Acne Scar Removal Treatment

Scars is a common complication of acne. But don't be worry, because we can take an acne scar removal treatment.

Types of scars

There are three types of scars that caused by acne.

1. The scar tissue that forms under the skin and causes the surface of the skin looks rolled unevenly.
2. The scar tissue that is oval or like a crater.
3. The scar tissue that form hole or like a needle prick.

Each type of acne can cause scars, but the most commonly left traces are nodules and cysts.

Scar tissue arises from acne breaks due to deliberate removal or suppression.

Acne scar removal treatment to solve psychological pressure problem

Acne scar removal treatment is considered important, after known that acne scars cause serious psychological distress.

Treatment of scar tissue is included in the field of cosmetic surgery.

But before decided to take this surgery, you should be aware that this procedure can not remove 100 percent scars, but only intended to disguise.

Usually this surgery only improves about 50-70 percent of facial appearance.

Consult to a specialist for advice you about the appropriate procedures for you.

There are several different types of cosmetic surgery that are popular.

#1. Acne scar removal treatment with surgical dermabrasion

Surgical dermabrasion perfomed by lifting the top layer of skin with a laser or a special wire brush.

The patient's skin commonly will look red and sore for several months after they take this procedure before the results are seen.

#2. Acne scar removal treatment with subcision

Subcision are typically used to treat scarring.

In the process, the doctor will remove the outer layer of skin along with scar tissue beneath it.

This separation will cause the blood clotted in the area and form connective tissue.

This connective tissue will flatten scar tissue with other skin surfaces.

For a more perfect result, doctors usually perform laser treatment or surgical dermabrasion after completion of subcision procedures.

#3. Acne scar removal treatment with laser treatment

This procedure can be used to treat mild to moderate acne scars.

Laser treatment is divided into two, namely ablative and nonlative laser treatment.

In ablative procedure, a laser is used to remove a small section of skin around the scar tissue to produce new skin looks soft.

While in nonlative procedures, lasers are used to stimulate the growth of new collagen or a kind of skin protein that is useful to improve the appearance of damage caused by scars.

Acne scar removal treatment with Punch Technique

Furthermore, there are non-pharmaceutical acne recovery technique called punch technique.

Usually this technique is used to treat scar tissue type ice pick and boxcar.

There are three kinds of punch techniques, namely punch excision, punch elevation, and punch grafting.

#1. Acne scar removal treatment with punch elevation

Punch elevation is typically used to treat acne scars boxcar-shaped so that it becomes almost invisible.

The trick is to get rid of wound base through surgery.

The wound is then pulled or raised to parallel the skin surface.

#2. Acne scar removal treatment with punch excision

Punch excision is applied to treat scar tissue of ice pick which is still categorized as light.
The trick is to get rid of the scar and close it.

When healed, the skin looks smoother on the dissected area.

#3. Acne scar removal treatment with punch grafting

The latter is a punch grafting used to treat ice pick scars that are very deep.

Same way as punch excision, but in this technique, the scar patched with skin graft or a graft from another part of the body, such as skin behind the ear.

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Skin Care Acne Treatment

Sometimes, skin care acne treatment takes several months, depend on severity of the acne.

You can treat your own mild acne such as the spots, whiteheads, and blackheads using a cream or gel containing benzoyl peroxide.

This cream or gel can you buy freely without a prescription.

Here are some helpful suggestions for you to treat acne.

1. Use soap or mild facial cleanser and warm water to clean the area with acne. But avoid using water that is too hot or cold because it can make acne worse.
2. Do not over wash the area of skin with acne because it will only worsen the irritation. Just wash it twice a day.
3. Set up your hair so as not hit your face and wash your hair regularly to keep it clean.
4. Do not try to remove blackheads by pressing it because it will be worsen and leave scars.
5. Do not overuse cosmetics or makeup.
6. We recommend to use a water-based cosmetic products which have no effect to block the skin pores.
7. Clean up your makeup before your bed.
8. If you have dry skin, use a water-based moisturizer that does not contain perfume.
9. If you're treating acne, you should not expect quick results because the process may take up to three months. Patience is needed during this treatment process.

If the irritated area is widespread, and papules and pustules appear in large quantities, or do not go away even if treated, go to your doctor immediately. Usually, your doctor will give you a prescription.

Acne medications commonly purchased through a doctor's prescription include topical antibiotics, topical retinoids, contraceptive pills for women, isotretinoin tablets, antibiotic tablets, and azelaic acid.

