Treat and Prevent Acne Scarring

Acne scars have got to be one of nature’s cruelest jokes!

To make matters worse, treating and preventing scars from acne is just as varied and difficult as treating and preventing acne itself as there are many different types of scars. But don’t lose heart! Scars can be treated, and with the right daily acne regimen, in many cases prevented.

First you want to determine not only the type of acne you have and how to treat it, but also your skin type. Treatment and scarring can both vary according to a skin’s type so you must know this before you can begin treatment.

Scarring is different for each of us. It can’t be predicted who will or won’t scar, how extensive or deep the scars will be, and how long the scars persist. Likewise, it is also difficult to predict how successfully scars can be treated without a little trial and error.

The only sure way to prevent [tag]acne scarring[/tag] is to treat [tag]acne[/tag] early on in its course, and to do so for as long as it takes to clear up the problem. Remember, treating acne may not be a short-lived process. While some people with mild forms of acne are able to treat breakouts as they occur, others must constantly treat the condition to help prevent breakouts from occurring more frequently.

The more inflammation can be eliminated, the more likely it is that scars can be prevented. This is especially true when preventing acne aggravation. The more you irritate an inflamed an area, the more likely it is to scar.

If you have a known tendency to scar from acne – whether mild, moderate, or severe – you should consult with a dermatologist who will suggest treatments that prevent further scarring.

There are two general types of acne scars, which are defined by tissue response to inflammation. They are scars caused by tissue formation, and scars caused by loss of tissue.

Scars caused by increased tissue formation are called kelloids or hypertrophic scars. The term hypertrophy means enlargement or overgrowth. These scars are associated with excessive amounts of collagen in the skin which is due to the skin cells’ response to injury. Excess collagen builds up to form a smooth, irregularly shaped scar. This type of scar can persist for years, but may diminish over time.

Scars that result from loss of tissue are similar to those caused by Chickenpox, and are more common than hypertrophic scars.

One such type is an ice pick scar. This type of scar is usually small, with a jagged edge. It can be improved by stretching the skin, though hard ice pick scars cannot be stretched out. This is a very common type of acne scar, and perhaps one of the easiest to treat.

There are various types of scars that fall under each of the two categories, and treatment for each vary. A physician or dermatologist can help you make the decision for surgical treatment if it is necessary or advisable.