Acne is a skin condition caused by the excess production of sebum by the sebaceous glands. Sebum is a waxy material that can cause pustules when it blocks the pores in the skin. Doctors often treat acne scars by removing the upper layers of skin, typically using chemical peels, dermabrasion and laser resurfacing. Healing acne following the medical treatment may require open-wound or closed-wound care, depending on the physician's instructions.
Step 1
Cover the acne treatment site with a hydrogel such as Vigilon. This gel-like material consists mostly of water and also contains other ingredients such as antibiotics. Physicians who subscribe to closed-wound care for dermabrasion treatments commonly use Vigilon.
Step 2
Change the dressings daily. You'll typically need to do this for at least the first five days after you have received medical treatment for acne.
Step 3
Remove the dressings once the skin has formed a protective scab. This typically requires five days for dermabrasion and up to 10 days for laser resurfacing. The treatment site will typically be red for weeks until the skin heals completely.
Step 4
Perform open-wound care on the skin after removing the dressings. This typically involves frequent soaks in a dilute solution of acetic acid (vinegar) or salt water. Dry the skin thoroughly and apply an ointment prescribed by your physician. It's essential that the skin remain hydrated during this part of the recovery phase.
Step 5
Take medication as prescribed. The medical treatments for acne will typically require you to take medication for pain and swelling of the treated site. You'll also continue taking the antibiotic and antiviral medications you started taking before receiving the acne treatment.
Things You'll Need
- Pain medication
- Anti-inflammation medication
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