Acne or pimples are regarded as one of the most frustrating chronic inflammatory problem with tendency to scar in young adults and may be persistent in older adults though the severity may vary. Acne scars are the product of end stage inflammatory lesions. Post acne scarring is one of the most common causes of facial scarring that can lead to great psychological distress. So its important to Treat the Acne on time to Avoid scars.
Signs of Acne are:
– Blackheads or Whiteheads (occluded pores)
– Pimples (tender red bumps)
– Pustules(bumps containing pus)
– Nodules (large painful lumps under skin)
– Cysts (large lumps filled with pus which look similar to boils)
Causes Of Acne?
– Use of incorrect cosmetics
– Change in hormonal levels
– Weather conditions (hot and humid)
– Heredity
– Some medications (steroids etc)
– Though the role of diet is unclear in some cases it may be the contributing factor
PROCEDURES / ACNE TREATMENTS FOR AN EARLY RESPONSE WITH SUSTAINED EFFECTS:
Surgical treatment is a useful adjunct to hasten response in active acne. It leads to quicker resolution of lesions, reduces inflammation & hence has the potential to reduce scarring.
COMEDONE EXTRACTION:
In predominantly comedonal acne, comedone extraction combined with or without superficial chemical peels offer an advantage to prevent inflammation & thus reduce the incidence of scars.
PEELS
Salicylic acid peel/ Mandelic peel can be used alone or in combination with varying concentrations.
LASERS FOR ACNE
In the presence of predominantly inflammatory papules chemical peels can be done for pimples and marks .usually salicylic treatment gives good results in 3to5sittings done in 15days gap.for pits or scars or fractional co2 alone or combined with prp gives good results in one year .4to5sittings are done monthly and left.during sittings we see 30 to 40 percent reduction but after 1year we see 80 to90percent improvements
CROSS TECHNIQUE FOR ACNE SCARS
Superficial chemical peels cannot be utilized for deep acne scarring, that extends beyond the papillary dermis. The chemical reconstruction of skin scars (CROSS) technique using 65 to 100 percent TCA is a modified form of a chemical peel used for ice pick scars. It is a focal deep chemical peel & is effective in all skin types.
COMBINATION TREATMENTS
Combination of the above mentioned treatments can be used according to the severity,type, distribution of acne keeping age in mind.