By Dr Venu Kumari , Dermatology
Acne is a very common skin condition which is caused by oil as well as dead skin cells being deposited at the spot of hair follicles. Acne can occur anywhere on your body including your face, back, chest and neck.
Treatment of acne depends on the seriousness of the condition. It is also possible that they might leave a scar behind. Scars of acne are known to be very stubborn and a combination of the treatments listed below might be suggested by the doctor.
- Laser Treatments: Being one of the building blocks of your skin, collagen is a protein that helps fill in acne scars. The laser treatment forms new collagen which evens out the surface of the skin, thereby eliminating the scars. This process of laser skin resurfacing takes just one to three sessions.
- Fade Creams and Cortisone: Cortisone and fade creams are especially good for treating acne scars and skin damage when your skin is swollen or red. Cortisone reduces inflammation and is also absorbed by skin cells very easily. Cortisone as well as fade creams can be bought without any prescription as they are over-the-counter medications.
- Filler Injections: When there are deep indentations left behind by acne scars, filler injections can help fill them in. However, sometimes, they may be reabsorbed into the skin, which is why they need to be redone every 4 to 6 months.
Some other additional methods include:
- Home Skin Care: The contrast can be limited using sunscreen and over-the-counter bleaching agents.
- Dermabrasion: Usually used for severe cases, the process involves removal of the outermost layer of skin with a wire brush which rotates rapidly.
- Chemical Peeling: This is the application of highly potent acid in order to remove the outermost layer of skin, thus minimizing scars
- Botox Injections: A botulinum toxin (Botox) injection might be used for relaxing the skin and providing a better appearance