Considering that 85% of the population will experience some form of acne as teenagers, according to American Academy Of Dermatology, it is therefore unsurprising that many people are left with acne scarring.
Acne scars comes in different forms and are often named by the shapes they create on the skin such as; ice pick and boxcar scars. They can, however, be grouped into two main types; depressed scars and raised scars. Luckily there are clinical treatments that can help to clear these unsightly skin blemishes.
Step 1
For hypertrophic, or raised, acne scars a solution is cytotoxic injections. These injections contain fluorouracil or bleomycin. Flurorouracil is a drug associated with fighting cancer whereas bleomycin is an antibiotic. They can be administered together along with mild steroids to help break the tissue growth cycle. Several injections may be required to see significant results.
Step 2
Speak with your dermatology specialist about chemical peels. This involves applying an acid solution to the skin that will burn away the upper layers of the skin and promote re-growth with new less-blemished skin. The chemical peels come in varying strengths. Which strength to use depends on the severity of the condition. A series of sessions is normally required for positive results.
Step 3
For hypertrophic scars a dermatologist may use cryosurgery. It involves applying liquid nitrogen to the raised scar for between 10 seconds and two minutes. The scar tissue then freezes and dies, making it easier for the pronounced tissue to be cut off and allowing for smoothing of the area. Up to 10 sessions may be needed in severe cases.
Step 4
Dermabrasion. This is the use of a small, rotating wire brush by a trained dermatologist or aesthetician to erode away the scarred area. It helps in the removal of superficial, shallow, scars and reduces the appearance of scars that have formed in the deeper levels of the skin.
Step 5
Laser resurfacing. This involves using a laser to heat the deeper layers of skin, which promotes re-growth. At the same time the laser burns away the outer layers, helping to reveal new and less-blemished skin. It may take several laser treatments before acne scars become less visible.
Tips and Warnings
- There are some over-the-counter chemical peel options available for milder scarring cases. These often contain glycolic acid, derived from citrus fruits. There are home remedies--such as honey, olives and lemon juice--that some claim are effective acne scar treatments, however there is little medical evidence to support these claims, notes the Mayo Clinic.
- Clinical treatments can be costly since they are rarely covered by insurance and they don't come without side effects. The scar Information Service notes that a scar will never completely heal to the skin's pre-scar state--just as hair follicles and sweat glands will not return. A combination of treatments will likely be needed. It is more a matter of improving a scar's appearance than completely removing it.
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