The doctor may refer you to a dermatologist if painful nodules appear, besides appearance large amount of papules and pustules on your chest, back, and face.

Skin care acne treatment with Topical Retinoids

In addition to preventing the clogging of hair follicles by dead skin cells, topical retinoids are also able to reduce sebum production in the oil glands.

Drugs commonly used topical retinoids are tretinoin and adapalene, available in cream and gel form.

This medicine is usually used once before bedtime, which is 20 minutes after you wash your face.

There are several things should be watch out before taking this drug.

For pregnant women, topical retinoids should be avoided because this drugs can cause birth defects.

Besides, take this drug as the dose and protect your irritated skin from the over-exposure sunlight, especially ultraviolet rays.

Usually this treatment is taking for six weeks.

But to prevent acne reappearing, you may be advised to continue using this drug with a rare frequency.

Doctors sometimes recommend the use of topical retinoids combined with dapsone for more effective results.

However, this drug combination has the potential side effects in some users, ie dry skin and redness.

Skin care acne treatment with Benzoyl Peroxide

Benzoyl peroxide can prevent dead skin clog the hair follicles and kills the bacteria that infect blocked follicles.

This drug is used on facial acne areas in 20 minutes after you wash your face.

Benzoyl peroxide is available in gel and cream form.

Use of this drug as the recommended dosage. Overuse of this drug will cause skin irritation.

Some side effects from the use of this drug include the sensation of itching, stinging, and heat on the skin.

Besides, the skin will becomes harden and dry, moreover skin will becomes redness and peeling.

Avoid over-exposure of the sun's ultraviolet rays when using this benzoyl peroxide because this drug can cause your skin more sensitive to those rays.

This drug also has a whitening effect, so don't get exposed to your clothes or hair.

You do not need to worry about the side effects of this drug because it generally goes away by itself after the treatment is completed.

To remove all of your acne, benzoyl peroxide is usually used for six weeks.

However, afterwards, some patients may be advised to continue using this drug with less frequent of use to prevent acne.

Skin care acne treatment with Azelaic Acid

Azelaic acid is used to get rid of dead skin and kill acne bacteria.

This drug is commonly used as an alternative for someone who do not want to undergo treatment with topical retinoids or benzoyl peroxide because of its annoying side effects.

This drug does not make the wearer sensitive to sunlight.

However, it does not mean the azelaic acid drug has no side effects. Side effects remain even lighter.

Some of the side effects of using azelaic acid can make skin looks redness and dryness.
Sometimes the skin is also feels itchy, burning, or stinging.

Azelaic acid is available in gel or cream form, usually used twice or once a day for someone with more sensitive skin.

The initial efficacy of this drug will be seen a month after its use.

Skin care acne treatment with Topical Antibiotics

Topical antibiotics are used to kill bacteria on the skin that can infect the clogged hair follicles.

The drug is available in liquid or gel form.
There are some side effects that can occurs with this treatment, although it is rare.

These side effects such as the skin looks red and feels burn, mild skin irritation, and sometimes peeling.

Topical antibiotics are commonly used once or twice a day.

This treatment is usually carried out for 6-8 weeks.

After this period, use of this drug should be stopped, so that bacteria on the face does not to be resistant to this drug.

Resistant bacteria will increases the infection  or cause acne will be worsen.

Antibiotic tablets to treat severe acne

For high acne severity, treatment can be done by combining topical medications with antibiotic tablets.

Recovery commonly will be seen after six weeks of treatment, depending on the reaction of each user.

Indeed, in some case, recovery will be seen after 4-6 months.

In most severe cases of acne, the doctor will prescribe a type of antibiotic called tetracycline.

However, this drug is usually not given to women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

As a substitute drug for pregnant women, the doctor will recommend an antibiotic called erythromycin because it is safer to use.

Besides can make your skin sensitive to the sun's ultraviolet rays, tetracycline also can cause contraceptives pills less effective during the first few weeks of treatment.

Usually you are advised to use other contraceptives, such as a condom, during this treatment.

Skin care acne treatment with antiandrogen

If antibiotics can not eliminate acne, antiandrogen may be considered by a doctor.

This drug works by blocking the androgen effect on the sebaceous glands.

An example of androgen drugs is spironolactone.

Isotretinoin to prevent clogged hair follicles

Isotretinoin is an acne medication in tablet form.

This drug is able to prevent the clogging of hair follicles and reduce the amount of bacteria on the skin.

In addition isotretinoin also helps reduce sebum production in the skin glands.

