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Acne Scar Treatment

ACNE: TYPES, CAUSES, AND TREATMENTS

ACNE SCARS. TYPES. TREATMENT

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Bumpy, bright red acne can lead to a lot of emotional distress.

Teenagers face bullying which can cause them to not like themselves.

Acne is a very common skin condition.

Yet, it just makes going to school or college difficult for them.

Where they wish the acne on their face magically disappears as they wake up every morning.

But acne is stubborn too, it won’t go away that easily.

Opulence Dermatology & Aesthetics, a skin treatment clinic in Ahmedabad will help you fight this stubborn acne.

And, if you’re looking for acne treatment, you’ve stumbled upon the right page!

A negative body image of yourself can be quite frustrating, isn’t it?

It might even interfere with your studies and events.

It is upon you to take control of your skin.

But first, let’s get to know acne before defeating it!

Table of Contents

  • What is Acne?
  • Types of Acne
  • Causes of Acne
  • Acne Treatments
  • A Word from Opulence Dermatology & Aesthetics…

What is Acne?

Acne is a pretty common skin problem characterized by blocked hair follicles beneath the skin.

Sebum (oil that keeps skin from drying out) and dead skin cells clog pores, causing pimples or zits to appear.

This is also why oily skin has more chances of getting acne.

The eruptions mostly affect the face, although they can also affect the back, chest, and shoulders.

You’re not alone if you suffer from acne.

It’s the most frequent skin problem that people have.

Acne affects 80% of people between the ages of 11 and 30.

But wonder why teenagers suffer the most from acne?

A spike in androgens (particularly testosterone) is one of the causes of acne.

These are produced by both women and men.

Those hormones are at their highest during adolescence.

We will elaborate on that for you later on in this blog.

The majority of us experience it at some point in our lives.

The face, forehead, chest, shoulders, and upper back are the most typical areas where acne can appear.

Oil glands (sebaceous glands) can be found all over your body, but they are concentrated in those areas.

The best technique to treat acne is determined by its severity.

It can be mild, moderate, or severe, depending on its type.

Types of Acne

Acne can arise in a variety of ways which depends on size, color, or pain.

  • Blackheads
    Plugged follicles that reach the skin’s surface and open.

    They seem black on the skin’s surface because the sebum (oil secreted by sebaceous glands) is discolored by the air, not because they are filled with dirt.

  • Whiteheads
    A white bump is caused by blocked hair follicles that remain beneath the oily and dead skin.
  • Cysts
    Pimples that are filled with pus and are deep and painful. These have the potential to leave scars.
  • Nodules
    Solid pimples that pierce your skin deeply. They’re big and hurt a lot.
  • Fungal Acne
    When an excess of yeast forms in the hair follicles, this fungal acne develops. They can become irritated and itchy.

    This is also known as pityrosporum folliculitis.

  • Papules
    Inflamed pimples that show on the skin as little pink lumps and are painful to the touch.
  • Pustules
    Papules with white or yellow pus-filled lesions at the top and crimson at the bottom.

The earlier you visit a dermatologist, the better.

Next is to determine what caused your acne.

It can be difficult to treat acne without knowing its cause.

Let’s that a look at them.

Causes of Acne

Acne is primarily a hormonal disorder triggered by androgen hormones, which peak in activity between adolescence and early adulthood.

It is caused by sensitivity to these hormones, which can be exacerbated by surface germs on the skin and fatty acids in the oil glands.

There are certain things that could trigger androgen hormones and could’ve caused your acne breakout:

  • Sugary foods
  • Acne sores being picked at.
  • Genetics
  • Pollution and certain weather conditions, particularly high humidity.
  • Acne flare-ups can be exacerbated by stress,
  • which raises the level of the hormone cortisol.
  • Medications
  • Dandruff
  • Head accessories and headgears

A skin specialist can examine it accurately and help you manage acne so you don’t have to undergo the pain and stress it brings.

And that is why you also need to be aware of what you are going through.

Which helps you deal with it better.

To deal with it, you need to start preventing it.

