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How to Get Rid of Ice Pick Scars
February 3, 2015 Leave a Comment

How to Get Rid of Ice Pick Scars

Severe cases of acne not only cause problems during breakouts, but they can also leave lifelong reminders in the form of scarring. One common type of acne scar is known as ice pick scars, which caused depressions in the skin. Because this type of scarring affects deeper layers of skin, you often have to treat it with more aggressive scar treatment measures.

Read: What Are the Different Types of Acne Scars?

What Causes Ice Pick Scars?

Ice pick scars typically form after an infected blackhead or whitehead becomes excessively irritated and inflamed. This infection can lead to pressure on the skin that causes further inflammation and damage to the skin, especially if it remains untreated. This can lead to the formation of nodules or cysts, which is a more serious type of acne that affects the collagen in the skin. Because the collagen and fibrin is damaged, the regular structure of the skin breaks down, causing the scar tissue in the area to sink into the skin.

What are the Best Ways to Get Rid of Ice Pick Scars?

Because of the nature of ice pick scars, you typically have to undergo more aggressive treatments rather than relying upon an over the counter treatment cream. You should talk with your dermatologist about the best options for treatment. Many doctors will use a treatment known as punch excision, which removes the scar from the skin, allowing the collagen to form correctly when the skin heals. It may be used in conjunction with other treatments. Other common treatments for ice pick scars include laser treatments, dermabrasion, and chemical peels.

Laser Treatments

Laser treatments are a common form of aggressive treatment for all types of acne scars, including ice pick scars. During a laser treatment, your doctor will remove the top layer of skin, which is the most damaged. Depending on the severity of the scarring, you may have to undergo several treatments. There are three different types of laser treatment: CO2, YAG, and fractional laser. The YAG laser treatment promotes the new growth of skin and often has reduced side effects and healing time. Fractional laser is gentler, so it typically is used for ice pick scars that are not as severe.

Other Ways to Remove the Top Layer of Skin

There are other ways to remove the top layer of skin to promote healing, including dermabrasion and a chemical peel. Dermabrasion uses an abrasive tool that scrapes off the damaged skin on top, allowing the healthier skin underneath to come to the surface. A chemical peel works in a similar manner by removing the top layer of skin but uses acids rather than an abrasive tool. You may have red and inflamed skin for a few days to a week after these treatments, and you may have to do it more than once to get the effect you want.

It is possible to reduce the appearance of your acne scars, including your ice pick scars. With the help of your doctor, you can decide which aggressive treatment will work best for you. If you have less severe scarring, you can try a topical acne scar treatment to see if it works before using a more aggressive form of treatment.

Have a question about your scar? Leave a comment and we’ll be happy to answer!

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Filed Under: Acne Scars, Acne Tips, Chemical Peels, Face Scars, Get Rid of Scars, Scar Healing Tips, Skin Resurfacing, Skin Treatments Tagged: , ,
Acne Scar Consultation – What to Expect
November 11, 2014 Leave a Comment

Acne Scar Consultation - What to Expect

Many people who have acne are embarrassed by it, and feel as though it interferes with their social lives. When you have acne, the last thing you want is a permanent reminder of it with the scars that are left behind. Fortunately there are ways to treat acne scars that can give you a much clearer complexion. The first step to any treatment begins with an acne scar consultation. If you have never had one before, you may be wondering what to expect.

Starts With a Discussion

Typically, the initial consultation will be with your dermatologist, although you might start discussing scar treatment with your general practitioner. The consultation begins with a discussion about your acne and the residual scars. Your doctor will ask questions to learn your goals, as well as your history with acne, and previous acne treatment. Before your appointment, compile a list of the medications, skin products or other treatments you have used for both your acne and the scarring, as this will help your doctor plan further treatment. Do not be shy about your feelings about your acne scars, and be honest about what you have tried. The more information your doctor has, the better he or she will be able to help you. You will also need to answer questions about your general health.

Examination

The next step in the consultation will be a skin examination. Your doctor will look closely at the acne scars and any active acne lesions you may have to better understand your specific condition. The doctor may also take pictures that can help with monitoring the efficacy of treatment.

Discussing Treatment Options

Next, your doctor will talk with you about the available treatment options. If you still have acne, your doctor will work on treating the acne before starting scar treatment. Depending on the extent and type of scarring, the treatment may include a cream, microdermabrasion, dermabrasion, collagen-induction therapy, fillers, skin resurfacing using laser therapy, chemical peeling, or injections with corticosteroids or other medications. Your doctor will talk with you about the options best suited to your situation.

