Acne and Acne Scarring are common skin disorders that affect not only adolescents but also adults up into their 40’s. It is an inflammatory response brought on when bacteria, oil or dead skin cells become trapped within the pores of the skin becoming infected. Blockages are caused by an overproduction of sebum or oil. Genetics, hormones, and stress can also contribute to acne. Acne is categorized as either non-inflammatory or inflammatory and is treated accordingly. Acne scarring is usually a result of severe inflammatory cysts, which occur deep within the dermis. When acne is not controlled and the irritations it causes lasts for an extended period of time the skin can become damaged. The results are visible flaws.
As the body repairs and injury to its tissue a scar will from as part of a natural healing process. For acne the injury is due to the inflammation in the dermis. Acne scarring may appear as pits or depression within the skin. This happens because support structures of the dermis and epidermis have been damaged from the prolonged irritation. As the injury heals collagen is produced to mend the skin. Sometimes an overproduction of collagen occurs during healing. When this happens the outcome is a keloid or a thick raised scar.
Why Acne Scarring is more pronounced in some than other is often a mystery. Some are just more susceptible to this skin reaction. Controlling the symptoms and treating outbreaks of acne when they first appear is the best way to avoid or limit the extent of the scarring.
Many treatments are available to soften or eliminate acne scarring. Resolution to the issue will depend on the severity of the acne and the scarring. Dermal fillers and fat transfers can be used to fill deep pitted soft scars. Dermabrasion techniques will resurface the upper layers of skin decreasing the scars visibility. Ablative lasers and non-ablative lasers can flatten, smooth and retexture the skin to decrease the depth of the scar. Skin surgeries such as subscision, punch excisions and skin grafting also have the ability to remove the scar tissue. Hypertrophic scars can be injected with long lasting steroids to flatten the area and create a less visible mark.
If you are prone to scarring or have acne scarring, consult a dermatologist to determine the right course of treatment for you. With all the treatments available to patients today, feel confident that you’ll find the treatment that can help you get back your smooth, fresh, acne free skin. |
