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Most people, when they are dealing with a moderate to severe
outbreak of acne, feel as if a war is happening between you
and your skin. You try a product, it works for a time, you’re
winning and then a flare-up happens. You feel like you’ve
lost the battle and may lose the war. And many times, our
biggest concern with acne is that we will be left with a reminder
of what we have gone through; acne scars.
Acne scars, although it’s not spoken of often, is as
important if not more, than acne itself. Acne affects 80 to
85% of men and women of all ages during some point in their
lives. Some cases of acne can last for years. Others, who
are more fortunate, only deal with this condition for a few
months. Many times it is worse during the teen years because
of hormonal changes. The deep acne which can happen during
those seasons of a youth’s life can cause acne scars
which can last a lifetime.
There are 3 types of acne scars:
1. Ice-Pick Scars – These scars are between 1 and 2
mm in diameter.
2. Boxcar Scars – They are larger, measuring about 3
mm in diameter and are very similar to the scars that you
get if you pick scabs when you have chicken pox.
3. Rolling Scars – These are the largest of scars and
are much wider, measuring 4 to 5 mm in diameter and they have
a rolling appearance – hence their name.
The earlier you get treatment
for acne scars, the better result you will have. But how
do you know what will become a scar and what is inflammation?
Normally, once a lesion has healed it will leave some redness
or a pigmented mark on the surface of the skin. Usually this
is not a scar at all, but just some inflammation which will
heal with a few weeks. But, if the redness persists for longer
than a few months, you should seek a dermatologists help.
The right treatment at an early stage can prevent scarring
for life.
Unfortunately, acne scars are a part of what people deal
with when they have an acne condition. But there are many
products on the market which can help them fade or totally
disappear over time. If you feel you are left with permanent
scarring, there are some prescription topical ointments and
creams as well as minor surgical acne
scar removal methods which can be of great help to this
unfortunate situation.
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