ACNE SCARS

As with any scar on the skin surface, acne scars will vary in intensity and longevity. The best way to prevent acne scars is to not develop them in the first place. Good hygiene habits and dietary constraints will lessen the severity of the attacks. It is important to remember that hands should be kept away from the face to avoid spreading germs and hastening the growth of bacteria. A second rule is to never pick at or scratch acne blackheads or whiteheads. Doing so can spread the bacteria and damage surrounding tissue, thus making it easy for bacteria to invade the injured area. Some acne scars will disappear in a relatively short period of time; others remain throughout a lifetime without comprehensive treatment by a professional.

Types of Acne Scars

Several basic types of scars can occur with acne and each one requires different treatments to remove the blemish.

Ice pick scars are almost vee-shaped in appearance. They look as if an ice-pick had been pressed against the skin. The indentation is usually not very large in diameter, but may be shallow or deep

A boxcar acne scar is similar to an ice pick scar, but generally deeper. The boxcar scar also looks something like a chickenpox scar, but with edges more rounded.

Rolling acne scars have no sharp edges and are fairly shallow. They appear to be just smooth indentations in the skin tissue.

Raised acne scars are more common on the shoulders and back, and come in two types. Hypertrophic scars are raised above the surrounding surface, but stay within the confines of the original trouble spot. Keloid scars are also raised scar tissue but it has grown beyond the confines of the original scar.

Scar Treatments

Different kinds of scars respond best to different forms of treatment, but in general, treatment of acne scars follows one of five or six usual courses or treatment. Many times, more than one method is required to complete reverse the effects of the scar. Each person's face and skin is different, so the course of treatment must take into consideration the results desired as well as how the individual's skin responds to the particular treatment.

Acne scars are unsightly things and because teenagers are so sensitive to change, due to hormonal surges and growth spurts, it is undoubtedly helpful to fund a visit to a qualified plastic surgeon. The plastic surgeon will work in ways you can't imagine to present you with a face that is livable.