When you discuss treatment options, be sure to ask questions so that you feel comfortable with the plan. Some important questions include: how long does the treatment take, is there any pain involved in the treatment, will there be a period of healing time after the treatment, how long will it take to see results, will the treatment even out the skin tone, and what is the cost of the treatment? Most importantly, be sure to get all your questions answered!

You have many options for acne scar treatment. Seek professional help to find the best option for you.

Have a question about your scar? Leave a comment and we’ll be happy to answer!

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Filed Under: Acne Scars, Get Rid of Dark Spots, Get Rid of Scars Tagged: ,
Scar Treatment for Cystic Acne
January 29, 2014 Leave a Comment

Scar Treatment for Cystic Acne

Contrary to popular belief, not all acne scars are caused by picking at pimples. Some acne, such as cystic acne, is prone to scarring even if you don’t touch it at all. These painful lesions trap inflammation and do not easily connect with the skin’s surface. Cystic acne is inflammatory acne which triggers a white blood cell response as the skin tries to heal itself, resulting in scars even if you keep your hands off.

Read: Different types of acne scars

So if you do get one of these pimples, how can you minimize potential scarring? The first step is to get the acne under control in the first place. For ongoing cystic acne, a prescription might be the most effective way to control or eliminate it, so don’t hesitate to see a doctor. Abrasive over the counter acne products can be irritating to your skin and may contain questionable chemicals, so talk to your doctor about which products are truly safe and effective. If you can’t see a dermatologist for any reason, make sure to keep the skin clean to avoid infection, but steer clear of abrasive or harsh products.

Once you get rid of cystic acne, how can you get rid of the mark left behind? There are several options for fading scars caused by cystic acne. For the most severe acne, a visit to a dermatologist might be in order for a chemical peel, facial scar revision, or other powerful treatments.

There are also several natural remedies that can help fade these difficult scars. Aloe vera has been shown to help speed healing and keep the scar tissue moisturized. Vitamins A and C are both effective scar healers, and can be applied to the skin or consumed in the form of foods or beverages that contain them in large amounts. Licorice is a natural and safe ingredient known to help fade scars.

Silicone is another very effective scar healer. Numerous studies have shown that it softens scars when used regularly, even hypertrophic or older scars. However, the sooner treatment is started, the better the results. A product that contains silicone along with the above mentioned natural ingredients packs a powerful punch when it comes to getting rid of cystic acne scars.

Hydroquinone is one ingredient found in many scar treatment products that you should steer clear of. Hydroquinone has been shown to be potentially dangerous, irritate the skin of some patients, cause common allergic reactions, and even cause permanent discoloration of the skin.

Keep in mind that while you are treating your acne scars, you should keep them out of the sun. Your face is frequently exposed to sunlight throughout the day, so if the scars are on your face, be sure to apply sunscreen every time you go outside, even if you are going out for only a few minutes. Sunlight can, at best, delay scar healing, and at worst, it can exacerbate scars and permanently darken them.

Acne is never fun, and when it is painful and causes scarring, it is even worse. However, you don’t have to live with unsightly acne scars. You can take a proactive stand against them and within just a few months dramatically improve the appearance of your skin.

Do you have a question about your scar? Leave us a comment and we’ll be happy to answer.

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Filed Under: Acne Scars, Acne Tips, Face Scars, Get Rid of Dark Spots, Get Rid of Scars, Hypertrophic Scars, New or Old Scars, Scar Healing Tips Tagged: , , , , ,
What is Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation?
August 7, 2013 Leave a Comment

What is Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation?

Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation is a type of condition that happens when the melanocytes, which produce pigment, create an abundance of melanin. Dark spots that are black or brown in color will begin to develop where lesions from acne once were. Anyone who has this condition will likely be very disturbed and frustrated.

The condition of Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation is not just something that only people with acne can contract. It can also result from certain medications, allergies, certain types of skin infections, burns, and some diseases of the skin. People who have acne can contract this condition through reactions from some medications to treat acne.

Read: Does Lemon Juice Fade Acne Scars?

One of the most common acne treatments is known as benzoyl peroxide. It can cause skin irritations that can move to pigmented areas of the skin. Statistics show that one in 20 people experience sensitivity to benzoyl peroxide. This sensitivity can result in further skin irritations developing and leading to Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation. This is especially true in those that are dark skinned.

Today many doctors prescribe retinoids for the treatment of acne in patients. Some people will experience moderate to severe skin irritation with this product use. This can predispose those patients to Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation. Because people with high pigment in their skin are at such a risk, many doctors will not even consider prescribing retinoids for those patients. In some cases, retinoids can be used to treat pigmentation inflammatory cases, but not very often.