Isotretinoin can also relieve swelling in acne spots and reduce redness around the infected skin.

Most users of isotretinoin drugs take 4-6 months before results are seen.

During the first 7-10 days of treatment, acne will look more spread out.

But don't be worry, this kind of condition is normal in the early days of usage.

Apart from a number of advantages above, this drug also stores various side effects.

Therefore, the use of isotretinoin is only recommended for someone who suffered severe acne and could not recover with other treatments.

In other words, it is only given to someone whose treatment is specifically prescribed by a dermatologist.

Some side effects of isotretinoin include:

• Changes in blood sugar levels.
• Inflammation, dryness, and cracks that occur on the skin, lips, and around the nostrils.
• The presence of blood in the urine.
• Blepharitis or inflammation of the eyelids.
• Conjunctivitis or inflammation and eye irritation.

There are issues that isotretinoin users experience a mood swing.

Although there is no evidence about it, it helps you take precautions.

Ask your doctor if you feel depressed or anxious, aggressive, or think about suicide after starting isotretinoin usage.

Other rare side effects of isotretinoin are kidney disease, pancreatitis and hepatitis, or inflammation of the liver.

Therefore, you are advised to perform blood tests before or during this treatment to avoid these three risk risks.

The side effects of isotretinoin which very concerned on pregnant women is abnormalities in the fetus.

This drug should also be avoided by women who are breastfeeding.

If you are a woman who is entering childbearing age, you should use one or two methods of contraception for one month before starting treatment, during treatment, and for one month after treatment.

Even if you had used a contraceptive method, you still need to take a pregnancy test before, during, and after treatment.

For women who were pregnant or felt she was pregnant, it is forbidden to use isotretinoin.

Contact a dermatologist immediately if you feel you are pregnant while taking isotretinoin treatment.

Hormone therapy for menstrual women with acne

The positive impact of hormone therapy treatment is often perceived women with acne, especially if the acne appears during the menstrual period, or if it relates to a hormone problem, such as polycystic ovary syndrome.

If you have not used the medication, a doctor may recommend you take combination oral contraceptives.

Generally in women, combined contraceptive pills can help treat acne even though it can take up to a year before fully visible results.

Others non-drug therapy options

In addition to using drugs, there are several other acne treatment techniques.

This treatment technique can be done alone or in conjunction with drug consumption.

The first is chemical peels. In this method, the acne skin will be exfoliated, it is to grow a new skin layer. In the process, chemical peels involve chemicals, ie salicylic acid.

Therapy using blackhead extractor also can be performed. Like it's name, this method use a certain tool to remove the blackheads.

Steroid injections to eliminate acne nodules and cysts may also be performed. Through this technique, doctors do not need to perform a surgical removal, but only by injecting steroid drugs on the skin which has problem.

Another technique is photodynamic therapy (also called light therapy). Through this method, acne is removed by killing inflammatory bacteria by firing light.

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Acne Diagnosis of Severity Levels of Acne

Generally, there are no need specific tests for acne diagnosis. A doctor, especially dermatologist, able to diagnose acne just by looking at your skin.

To determine the severity of acne, the area of acne skin and the level of inflammation and pain can help to make the diagnosis.

This is important in planning your treatment.

Severity levels of acne

There are four levels that can be used to measure the severity of acne:

1. The first level or mild

At the first level, usually acne that grows just a blackheads or whiteheads with a little papules and pustules.

2. The second level or middle

At the second level, there are a number of papules and pustules that generally appear on the face only.

3. The third level or quite severe

At the third level, the papules and pustules that appear have been spelled out a lot, including in the chest and back.

This severity is also characterized by the appearance of several nodules.

4. The fourth level or severe

At the top of the severity level, the fourth or severe level, the pustules and nodules are seen to fill different parts of the body, and are accompanied by pain.

Acne diagnosis

Acne diagnosis by doctor or dermatologist usually by asking you a few questions about your acne, including any medications or supplements which you have been taking.

The doctors or dermatologist are usually able to diagnose acne by simply examining the patient's skin.

This examination includes examining the types of acne that appear on the face or even on the back and chest.

In addition, the doctor will also determine how high the severity of acne based on the visible inflammation and the amount of acne.

After completion of the examination, then the treatment plan can be made.

A more progressive examination of acne cases is rare, except in some cases. For example, in women who experience sudden acne problems in adult life.

In this case, the doctor can perform the blood tests and ultrasound examinations to ascertain whether the patient is exposed to polycystic ovary syndrome that causes hormonal imbalance and impacts on the appearance of acne.

