Acne Scars

Acne or pimples is a common condition that occurs when hair follicles get clogged with oil and skin cells. It generally presents as blackheads, whiteheads, or cysts on the face, chest, back, upper arms or shoulders. Acne can range from mild to severe and frequently presents during puberty because of hormonal changes. However it may affect people of all ages, including infants

Several factors contribute to acne:

Excess oil production
Clogged pores
Bacteria: Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) is a type of micro organism which can multiply within clogged hair follicles, causing inflammation.
Hormonal changes: Fluctuations in hormones during puberty, menstrual cycles, pregnancy, or intake of hormonal medications can lead to acne.

Acne can present in various forms:

Whiteheads (Closed Comedones): These are small, flesh-coloured bumps that arise when a hair follicle is clogged with oil and dead skin cells. The pore stays closed at the base, resulting in a white appearance.
Blackheads (Open Comedones): They are just like whiteheads, however the clogged pore oxidizes and darkens, giving it a blackish appearance. Despite the dark colour, blackheads are not due to dirt.
Papules Papules are small, raised bumps which might be typically red and mildly itchy or tender. They occur due to inflammation.
Pustules: Pustules are pimples that contain pus.
Nodules: Nodules are large, solid, painful lumps.
Cysts: Cysts are deep, painful, pus-filled acne which could cause scars. They may occur as an end result of severe infection from other varieties of acne, including nodules.

Hormonal acne

Hormonal acne is a particular form of acne which occurs due to hormonal fluctuations. It normally occurs during puberty, in relation to menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and menopause- however can also occur because of conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or hormonal medications. Hormonal acne commonly appears on the lower face, jawline, chin, neck and chest. This distribution is due to the prevalence of sebaceous glands in those regions. It commonly presents as papules, pustules, and nodules. For women, hormonal contraceptive medicines can help treat hormonal acne. Anti-androgen medications block androgen action at the skin, helping to lessen sebum production. A few studies suggest that a low-glycemic food diet and avoiding dairy can also help in reducing hormonal acne in some individuals. Stress can exacerbate hormonal fluctuations, so coping with stress via relaxation techniques or counselling may be useful. Coping with hormonal acne may be tough and requires patience as remedies frequently take time to show results.

At AA DermaScience, we provide a holistic remedy plan which include topical lotions or gels (containing benzoyl peroxide, salicylic acid, or retinoids), oral medications (along with antibiotics or isotretinoin for severe cases), and other in-clinic procedures:

Extraction: Our dermatologists can manually extract whiteheads and -blackheads with sterile instruments
Chemical Peels: Peels in various strengths and combinations can help treat acne and reduce sebum production.
Laser or light therapy: Treatments like IPL and light therapy target micro organisms, reduce redness and decrease sebum production.
Intralesional injections: Used for large, painful cysts or nodules that do not respond well to other remedies. Corticosteroids are injected directly into the lesion to reduce inflammation and promote healing

Skin care recommendations:

Our dermatologists prescribe suitable cleansers, moisturizers, and sunscreens that are aesthetically acceptable even for those with oily skin.

Life-style advice:

Instructing patients on proper skin care, exercises, diet modifications (if applicable), and stress control is a part of our holistic treatment plan.

Our treatment plans are tailored to each individual and might involve a combination of topical, oral medications and procedures. It is important to consult with our dermatologists to decide the most effective and suitable treatment for you.

Darlene Robertson

Plastic Surgery Doctor

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Devon Lane

Plastic Surgery Doctor

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Kristin Watson

Plastic Surgery Doctor

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Esther Howard

Plastic Surgery Doctor

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Acne Scars

Acne scars are a common result of excessive or prolonged acne outbreaks, impacting millions worldwide. Acne scars are permanent textural modifications and indentations on the skin because of damage to the deeper layers caused by inflammation and tissue loss caused by acne. Knowledge of the types, reasons, remedies, and emotional impact of acne scars is crucial.

Types of acne scars:

Macular Scars : Discolouration in the form of redness/ flat brownish marks can be present after a bout of inflammatory acne which may be quite chronic. They may be handled with topical lotions and milder laser remedies and chemical peels.
Atrophic Scars:
– Ice pick Scars: Deep, narrow pits that extend into the dermis and resemble small holes.
– Boxcar Scars: Wide, U-formed depressions with sharply defined edges, giving a box-like look.
– Rolling Scars: Huge depressions with sloping edges that create a wave-like look on the pores and skin floor.
Hypertrophic and Keloid Scars: Raised scars that form when the dermis produces an excessive amount of collagen in response to acne inflammation leading to a raised appearance above the surface of the skin

Factors leading to acne scars

Severity of acne: Higher grades of acne, including cysts and nodules, are more likely to cause scarring.
Delay in treatment: Ignoring timely treatment of acne can lead to a higher propensity of acne scars
Picking and Squeezing: Manipulating acne lesions can worsen irritation and increase the chance of scarring.
Genetic Predisposition: A few people are more genetically prone to scarring than others.

Acne scars have a substantial emotional and psychological impact on people. Scars can also affect self-self belief, leading to emotions of self-cognizance and social withdrawal. This can lead to anxiety, depression and dysmorphic disorders. Scars can effect daily life, influencing relationships, career choices, and general well-being.

Treatment Of Acne Scars

Although scars are permanent, several treatment options can improve the overall look and texture of the skin.

Topical remedies consisting of prescription creams that increase cell turnover and collagen production, improving skin texture.
Minimally Invasive procedures:
– Chemical Peels: Chemical solutions exfoliate the superficial skin, improving texture and decreasing the appearance of scars.
– Microneedling: Tiny needles puncture the skin surface to stimulate collagen production and reduce scar depth.
– Dermal Fillers: Injected underneath scars to elevate the scar, creating a smooth look.
– Co2 Fractional Laser: Targets deep layers of the skin to stimulate collagen production and resurface scarred areas.
– Intense Pulsed laser(IPL): Reduces redness and hyperpigmentation related to superficial scars.
Surgical techniques: Punch Excision: Gets rid of individual scars and repairs the defect in the skin with stitches.
– Subcision: Breaks up scar tissue underneath the skin surface to enhance texture.

Prevention of acne scars:

Preventing acne scars entails treating pimples promptly and efficiently to decrease inflammation.

Early treatment: Seek advice from a dermatologist at the first symptoms of acne to prevent lesions from worsening.
Abstain from picking: Resist the urge to squeeze or pick at acne lesions to prevent inflammation.
Gentle skin care: Use non-comedogenic (non-pore-clogging) skincare products and avoid harsh scrubbing.

Acne scars are a long-lasting reminder of the physical and emotional challenges acne can pose. At AA DermaScience we believe that being educated about the causes, treatment alternatives, and prevention strategies empowers people to play a role in the successful management of their skin conditions. With our superior dermatological techniques, patients can significantly enhance the results of the treatments of acne scars and regain confidence. At AA DermaScience we take a holistic technique that considers each clinical and psychological component, vital in assisting the journey to more healthy, smoother skin.

FAQs

1. Can some foods cause pimples?

While individual responses may vary, some foods with high glycemic index (like sugary meals, carbohydrates) and dairy products are associated with worsening pimples in some people. But, the effect of diet on acne varies broadly among people.

2. How long does it take for acne treatments to work?

The effectiveness of acne treatments varies depending on the severity of acne and the form of remedy used. A few treatments may show results in a few weeks, even as others may require numerous months of consistent use.