When retinoids are the cause of pigmentation issues, they may go away when they are stopped. In cases of hyperpigmentation that is a result of acne treatments, this is not necessarily the case. In any case, the first step is to immediately stop whatever type of treatment is causing said irritation. Secondly, begin wearing a high SPF sunscreen to protect the skin from further damage from the harsh rays of the sun. Hyperpigmented skin has two enemies: ultraviolet light and irritation.

Read: How Does the Sun Affect Scars?

Some physicians may recommend a treatment with hydroquinone, which is a topical cream that can lighten the pigmentation by a reduction in pigment production. However, hydroquinone does not come without additional problems or issues. In some animal studies it has been known to increase the risk of certain types of cancer. Some patients have reported that after long-term use they have experienced darkening of the skin instead of lightening. The preservatives in hydroquinone cause some people to have allergic reactions. It is advised that if you are a user of hydroquinone, it is best to apply a very small amount to the area that is pigmented only.

To hide pigmented areas until they can lighten, it is recommended that a good concealer be used. The lightening could take up to a year. Some other treatments for Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation would be glycolic acid and chemical peels. Before any treatments are implemented it is a good idea to schedule a consultation with a dermatologist. This way you can be advised on the appropriate treatment for any condition.

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Filed Under: Acne Scars, Acne Tips, Dark Scars, Face Scars, Get Rid of Dark Spots, Get Rid of Scars, Hyperpigmentation, Scar Healing Tips, Uneven Skin Tone Tagged: , ,
How to Improve the Appearance of Old Scars
July 11, 2013 15 Comments

How to Improve the Appearance of Old Scars

Looking at some children nowadays can give us “old” folks a feeling of regret, not for ourselves, but for them. Today’s generation of children is cooped up inside their houses playing with expensive gadgets. Very rarely do you see a child who would prefer to play outside over playing with iPods and video games. Playing inside all the time robs them of a regular childhood where they learn how to fall from a tree or a bike. Some of them will never know what it’s like to wear “battle scars” like our generation.

Battle Scars

Despite our pride over our childhood scars, vanity has a way of creeping up to you, especially as we grow older. Scars can be a bit of a nuisance especially for women who are fashion-conscious. Short skirts are obviously a no-no for women who have ugly scars on their legs. Yes, despite the happy childhood, there’s nothing pretty about childhood scars.

Hide Scars

The first instinct is to cover up the scars with leggings, jeans and long-sleeved shirts. But then how about those cute little skirts and spaghetti strap dresses? Well, you can always use stockings. Then again, with the unrelenting heat that summer brings, sweaty legs are almost as unpleasant as scarred legs. Makeup is also widely used to conceal scars. It comes in many shades for different skin tones and some are waterproof too. Small, shallow scars are the easiest to conceal with makeup.

Chemical Peels for Scars

A visit to a reputable dermatologist is the best way to learn about chemical peels. Chemical peels are gaining popularity as a way of fading scars. Peels use certain chemicals to remove the top layer of skin. This “freshens” the look and feel of the skin as well as helping to smooth out and fade the scar. It is non-invasive and has little downtime depending on the strength of the chemicals used. It may take more than one peel to significantly improve the look of the scar, especially if the scar is raised or deep. Chemical peels also have risks. In the short term, peels typically cause some degree of redness. Long term they can cause permanent skin darkening known as “hyperpigmentation” (dark spots). The risk of hyperpigmentation is increased with sun exposure while the skin heals.

Scar Revision Surgery

If scars really bother you, maybe its time to think of a more invasive procedure like scar revision surgery. Consult a reputable plastic surgeon to better guide you in making the best decision. Surgical scar revision involves excising the ugly scar and re-closing it in a more cosmetic way. This can sometimes involve re-arranging some of the tissue to hide the resulting scar even more in a skin crease or shadow. Always be sure to check the fees well ahead of time as surgery is never cheap!

Topical Scar Therapy

Now, not everybody can afford to visit the doctor, surgery is not for everyone and the exuberant fees can be an issue as most medical insurances don’t cover scar revision procedures. A gentler but effective alternative can be to use a topical scar treatment. For regular folks like you and me, it’s the most readily available option. When looking for a product pick one that has proven effective ingredients like Aloe Vera, which has wound healing properties and minimizes inflammation; Vitamin C, which boosts collagen production and promotes skin renewal; Licorice, which lightens dark scars; and Sunflower oil, which can improve scar elasticity and also help lighten it in the process. Although it may take a little more time to get rid of your scars, this is certainly less aggressive than surgery and cheaper too!

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Filed Under: Chemical Peels, Get Rid of Scars, New or Old Scars, Scar Healing Tips, Skin Resurfacing, Skin Treatments Tagged: ,
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