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What Causes Acne Breakouts

Causes of Acne

Acne can occur when the hair follicle is blocked by mixing dead skin cells, dirt, and sebum (substances produced by oil glands that help prevent dryness of the skin).

Then, a bacterial infection causes inflammation in the blockage area.

In blackheads case, follicle blockage opens the skin pores. Otherwise, in whiteheads case, the follicle blockage is located not far below the surface of the skin and it creates a bulge.

Blackheads and whiteheads should not be underestimated because these conditions can develop into severe acne, such as developing into pustules, papules, nodules, or even cysts, when the follicle blockage is also infected by skin bacteria.

Cause factors of acne

There are several factors that can increase acne risk, including:

#1. Hormonal changes

It is estimated that acne in adults is caused by changes in hormone levels.

Eight of ten cases of acne in adults, occurs in women, because hormonal changes in women are more often occurs at certain times, ie when the menstruation and pregnancy.

Acne often appears in some women before the menstrual period. While in pregnant, the acne usually appears in the first three months of pregnancy.

For women who have a condition called polycystic ovary syndrome, besides the appearance of acne, it is also occurs weight gain and the appearance of a small cyst in the ovary.

#2. Puberty

Acne problem is usually occurs on teens. At their puberty, production of sebum by the sebaceous glands will increase with the testosterone hormone production.

And sometimes, this sebum production is over the quantity which the skin needed.

#3. Side effects of cosmetic use

#4. Irritation can also be caused by the objects that we use

Acne can occur due to friction or pressure from the material we use on the skin continuously.

For example, spots on the forehead that becaused too often wear headbands and spots on the back due to wearing a backpack routinely.

#5. Addicted to smoking

#6. Stress

#7. Drug side effects

This is usually occurs in the use of lithium, steroid, and antiepileptic drugs. Supplements of Vitamins B2, B6, and B12 can also cause acne.

#8. Heredity

If we have parents who had acne problems, we are more at risk to have the same problems.

Instead, the severity of acne can be even higher especially before we entering the adulthood.

Besides, if our parents still have problems with acne, we are also at risk to have the same problem, even though we has entered adulthood.

Misunderstanding about acne

Many people misunderstand about acne. Although this is one of the skin problems that occurs to most people.

Misunderstanding about acne often raises a number of unreasonable assumptions, for example:

1. You will be infected by someone acne.
2. Pushing blackheads is the best way to get rid of acne. In fact, squeezing acne will only make the symptoms worse, can even leave a scar.
3. Acne as an effect of sexual activity.
4. Acne is caused by poor diet.
5. Poor hygiene or dirty skin can cause acne.
6. Sunbathing both naturally and artificially, can treat acne symptoms.

All the above assumption is not true.

Skin hygiene is not related to the appearance of acne, because acne is caused by biological reactions that occur beneath the skin surface.

Precisely our skin condition will worsen if we wash our face more than twice a day when being acne.

There is no definite evidence that sunbathing naturally or sunbathing with artificial techniques can treat acne.

Many acne medications that actually make our skin becomes more sensitive to light.

As a result, exposure to light can cause damaged skin, can even trigger the risk of skin cancer.

According to various information, toothpaste can dry out acne. Although toothpaste does contain antibacterial substances, but toothpaste also contains substances that can make skin irritated and damaged.

Therefore, the use of toothpaste to treat acne is not recommended.

Pharmacists or doctors can advise on a much safer and effective treatment.

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How Acne Forms, The Severe Pimples on Face and Other Part of Body

There are some common pimple symptoms that occurs generally, severe pimples on face and the other part of body, how acne forms and its differences.

The body part that is usually overgrown with acne is on the face. It occurs to most people with acne.

Besides on the face, acne can also grow on the back and this is occurs to more than half of people with acne.

Then, acne can also grow on the chest. It is known that about 15 percent of people with acne acne occurs on their chest.

Besides the appearance of spots, skin also becomes oily when we have acne. And it can even feel pain or burned when it touched.

How acne forms? There are six types of acne spots, including papules, pustules, blackheads, whiteheads, nodules, and cysts.

Blackheads and Whiteheads

Blackheads are divided into two types, blackheads and whiteheads. The difference of them is in the clogging and hardening of sebum or oil.

Blackheads are black spots that usually appear in the area around the nose. The black color is not derived from dust or dirt, but the pigmentation that occurs in the layer of the hair follicle.

While whiteheads has a harder texture. This is caused by the accumulation of hardened sebum inside the skin pores.

