Treatment for Acne Craters

Acne affects a significant percentage of individuals during their adolescence, adulthood or both. Popping pimples or otherwise treating acne inappropriately can cause permanent scarring. Scars take various shapes, which align with the names "craters," "ice-picks," "boxcar scars" and "hypertrophic scars." Numerous treatment options exist. and effectiveness varies from person to person.

Crater Cause

• According to AcneNet, "family history plays a big role in whether a person develops acne scars." Individuals with severe acne also face a greater risk of scarring. Individuals who pop pimples may increase their risk of scarring, since fingers carry additional germs to the surface, increasing the chance of infection and potentially prolonging acne. Another cause of acne scars is a lack of collagen. Microdermabrasion Treatment Systems notes that "after acne pops and goes away, the surface has no collagen to rest on, so it gets depressed into a deeper layer of skin where it heals."

Microdermabrasion

• Microdermabrasion is a cosmetic procedure in which the top layer of skin from your face is gently removed through light abrasion. Microdermabrasion is one of the primary treatments for reducing or eliminating acne scars and can be done at a dermatologist's office or, increasingly, at a spa. When a layer of skin is removed an individual forms a new layer, which is smoother and more even. Microdermabrasion is popular because it is painless, safe, relatively inexpensive and has no post-treatment healing time, according to Microdermabrasion Treatment Systems. People with mild craters may see some improvement after just one treatment. Generally, multiple treatments are needed, and those with extensive scars will need 10 or more treatments. Extremely deep craters can be reduced. but not eliminated, with this treatment. The only side effect with microdermabrasion is a slight soreness and redness, both of which go away within hours.

Laser Resurfacing

• One of the newest treatment options for removing acne craters is laser resurfacing. Laser resurfacing involves the use of a laser to remove skin, so new skin can develop in its place. According to Acne.org, doctors have seen mixed results with laser use, although penetration depth can be more easily controlled than with other treatments. Laser resurfacing is expensive relative to other treatments. Post-treatment redness and swelling can last for several weeks, and individuals generally need to apply ointment during healing. Severe cases may require the application of bandages post-treatment.

Creams and Chemicals

• Chemical peels refer to the application of acid to the skin in order to remove the top layer and encourage growth of a new layer. Such a procedure only takes 15 minutes and is relatively inexpensive. However, even with repeated peels, the procedure will only assist those with shallow craters or other light scars. A wide variety of over-the-counter creams also claim to reduce scars. According to AcneNet, these products provide some relief to those with less significant scaring. Specifically, over-the-counter products may diminish shallow craters, partially flatten raised scars or reduce discoloration. When considering an over-the-counter cream, consumers should look for products that contain glycolic acid, retinol or vitamin C.

Safety First

• Certain treatments, including various over-the-counter creams and chemicals, can have different effects on different people. These can include rashes and irritation. With improper use or application, an individual can actually worsen scars. For optimum safety, individuals looking to remove acne scars should contact a dermatologist for a personalized treatment plan.