Here are some tips to prevent acne:

  • Wash your face twice a day.
  • Understand your skin type. Is it oily, dry, a combination of both, or sensitive?
  • Use fragrance-free and non-comedogenic moisturizer to hydrate your skin.
  • Use over-the-counter treatments that have benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid.
  • Avoid touching your face frequently.
  • Limit your exposure to the sun.
  • Don’t pop the pimple, if you are doing it, do it the right way. It can cause you scars.
  • Avoid sugary items.
  • Try managing your stress, and if it is severe, get professional help.

There are a few myths about acne and its prevention.

Opulence Dermatology & Aesthetics will help you stay away from these and help you fight acne with facts.

The prevention tips mentioned above might help you manage your acne on time but sometimes things go out of hand.

Some breakouts can’t be controlled without sufficient medical attention and care from a dermatologist.

Acne Treatments

There are various factors to keep in mind when a dermatologist prescribes you an acne treatment.

Several drugs and treatments have been shown to be beneficial.

They are designed to address the underlying causes of acne.

Depending on the severity of your ailment, you may need at least one or many.

Topical Treatments

  • Benzoyl peroxide is available as a leave-on gel or wash over-the-counter.

    It targets germs on the skin’s surface, which can worsen acne.
  • Salicylic acid is available over-the-counter as a cleanser or lotion.

    It aids in the removal of the damaged skin’s top layer and removes dead skin cells, preventing blockage of hair follicles.
  • Retinoids aid to avoid clogged pores, which are the initial indicators of acne, by breaking up blackheads and whiteheads.

    It is a not-spot treatment; it must be applied to the entire affected area of the skin to prevent new pimples from forming.

    Appropriate for most of the patients.
  • Antibiotics manage the germs on the surface of the skin that irritates and often increase acne swelling.

    When antibiotics are coupled with benzoyl peroxide, they are more effective.
  • Azelaic acid is a natural acid that can be found in grains like barley, wheat, and rye.

    It lowers the swelling and kills bacteria on the skin.

Oral Medications

  • Antibiotics, same as topical antibiotics, these reduce inflammation and clear the microorganisms on the skin.

  • Contraceptives can aid in the treatment of breakouts caused by menstrual cycles.

    But first, don’t forget to consult a dermatologist, so then it does not go wrong.

Medical Procedures

  • Lasers
    Laser treatments come in a variety of forms.

    The optimal type for you is determined by several factors, including your skin tone and color, as well as your ultimate aim.

    A high-intensity beam of light is focused onto the skin during laser therapy.

    A laser can reduce swelling and acne-causing germs, aid in the healing of existing pimples, and stimulate the skin to regenerate itself, based on the treatment utilized.

    Acne and acne scars are treated with lasers.

    Some lasers only require one treatment, while others require many treatments.

  • Chemical Peels
    Chemical peels involve the removal of the top layer of skin to improve the condition of the skin.

    These peels exfoliate softly and require no downtime, however, your skin may seem pink afterward.

    For mild acne, superficial peels are the best option.

    There are different types of chemical peels and

    Your skin may flake or “peel” off over the next few days to weeks, revealing the rejuvenated skin underneath.

    Chemical peels, like laser treatments, can be used to treat acne and scarring.

A Word from Opulence Dermatology & Aesthetics…

Acne has been stigmatized in our society a lot which can leave a person in distress.

It is normal to have acne and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.

It is an uncomfortable condition but there are effective treatments that exist to help you get rid of them.

Acne therapy should be started as soon as possible to manage them and avoid acne scarring.

Acne scars can be hard on your mind because they stay for life.

If you’ve already developed acne scars, a dermatologist can provide additional advice on how to reduce the look of scarring.

It is always the game of time while tending to acne.

The earlier you take a step to treat it, the clearer your skin will be tomorrow.

Acne-free skin might seem like a distant dream, but it is closer than you believe.

So, are you ready to get acne-free skin? Get in touch with us today!

Categories
Acne Scar Treatment

Don’t Squeeze Acne, Squeeze the Day!

Don't Squeeze Acne, Squeeze the Day! - Infographic | Opulence

Acne is a common human skin disease and almost every girl and boy faces acne problem which occurs when the pores of the skin become clogged with oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria. According to one research almost 60 million Americans have active acne. 75% of 11 to 30 years old will develop acne at some point in their lives.