If at first glance, this blackheads spots seen similar to whiteheads.

Papules and Pustules

Papules are small painful lump. The size is small with red color and soft texture. 

While pustules are small lump on the top part there is an accumulation of pus.

Nodules and cysts

Nodules and cysts are categorized as severe acne.

Nodules are characterized by the appearance of hard, large, and painful lumps from underneath the skin surface in considerable amounts.

Cysts are formed when bacteria, sebum, and dead skin cells clog the inside of the pores. Cysts look like big boils and feel painful. The lump that contains the pus will usually leave a permanent scar after healed.

Just as nodules, cysts are also large lump, but contain pus. Overview of the cyst looks like a boil.

Generally, nodules and cysts can leave permanent scars on the face after recovery.

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Acne Problems on Face and Other Parts of The Body

What is Acne?

Acne is one of the skin problems marked by the appearance of spots on several parts of the body, such as acne problem on face, neck, back, and chest.

The severity of acne can be mild spots, such as blackheads and whiteheads, and severe spots which containing pus and cysts. Generally, the spots which classified as severe it will leave a scar on the skin.

Besides marked by the appearance of spots, and oily skin, sometimes acne can also causes our skin feels burned and painful when it touched.

There are some parts of our body that are usually overgrown with acne, and the most common are on our face.

Actually, acne is a common condition, that means most of the people have experienced it.

Most of the acne problem affect everyone under 28 years old. Teenagers are more at risk to have an acne problem at 14-19 years old.

Although acne can disappear along with our growth, but in some cases, acne problem still occur until the mid of 20s.

Women in their 20s are five times more at risk to have acne problem than men in their 20s.

Factors causing acne

Acne can appear at any age, but changes in hormone levels during puberty are often associated with the causes.

These hormonal changes affect the oil-producing glands or sebum that is located close to the hair follicles in the skin.

Increased activity of this gland causes the production of sebum in the face also increases.

This pile of sebum will blend with dust and dead skin cells, then clog the pores.

When the pores are clogged and due to the high amount of sebum on the skin surface, the bacteria called Propionobacterium acnes will grow and develop rapidly. This bacterium is a general cause of acne.

Propionibacterium acnes releases a kind of irritant substance that will irritate the skin.

This effects of irritation will causes redness and swelling on the skin, and also cause a pus under the skin.

The inner layer of the hair follicle also thickens due to changes in hormone levels and causes clogged skin pores. These clogged pores will not disappear, even if the skin has been cleaned.

In addition during puberty, acne can also be experienced by women due to hormonal changes that occur during the menstrual cycle and pregnancy.

Acne is also known as hereditary factors. Most likely someone will get acne if both parents also acne.

Until now, there is no evidence that acne is caused by sexual activity, food, or poor hygiene.

Diagnosis of acne

Doctors are usually able to diagnose acne just by looking at the skin of patients directly.

Through the examination, the doctor can determine the type of acne that grows and measure the level of severity (level of inflammation and the number of acne).

Once the diagnosis is done, then the treatment plan can be made.

The right action if you have acne

It is important to maintain skin hygiene in acne areas, although it will not prevent the appearance of new acne.

Wash the area twice a day using a cleanser or face soap. To avoid irritation, do not rub the skin too hard.

Now most of the moisturizer products have gone through the testing phase. Use moisturizer if your skin is dry and avoid using beauty products that will clog the pores of your skin.

Although acne can not be cured, but can still be controlled through treatment. Gel-shaped drugs, moisturizers, and creams are now widely available in pharmacies.

If you have acne, it is better to consult a doctor, especially if the use of drugs are sold freely on the market does not work or even actually cause side effects such as:

•      Swelling of the face, eyes, lips, or tongue.
•      Sore throat and shortness of breath.
•      Fainting.

Generally, doctors recommend the use of products containing low concentrations of benzoyl peroxide.

But be careful in using it because in the industrial field, the concentrate is also used as a bleach clothing.

You may require antibiotics or creams that are stronger if your acne is quite severe and occurs in several parts of the body, such as the chest and back.

Remember that the use of such drugs must go through a doctor's prescription.

Complications of acne

Ask your doctor if acne growth worsens. If severe acne is not treated immediately, it is feared could lead to complications in the form of scars.

In addition, it is advisable to see your doctor if the drug used can not control the acne problem on face and other parts of your body so it makes you insecure and depressed.

Acne treatment requires patience. Not advisable to squeeze pimples because it will leave a permanent scar.

Generally, treatment will show optimal results in three months.

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