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Acne Scars- How To Prevent And Purge Existing Scarring? |
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Most pimples leave behind a discolored patch of skin.
This is not really a scar and will usually clear up by itself within one
year. Marks or skin defects that remain longer than one year are
considered to be scars and can be treated.
1) Preventing scars-
Acne scars can be prevented through a program of active treatment
and self-control. One of the worst things you can do to pimples is to
pick them. Some people try to squeeze or remove blackheads or whiteheads
but this is the worst thing that you can do. Not only will the bacteria
which causes acne spread, the skin can be damaged which leads to
permanent scarring.
Mild cases of acne can usually be self
treated with over-the-counter medications but more severe cases should
be treated by a dermatologist. The doctor can prescribe oral medications
as well as topical ointments for use on the skin. In some cases, the
doctor will also physically remove blackheads or whiteheads and lance
and drain pus filled nodules. The dermatologist uses surgical
instruments which have been sterilized, so these procedures should never
be attempted at home.
Pimples form on the skin because of the
presence of bacteria. The bacteria damages and inflames the skin. Once
the acne has cleared up, the skin may appear discolored -- this is part
of the natural healing process, and the discolorment will disappear
after a period of time.
This healing process can be sped up with
the use of medications like Retin-A, Renova, and Alpha-Hydroxy Acids.
Sunshine can damage the skin and thereby delay the healing process, so
sunscreens should always be worn outside.
Above all, avoid
picking scabs that may form over old acne lesions. Scabs are a necessary
part of the healing process and picking them off unnecessarily exposes
the skin which extends the time necessary for scars to heal.
2)
Treating scars-
Existing scars left over from acne can be treated
in a number of ways. If scars are not too severe, a chemical peel can be
applied to the skin. This effectively removes the microscopic top layer
of the skin allowing the cells underneath to rejuvenate.
More
severe scarring can be treated with lasers or dermabrasion. Lasers
remove the damaged layer of skin and tighten the skin underneath to
raise the depression caused by the scar. The process can be mildly
painful so the dermatologist may use an anesthetic to numb the pain. The
healing process after laser treatment takes about 3 to 10 days.
Dermabrasion
removes scars by actually scraping away the surface of the skin where
the scarring occurs. During the healing process a new layer of skin is
formed to replace the scarring. Both dermabrasion and laser treatments
can cause the skin to turn red, but this discolorment will disappear
after several months.
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