There are three types of acne scars, and each of them requires different treatment.
There are three types of acne scars, and each of them requires different treatment.
The most common type of acne scar is called “ice picks”. These scars formed in place of cystic acne that affected deeper skin layers. If the dimpling of the epidermis tissue is slight, it will soon even out. If the acne scar is deeper, you need to do something about it.
The second type of acne scars is called “craters” which form when a section of epidermis is trapped beneath scar tissue causing deeper pit. These pits can be wider, up to quarter-inch in diameter. These acne scars form when the acne is not severe and heals faster, so that body has no time to produce enough granulation tissue to fill in the wound.
In some people, who have thicker skin on the face, or when acne occurs on the back, neck, and even thighs, thick acne scars, or kelloids, can form in the place of acne lesions. People with darker complexions are more prone to kelloids. These acne scars can be tender and even itchy; they are hard to touch and are raised above the skin surface. Kelloid acne scars are initially red or dark pink by color, even on people with darker complexions. Kelloid acne scars may grow in time if you add some weight, and they tan faster turning dark brown. The treatment of these scars doesn’t rely solely on vitamin A or glycolic acids. You may consider going through dermabrasions, chemical peels or laser resurfacing of thick acne scars. All these techniques will remove the very top layer of the skin and the excess tissue off the scar.
Acne scars on the body heal worse than those on the face. Because skin on the face is densely packed with blood vessels, scars, as any wounds, heal very fast. But the skin on the body is much thicker; it has less blood vessels and sebum glands. That is why healing of scars on the body is slower and not so resolute.
Most of the acne lesions that people call acne scars are in fact skin discolorations, macules, or post-inflammatory erythema - red spots left after acne lesions heal. The redness is caused by the blood vessels that have increased and even broke responding to the inflammation. These acne scars may become darker when your face is hot or after an exercise. Most often, the broken and weakened vessels of the macule will be reabsorbed by the body when the infection is gone. Most of these acne scars can be covered by makeup, and will eventually fade, most often in three-four months.
When the pigment-producing cells in skin were affected by acne and were trapped deep in dermis, then we have a dark spot, a hyper-pigmentation. These acne scars can remain for a very long time, even permanently. In any case, it’s important to remember that these marks are not acne scars and require no treatment.
You must remember that acne scar elimination is a lengthy process, and not all acne scars can vanish completely. Even if you decide to try some radical measures, such as microdermabrasion, dermabrasions or chemical peels, it requires several sessions until you really see an improvement in your skin texture and tone.
Some people get acne on the scalp that may take a few weeks to clear up.
Scalp acne is known as acne necrotica miliaris, and seems to flourish during times of high stress or when the scalp is oilier than normal. Oily scalp may occur if you haven't shampooed as often as usual or are using hair-care products with a lot of oil.
To speed healing of scalp acne, shampoo frequently and apply an acne remedy with benzoyl peroxide. If scalp acne itches, use an anti-itch product with cortisone or wash your hair several times with a coal-tar shampoo.
Scalp acne can be annoying, but are easily treated the same way you would treat any other breakout. You can use a skin cleanser containing salicylic acid on a cotton ball and apply it only on the breakout area. Most of these cleansers are very stripping and will dry the hair out completely, so keep to the target area and rinse the cleanser thoroughly.
As an option, and since many people with scalp acne also have oily scalp conditions, you can use your oily scalp shampoo and follow up with an astringent or acne treatment containing salicylic acid applied directly on the blemish area with a cotton ball or pad.
It is important to remember that you don't want to use those acne products containing benzoyl peroxide or other peroxide ingredients on your scalp acne because of the potential for altering the hair color. This is doubly important if you have color-treated or chemically-textured hair which is already more porous than virgin (untreated) hair.
There is a specific type of scalp acne called “pomade acne” which occurs on skin that comes into contact with the pomade, such as the scalp, forehead and temples Pomade scalp acne occurs on the scalp, forehead and temples where pomade comes into contact with the skin. It usually consists of comedones, with perhaps a few papules and pustules.
Most, if not all, pomades fall into the category of comedogenic (pore clogging) cosmetics and hair dressings. The heavy oils in pomades can clog skin, setting the stage for formation of scalp acne. In addition, some of the other chemicals in pomades may irritate the skin, contributing to inflammation.
For pomade scalp acne, treatment consists of these options:
If using pomade to decrease scalp dryness, try applying pomade one inch behind the hairline.
Is using pomade to style or make hair more manageable, try applying pomade to the ends of the hair only to avoid contact with the scalp and hairline.
Stop using pomade if you have severe scalp acne.
When pomade is no longer making contact with the skin or pomade use is discontinued, pomade scalp acne should gradually clear. If it persists, the scalp acne should be treated the same as any other acne by gently cleansing the skin and using a topical preparation, such as benzoyl peroxide. If the scalp acne does not clear after 6 – 8 weeks of treatment, contact a dermatologist.
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