Getting Rid of Pimple Scars

In addition to eliminating the actual blemishes, getting rid of pimple scars is another part of dealing with acne. Individuals who have suffered from chronic acne may be all too familiar with the noticeable marks, and may even suffer from low self-esteem as a result. For anyone who's ever experienced them, it's worth it to understand the different types of acne scars and how they may be treated.

Acne may result in scars.

Though just about everyone has suffered from a blemish at some point or another, not everyone deals with scarring. A mark of some kind may be left behind in the wake of a faded pimple, but it's not always a permanent scar. In some cases, these are known as macules, or the flat, red-tinted spots that appear during the pimple's final stage. The macule may remain on the skin for several months even after the pimple is gone, but, unlike a scar, it will eventually disappear completely.

The other type of mark that occasionally results from a pimple is post-inflammatory pigmentation. This is simply a discoloration of the area where the pimple occurred. These marks may seem even more similar in nature to scars because they can be quite stubborn, lingering on the skin for months. Eventually they do fade, and they can be urged along with various treatments, too.

What's in a pimple? It's a simple, if somewhat unpleasant, mix of bacteria, dead skin cells and sebum that clog the skin's pores, resulting in a raised, often red mound. Pimples may be small or large, and they may be papules or pustules. A papule bursts beneath the skin and releases the bacteria into the tissue surrounding the area, resulting in redness. A pustule, meanwhile, forms on the skin's surface and contains pus. It may have a central white head. This is the typical, "garden variety" blemish. Other types of pimples include nodules, or very inflamed, sore bumps, and cysts, or pus-filled, inflamed lesions.

There are several types of acne scars, including:

• Boxcar scars resemble chicken pox scars. They can be either superficial or quite deep, and they typically appear on the cheeks and temple and lend the skin a pitted appearance.

• Hypertrophic scars are also known as keloids. These are firm, thickened scars and can be itchy at times. Hypertrophic scars are usually limited in size to the area of the originating pimple, while keloids may grow beyond the site.

• Ice pick scars are some of the most common types. They result in deep, narrowed pits within the skin, and are thusly named because the skin may appear as though it has been punctured by an ice pick or similarly sharp object.

• Rolling scars literally create a wavy appearance on the skin.

Not surprisingly, various types of pimple scars require various types of treatments. What works well for one may not be as effective for another, and vice versa. Note, however, that acne scars shouldn't be confused with temporary hyperpigmentation and redness. In many cases, these marks may last for months on end. If any type of post-inflammatory pigmentation lingers for over a year, it is said to be a permanent mark – in other words, a scar.

In order to truly prevent scars in the first place, the obvious step is to prevent acne itself. For many people, though, this can prove challenging, and even when the acne is gone, the scars that result present more inconveniences to deal with.

Getting rid of pimple scars is no easy feat, but there's comfort in knowing that it is possible. This is thanks to the various dermatological procedures available, each formulated to give the skin a smoother, healthier appearance.

• Dermal fillers are used to raise the scar's surface, thus creating a smoother appearance. It's important to note that this is a temporary fix; repeated injections are necessary in order to retain smoothness.

• Subcisions are used primarily on rolling scars. During this procedure, a needle is injected into the skin, thereby breaking up the scar tissue beneath the surface.

• Punch excisions essentially involve "punching" the scar out of the skin. The dermatologist will then sew the skin together. This method is effective on ice pick and boxcar scars.

• Dermal grafting involves placing skin from another part of the body (typically behind the ear) into the scar. This treatment is often used on ice pick scars.

• Dermabrasion may be effective for reducing the appearance of scars, but it usually frowned upon because of the associated expenses and recovery time. It is also not thought to be a good choice for dark skin.

• Chemical peels are helpful for improving superficial imperfections or very shallow scarring. This can also be quite costly.

In order to treat pimple scars, the skin must be completely free of acne first. Though the temptation to treat everything at once is certainly great, it's important to work on each thing one at a time. Additionally, you might come across several over-the-counter treatments that promise to diminish your acne scars completely. If your scars are actually hyperpigmentation, you may find some relief in fading products. However, deep, pitted scars generally require a certain amount of medical attention.

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