Acne and Acne Scars

Acne is a breakout of bumps on the face which can also spread to the neck and shoulders if not treated on time. There are many reasons for this breakout. It can be of varying severity. In mild acne, few breakouts may happen for a while and disappear with a good skin cleaning regimen. However in severe acne, there are lot of breakouts with various blackheads, whiteheads and pimples filled with pus. The breakout of acne can also lead to acne scars. Let us find out more about acne and its scars, as well as the treatment for the same.

Acne: This condition is also known as Acne Vulgaris and is most commonly found in teenagers who are facing a surge of hormones. This breakout can lead to bumps that can be characterised as pimples, blackheads and whiteheads which are usually born from the excess oil secreted from the oil glands present in the hair follicles. These are stimulated by the adrenal glands of male and female patients alike. Although this is not a dangerous condition, but its timely treatment can help in ensuring that infection and scarring does not take place.

Acne Scars: Scarring is the response of every individual to inflammation. Acne scars are borne by different people in different ways. While many people may not bear the scars of this breakout, there are many others for whom the condition is pretty severe and can lead to scars once the pimples and other bumps have cleared. Also, these scars can happen due to excessive touching and squeezing of the bumps and pimples which can release the pus within. There is also a risk of spreading infection in this way. While draining a pimple in the proper manner with the help of a dermatologist may not lead to the appearance of a scar, constantly picking on a pimple or a blackhead can lead to such scarring.

Prevention: In this case, prevention is really the best cure. Most of these scars, if they appear, are permanent. So the best thing to do is to avoid touching and picking at the pimples and bumps and take timely treatment from a dermatologist. Also, one must keep the skin clean at all times, and wash with non-perfumed cleanser at least twice a day.

Surgery: Once the scars have formed, surgical intervention and lasers may help in clearing them. Although surgery may be successful in lightening the scar to a great degree, it may not be able to remove the scar completely. One has to wait until the breakout completely disappears before carrying out laser or surgery. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult a Dermatologist.