We know it feels tempting but at the same time popping or squeezing a pimple won’t necessarily get rid of the problem. When you squeeze the pimple it can push bacteria and pus deeper into the skin, which might cause more swelling and redness. Squeezing also can lead to scabs and might leave you with permanent pits or scars.

To dry a pimple up faster you can use many home-made remedies or, apply 5% benzoyl peroxide gel or cream once or twice a day. You can find these over-the-counter treatments at most drugstores, grocery stores, and other stores that sell skin-care products.

If you’re concerned about acne, talk to your doctor or a dermatologist.

Categories
Acne Scar Treatment

ACNE SCARS. TYPES. TREATMENT

ACNE SCARS. TYPES. TREATMENT

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Did You Know?

Every hour, 40,000 cells shed off your skin, but these dead cells might plug a pore sometimes.

These pores can become irritated, resulting in various types of acne.

Well, acne heals but it can leave scars behind.

That is what brings you here.

To know about acne scars.

TABLE OF CONTENT

So, you must be wondering,

Are Acne Scars Common?

YES. Quite common, actually.

Acne affects over 80% of individuals between the ages of 11 and 30, acne scarring affects one out of every five of them.

Teenagers are the ones that suffer the most.

Acne will affect nearly all of them. Almost 90%.

It’s a scary amount of percentage and that is why you need to be aware of it.

So, without any further wait, let’s explore how acne leads to acne scars.

How does Acne Cause Acne Scars?

What is the largest organ of our bodies?

Of course, the skin.

  • The skin has three main layers:
  • Epidermis, the outermost layer
  • Dermis, the middle layer
  • Hypodermis, the innermost layer.

These layers protect you from different elements, bacteria, and UV rays, and produce Vitamin D under the sunlight.

Scars are formed when your body trying to repair the acne, in the process of creating collagen, the ‘repair tissue’.

However, raised acne scars develop if it produces too much collagen.

Other types of scarring are caused by tissue loss, which results in dents or pits in the skin.

Let’s take a peek into the types.

Types of Acne Scars

Acne scars can be divided into two types:

1. Atrophic Scars, caused by the loss of tissue
  • Ice Pick Scars
    Narrow, deep scars that go all the way to the dermis, making the skin look like it is poked by an ice pick.

    These scars form when an infection from a cyst or other deep inflammatory lesion rises to the surface.

    A long, column-like scar results after the destruction of skin tissue.

  • Boxcar Scars
    Boxcar scars are depressions that are round or oval in shape and have steep vertical sides.

    They are wider than ice pick scars and give the skin an irregular, scarred appearance.

    They form with the loss of tissue when collagen is destroyed by acne.

    The skin over this area is left unsupported, resulting in a crater-like shape.

    Depending on how much tissue is removed, boxcar scars can range from mild to severe.

  • Rolling Scars
    Rolling Scars or these wave-like depressions appear across generally normal-looking skin in this type of scarring.

    These scars aren’t as finely defined as boxcar scars. The skin itself seems rough and uneven.

    Fibrous bands of tissue form between the skin and the subcutaneous tissue below, resulting in Rolling Scars.

    These bands strain on the epidermis, tying it to the skin’s underlying layers.

    The rolling look of the skin is caused by this inward pushing of the epidermis.

Different type of Acne scar

2. Hypertrophic and Keloid Scars

Hypertrophic Scars are elevated and firm scars that develop above the surface of the skin.

They are more likely to appear after a serious wound or trauma.

Mostly found on the torso, particularly in men, but they can also appear elsewhere on the body.

Hypertrophic scars are caused by the over-production of collagen.

Keloids are raised scars that differ from Hypertrophic Scars as they are even more severe.

They grow much larger than the wound.

They have the ability to send out elevated, lateral shoots that can spread much further than the wound itself and develop long even after the wound has healed.

When the skin doesn’t know, if the wound has healed, it continues to produce collagen, and Keloids are developed.

HYPERTROPHIC & KELOID SCARS

How are Acne Scars Diagnosed?

A dermatologist’s ocular examination is sufficient to make a diagnosis.

They can also assess the severity of your acne scarring.

Acne scarring can be classified into four categories: macular, mild, moderate, and severe, according to one assessment technique.

A proper assessment is crucial and results in a proper treatment.

