More Information About Acne Scars

More Information About Acne Scars

Scars and Macules

Before I go into scars, I need to define the distinction between macules and scars. Macules resemble scars in appearance; however, they are not scars in the sense that a permanent alteration has happened. Macules are the last step in most inflammatory acne lesions. They are typically flat, reddish patches that may last up to eight months. The difference between a macule and a scar is that a macule will eventually fade, but a scar will remain for years or permanently.

Scars, on the other hand, might differ from person to person. Scars may stay unchanged for a lifetime in some people, but in others, their skin may undergo remodeling, which will ultimately decrease the scar.

Another issue to consider is the human component of scarring. People just have varied attitudes toward acne scars. Those who are concerned about their acne scars are considerably more likely to actively seek therapy to moderate or eradicate the scar than those who are less concerned.

Scars are Caused by

Let us begin by establishing the etiology of acne scars to gain a better understanding of them. A scar is a mark left on the skin as a result of the healing of a wound or surgical incision in which normal functioning tissue (skin) is replaced with connective tissue (scar). Acne is produced by the body's inflammatory reaction to oil, germs, and dead cells that get trapped in the blocked sebaceous follicle.

When your skin tissue sustains a lesion, your body will try to mend the affected area. It does this by boosting the number of white blood cells in the region, as well as a variety of inflammatory chemicals whose role is to heal injured tissue and fight infection. The repair procedure might be untidy in the end, as the lesion site is now packed with fibrous scar tissue or degraded tissue. Inflammatory chemicals and white blood cells may stay around the acne lesion for days or even weeks.

Take notice that not everyone operates in the same manner, and this is true for our skin as well. Some people are just predisposed to scarring more than others.

Scar Treatment Includes

Keep in mind that treating acne and treating acne scars are not the same thing. Acne treatment has nothing to do with acne scar treatment. Acne scars can be addressed; however, it is critical that an acne sufferer first manage their acne condition if they still have moderate to severe acne.

Make an appointment with a dermatologist after your acne has cleared up to discuss the scar treatment(s) he or she recommends you undertake to treat your scars. Keep in mind that there are several approaches for treating scars. These procedures differ depending on your scar kind, size and location, skin type, and, of course, your budget. All of these should be thoroughly explored with your dermatologist.

Before having your dermatologist do the aforementioned procedure(s), ask yourself the following questions: Are you ready to wait to see whether the scars will fade on their own? Do your acne scars have an emotional and social impact on you? Is your scarring severe enough to need scar treatment? Can you afford the therapy, or what treatment choices are available to you?

Keep in mind that the goal of scar therapy is not always to eliminate all signs of scarring by totally repairing your skin. It is very dependent on the severity of your scars, your skin type, your skin's capacity to repair, and other factors. Significant improvements may undoubtedly be made, but total restoration is sometimes unachievable.