Acne Scars - Causes, Prevention, Removal & Treatment
Acne often leaves smaller or larger scars which in contrary to acne might not disappear on their own. There are several types of acne scars which are caused by rupture of an inflamed lesion: ice pick scars (deep scars forming pits in the skin), box car scars (deep or superficial scars with angular edges similar to chickenpox scars), rolling scars (superficial wave-like scars) and hypertrophic scars (raised scars).
The most important rule which needs to be followed in prevention of acne scaring is avoiding the temptation of picking and squeezing pimples. Acne scaring can be also avoided by acne treatment as soon as it develops as well as by preventing acne from occurring especially if being prone to scaring. You can help yourself with some home remedies or over-the-counter products which are effective for both prevention and treatment of acne but if not responding you are highly recommended to consult with your doctor or dermatologist.
Acne scar treatment and removal greatly depends on severity. All acne scar treatments commonly require repetition:
- Dermabrasion (sanding of the skin surface) is appropriate for lessen and raised acne scars and skin imperfections. The treatment is very painful and is less effective for ice pick scars and other depressed scar types.
- Chemical peel is helpful in mild acne scars.
- Acne scar surgery (punch techniques) is used to remove the depressed acne scars such as ice pick and rolling scars.
- Subcision is used to treat deep rolling scars.
- Laser treatment is helpful for shallow scars.