That brings us to the question, how are acne scars treated?

Treatments for Acne Scars

The intensity of acne scars can range from mild to severe.

Some people believe that their scars have an impact on their daily lives, others believe the scars aren’t as awful as they appear.

Which one are you?

A few simple questions will help you figure that out:

  • Do you wish often to get rid of your acne scars?
  • Are you less social because of your acne scars?
  • Do you feel conscious before attending events or dates?
  • Do scars limit your potential?

If the answer to any of these questions was “yes”, you might need an acne scar treatment.

Treatment for Atrophic Scars

  • Chemical Peels: Special Chemicals like salicylic or glycolic acid are used to peel off the top layer of your skin.

    The new skin that emerges is smoother and less scarred.

  • Dermabrasion: Dermabrasion is a skin-resurfacing process that removes the top layer of skin with a fast rotating instrument, similar to how a sander removes the top layers of a plank of wood.

    The skin that regenerates is typically smoother.

  • Laser Resurfacing: A laser is used to heat scarred collagen beneath the skin. The body’s wound-healing response is used to generate new, healthy collagen.

    This promotes the formation of new skin to replace the old.

    There are two types of laser resurfacing: Ablative and Non-Ablative. Opulence Dermatology & Aesthetics will help you determine which one is the best for you.

  • Dermal Fillers: This treatment involves injecting a chemical such as calcium hydroxylapatite or hyaluronic acid under a depressed scar that raises the skin upward and enhances the appearance.
  • Punch Excision: The dermatologist utilizes this technique to cut into the skin, remove the acne scar, and heal the wound with stitches.

    This can be a far more effective and time-saving method of treating these more problematic scar forms. It is used to flatten a scar.

    Laser resurfacing can then be used to improve the appearance of these flat linear scars.

  • Punch Grafting: Punch grafting involves the doctor punching a hole in the skin, removing the scar, and replacing it with a plug of fresh skin.

    Skin plugs that have been put into the treatment area are normally withdrawn from behind the ear lobe.

    To heal, the plugs are glued in place for roughly a week. It creates a smoother scar which can be resurfaced with a skin resurfacing technique.

  • Microneedling: Small needles are used to purposely damage your skin in order to stimulate collagen formation and smooth scars.

    Microneedling can be done without or with the use of heat also known as Microneedling Radiofrequency.

    Microneedling radiofrequency has demonstrated to aid with acne scars textural improvement and can even prevent new acne from occurring.

  • Subcision: A needle is used to tear apart fibrous bands which draw scar tissue down into the lower areas of your skin in this procedure.

    This procedure not only helps to raise a depressed scar but also causes collagen to be released at the needle insertion site.

    The skin is freed so that it can naturally resurface and lay flat.

  • TCA CROSS: TCA CROSS refers to the Trichloroacetic Acid Chemical reconstitution of Skin Scars.

    It involves applying trichloroacetic acid to a scar to encourage the formation of additional collagen, which helps to elevate the scar.

Treatment for Hypertrophic and Keloid Scars

  • Laser Resurfacing
    In newly created scars, laser therapy is more effective than in older scars.

    Burning and flattening raised scars is how the lasers work.

    They also lighten scars by targeting the red and pink pigments.

    There are two types of laser resurfacing: Ablative and Non-Ablative.

  • Corticosteroid Treatment
    Injections of corticosteroids are often used as a first-line treatment for these scars.

    Every six weeks, injecting a steroid may help the scar flatten and soften.

    However, because the steroids may impair normal tissue around the scar, there is a limit to how many times this can be done.

  • Surgery
    Surgical removal of the scar or rerouting of the scar’s tension lines is sometimes required.

    When all the other treatment options have failed, surgery is usually considered.

    This is due to the fact that surgery might leave scars. Surgery can be used in conjunction with other treatments to improve outcomes.

A Word from Opulence Dermatology & Aesthetics…

Acne and Acne Scars are pretty common and it is your choice to live with them or not.

Dealing with acne scars can be quite difficult in everyday life.

And if you are willing to get them treated, you have many treatment options to explore at Opulence Dermatology & Aesthetics.

We aim to empower you to reclaim control of your looks and your physical and mental health.

Let us work together to uncover your confidence back, book a consultation today.