision. If you have a predisposition to scarring, choose a treatment that minimizes that risk.

Acne scars may also play a role in a person's choice to have dermatologic surgery.

Your attitude towards scars Are you affected emotionally or mentally by acne scars? Accepting that your scars will disappear over time is a huge step toward healing. You are the only one who can make these choices for yourself.

The extent of your scarring Is scarring a significant disfigurement, even if it is objectively seen as such?

*A dermatologist's professional judgment on whether scar therapy is warranted in your individual instance, and which scar treatment is most successful for you.

Before deciding to undergo treatment for acne scars, you should address these questions and any additional concerns with your dermatologist. The dermatologist needs to know how you feel about your scars. Whether treatment is needed, the dermatologist will need to do a thorough examination to decide if it is possible.

It is the goal of scar therapy to make the skin look more acceptable to the eye. Scar therapy may frequently improve the appearance of your skin, but a full return to your pre-acne skin may not be achievable.

Scar treatments now on the market are:

Injection of collagen Scars may be "stretched and filled out" using the injection of collagen, a naturally occurring material in the human body. Ice-pick scars and keloids do not respond well to collagen therapy. People with autoimmune illnesses can not utilize collagen generated from cows or other non-human sources. Those who are allergic to collagen made from cows may benefit from human collagen or fascia. When injected with collagen, the results may last anywhere from three to six months. In order to keep the benefits of the collagen injections, further fees must be paid.

transfer of fat from the patient's own body. Using your own fat, you'll have it ready to be injected into your skin. In order to raise scars that are too low, fat is injected under the skin. An autologous fat transfer procedure is often used to repair severe scarring caused by nodulocystic acne scarring. The surgery frequently has to be repeated since the fat is reabsorbed into the skin over a period of 6 to 18 months. Multiple fat-transfer treatments may lead to longer-lasting outcomes.

Dermabrasion According to experts, acne scars are likely to respond best to this kind of therapy. A high-speed brush, or fraise, is used under local anesthesia to remove the top layer of skin and modify the shape of scars. Deep scars may be decreased in depth while superficial scars can be eliminated. Depending on the depth of the scarring, dermabrasion may make ice pick scars seem even more pronounced, so it's not recommended for all types of scarring. If you have darker skin, dermabrasion may produce pigmentation changes that need to be treated.

Microdermabrasion. In this innovative method, dermabrasion takes place on the surface of the skin. A vacuum tube is used instead of a high-speed brush in microdermabrasion to remove the top layer of skin. Only the top layer of skin is removed, so there is no extra scarring. Scars may not be considerably improved even after many treatments, but this is not always the case.

Treatment using lasers Acne scars may be reduced in size and redness by using lasers of different wavelengths and intensities. The kind of laser that is utilized is decided by the outcomes of the laser therapy. Carbon dioxide lasers may be used to remove tissue from the surface of the skin. Permanent outcomes may be achieved with only one treatment in certain circumstances. A few months of post-treatment redness is possible due to the skin's ability to absorb high-energy laser pulses.

Cosmetic Surgery of the Skin In certain cases, "punch" excision of each scar may be used to erase ice-pick scars. After the subcutaneous fat layer is removed, a little piece of skin is sutured or surgically transplanted to fill up the skin hole left behind. Subcision is a surgical procedure that involves using a surgical probe to pull scar tissue away from healthy skin in order to elevate a low scar.

It is possible to have skin grafts done if dermabrasion removes the roof of large and widespread tunnels (also called sinus tracts) created by an inflammatory response to sebum and bacteria in the follicles of the skin. The unroofed sinus tracts may need skin transplantation to fill up the gap.

A procedure for keloids Keloids are seldom, if ever, treated surgically. Keloids may occur in response to skin surgery in people with acne-damaged skin who have a propensity to generate keloids. In certain cases, steroid medications are injected into the skin surrounding the keloid to treat it. The keloid may be treated with topical retinoic acid. A person who is particularly prone to developing keloids may benefit from skipping therapy altogether.

Acne scars are the result of the body's inflammatory reaction to acne lesions, which causes them. Acne scars may be avoided by treating the condition as soon as possible and for as long as required. Scars may be effectively treated using a variety of methods. A dermatologist should be consulted before undergoing any kind of cosmetic surgery.