Pathology of an Acne Scar

The following wound healing scenario may explain the pathology and formation of acne scars. Acne as well as any other cause for a minor wound may follow the same pathway. The initial step is defined by a structured series involving inflammatory cells. This succession of episodes is arranged by neutrophils. Subsequently, macrophages elaborate a variety of cytokines, which create an environment prone to granulation tissue constitution. Eventually, migration of fibroblasts coincide with proliferation and recapitulation by depositing new collagen. Simultaneously, production of new capillaries is triggered by some factors released in the wound section. A problem arises when this organized cascade is disrupted by its anabolic and catabolic phases. An overreacting wound healing response may happen, creating a bulgy lesion of fibrotic tissue. Alternatively, deleted connective tissue is deficiently replaced and forms a pitted appearance resembling the surface of a golf ball. In either case, the scar often is a legacy of skewed healing process. Pathology of spots and discolorations resulted from acne, however, have less correlation with anabolic and catabolic stages, rather, skin pigmentation changes arise prominently.

Types and Prognosis

Types of acne scars are the most important factor in determining its appropriate treatmnet. There are basically two types of scars. One is associated with propagated tissue generation and the other is associated with some tissue loss

Types with increased skin tissue:

Keloids: They present as smooth, firm, irregularly shaped lesions. Upper body or angle of the jaw are more prone to these type of facial scarring. Skin of dark-complexions (black skin) is more predisposed to develop hypertrophic scars. They could be regarded as thick, raised, lobulated fibrotic plaques. Types with increased skin tissue rarely observed with acne even in prolonged severe cases.

Types with loss of skin tissue:

Acne spots: Flat discolorations either brown or red.They are more likely to fade away either gradually without treatment or using fading creams. Post inflammatory pigmentations are classified in the same category. Blocks of pink hyperpigmentations seen following skin breakouts and more likely prolonged acne.

Ice-pick lesions: They may be superficial or deep, fairly linear but irregular and generally turn out on the cheeks. These lesions are variably resistant to the treatments and the more penetrating they are the longer it takes to be healed totally. Acne lesions can lead to ice pick scars.

Depressed fibrotic scars: They present as large with sharp margins and steep sides. Their base is rigid, white and can not be stretched. They may result from severe lesions such as cystic and nodular forms of acne. Read more on depressed scars and their management.

Atrophic scar macules: This type of lesions manifest as soft, distensible, ivory-white in color and small in size (few millimeter in diameter). Acne is recurrently associated with atrophic scars. Acne scars are result of improper deposition of collagen and elastin and insufficient wound repair process. Lining epithelium is not flat and atrophic but hyperplastic. Healing them involves inducement of the skin’s repair mechanisms and rebuilding elastin and other fibers. Overall they have a good prognosis. They do not expand in size or number over time. However, aging has an adverse effect on acne caused scarring and render them more pronounced.

Prevention:

The more acne inflammation persists the more likely development of scarring is. Treatment promptly in its course is the best method for prevention of acne damages. Use of anti oxidants as a preventive method especially vitamin E is still viewed with skepticism, some studies even report a harmful effect. Powerful anti oxidants such as alpha lipoic acid when employed alone works with no success. A favorable medication for acne essentially address the following problems: An elevated sebum synthesis, overproduction of epithelial cells lining follicles, bacterial involvement, more inflammation in acne sites. Read also next page for more prevention tips. Another treatment that has been used by Mayo is application of butulinum toxin to help more effective of natural repair system by reducing muscle tension around the wound. It seems that muscle spasm has a detrimental effect on realinneation of collagen fibers even if we could for a moment ignore a decrease in blood circulation and inflammatory response secondary to muscle spasm.

Acne scarring repair, different removal techniques for facial restoration

Most have heard of chemical peels, dermabrasion, silicone injections, collagen implants and laser treatment since these have been widely publicized in the lay press for treating acne scarring. For the patient whose acne has recently cleared, it is worthy to know that scars tends to become less apparent with time and that any consideration of cosmetic surgery must be deferred for some time. Post inflammatory pigmentations tend to disappear in a few months. So post inflammatory pigmentations in most cases resolves spontaneously. It ought to be pointed out that lesions on the body does not tend to improve as readily and is conventionally less amenable to cosmetic surgery.

Acne scars can leave unsightly skin discolorations on the face week or even months after the acne breakouts have disappeared. Luckily, there are a few natural methods you can use that will effectively eliminate acne scarring and discolorations from the skin. These methods are natural and soothing, allowing them to be used multiple times per day to get rid of your acne marks.

Baking Soda Scrub

Baking soda is a powerful dead skin remover, and can slough off discolored areas to reveal fresh, balanced skin underneath. You can use baking soda twice per day, once in the morning and once in the evening. because of its alkaline properties, baking soda can buff off dead skin without irritating it with abrasiveness, effectively unclogging pores while removing scarring. One added quality of baking soda is that it kills off acne-causing bacteria, allowing the skin to heal while discouraging further acne breakouts. To create a baking soda scrub for acne scars, mix one tablespoon of baking soda with one teaspoon of water. Massage the mixture onto the skin for 30 seconds, and then rinse well with water.

Lemon Juice Compress

Lemon juice, being highly acidic and containing vitamin C, can help improve skin cell turnover. This can allow the skin to produce new skin cells quicker, allowing acne discolorations and scarring to lift off and new, balanced skin to come through. To apply lemon juice to the skin, soak a washcloth in concentrated, undiluted lemon juice, then drape the cloth across the face. Let the lemon juice sit on the skin for one to two minutes, then remove the cloth. Allow the lemon juice to dry onto the skin.

Vitamin E Oil Massage

Vitamin E oil can be used on acne scarring to hydrate the skin deeply, which can help areas of skin discoloration to be removed easier and more effectively. Dip your fingers in vitamin E oil, then massage the areas of acne scarring. Use small, circular motions. After about two to three minutes, wipe away the excess oil from the skin. You can use vitamin E oil on the skin up to three times per day to reduce and help eliminate acne scars and skin discoloration.