So-called icepick scars are small pinholes that form in the surface of the skin. They look as if the skin has been poked with an icepick, hence the name. They’re typically too deep to be treated with simple dermabrasion or even laser resurfacing.

Boxcar scars are similar, except they tend to be flatter on the bottom, rather than narrowing to a point like icepick scars. Since they’re often shallower they can sometimes be treated with resurfacing techniques.

Keloid scars are firm and grow beyond the site of the injury. They’re characterized by an excess production of collagen. They often result in a shiny pink or red scar.

Prevention is the best decision, of course. But when that’s not possible, there are a number of standard treatments.

Dermabrasion

Dermabrasion is used to treat a wide range of skin conditions, including mild to moderate acne scarring. A local anesthetic is given and the professional uses a high speed brush to remove layers of skin. The skin then naturally regenerates, minus the scar in many cases.

A variation on the technique is known as microdermabrasion. Instead of a high speed brush, aluminum oxide crystals are moved rapidly through a type of vacuum hose. They carry away skin cells on their way to being collected. It’s less invasive or traumatic to the skin, but the results may, therefore, be less.

Lasers

Laser treatment can be effective for some patients. Used well, they can change the contour and size of scars. CO2 lasers are often used to remove some tissue. Sometimes a single treatment is enough, but redness can persist for several weeks afterward.

Surgery

A technique called ‘punching’ can be used to remove some icepick scars. The scar is excised down to subcutaneous fat and the resulting hole repaired. The repair may be done with sutures or a small skin graft. Results are mixed, but the technique can be effective.

Drugs

Keloids don’t respond well to these mechanical techniques, since altering the skin often just provokes the formation of more keloids. Sometimes a topical retinoid is applied. In other cases steroid-type drugs are injected directly into the skin around the scar. They’re difficult to treat by any means and results vary widely from person to person.

Whatever treatment method you choose, it’s important to consult a professional for proper diagnosis.

There are different types of acne scars, and different treatments for each.  They are classified in the following manner.

Ice pick scars are characterized by the appearance of deep pits on the skin and are most common in a sign of classic acne scarring.

Boxcar scars are angular scars, usually occurring on the temple and cheeks, and can be superficial or deep.   They are also very similar to the scars left by Chickenpox.

Rolling scars give the skin a wave-like appearance.

Hypertrophic scars are thickened scars, and may be associated with some of the more severe types of acne.

To get rid of acne scars, seek treatment through a physician. A combination of treatments are available that show good results for many people. Treatment for acne scarring depends on the type of scars you have, as well as your skin type.  Most of the success of treating acne scars has been for those on the face. It has been found that those on the back and chest do not respond as well to treatment.

One of the best ways to prevent acne scarring is to prevent acne. Taking steps to fight and prevent this condition will minimize the chance for scarring. Also treating the acne you have as fast as possible after it appears can help prevent acne scars.

Understanding your skin type, type of acne, and type of scarring associated with it is also important. Some scar treatment requires medical attention, and a doctor can help you find the treatment that will work best for you.

Laser Treatment

Laser treatment for scarring can be very effective but it is probably the most expensive treatment method. For some types of scars one treatment is enough, but for others you may need up to 10 sessions.

Laser treatments for acne scars vary in the type of laser that is used. Some aim to smooth the skin, others are for reducing redness. Carbon dioxide laser treatment actually removes affected tissue. The stronger kinds of laser treatment can cause redness that may last for several months.

Dermabrasion And Chemical Peels

Dermabrasion is a technique performed by a plastic surgeon, sometimes in conjunction with a chemical peel. It removes the top layer of skin on the premise that the new skin underneath will be scar free.

The skin can take a long time to heal after this treatment and sometimes reacts badly to the process. Some people end off more badly scarred by the abrasion than they were by their acne. On darker skinned people it can cause pigmentation changes that will take a long time to fade. It is also very expensive.

Dermabrasion is very hard to control and can go wrong even in the most expert hands.

Microdermabrasion is a gentler technique that may be performed by a dermatologist or even a beauty parlor rather than a plastic surgeon. It is not so likely to cause new scars but will only be effective on scarring that was mild already.

Punch Grafts

This is a surgical treatment for pitted acne scars that involves removing the scarred area and inserting a graft, usually taken from behind the ear. Local anesthetic will be given. Removal is fast and even the placing of the graft does not take long. The treated area will be dressed for a week and then should steadily heal.

Punch grafts are sometimes used on deep scars before a chemical peel or dermabrasion is applied to make the area smoother.

This technique works best on deep but small ice-pick type scars. It is not so effective on large areas of scarring.

Collagen Injections

Collagen is a substance produced by the body when forming and repairing skin. It can be injected into scarred areas to help the process along. Think of it as being like Botox: it plumps out the flesh under the skin so the scar is hidden, but it is a temporary measure. Within 6 months the injected collagen will be reabsorbed by the body and if the scar has not healed by itself in that time, it will be visible again. You would then need another treatment.

It’s recommended to consult with a dermatologist to help you choose which treatment for deep acne scar is best for your condition.

These products help by killing the bacteria on the skin that may be causing the acne, but also decrease the infection caused by the condition itself. It also works to indirectly keep the pores open.

Topical antibiotic products have been around for a number of years with little change to their formulation, and have usually been very successful in treating various forms of acne.

Clindaamycin is the most frequently used antibiotic for treating acne. It is available as a solution, lotion., or gel at 1% strength. It is applied twice a day to all acne prone areas, and is commonly well tolerated but may cause some irritation. There are several skin conditions where use of this product is advised against, so consult your physician about these conditions before using it. This medication must be prescribed.

Erythromycin is the second most common topical antibiotic used to treat acne. It is available as a gel, solution or ointment at 2% strength. It must be applied twice a day to all acne prone areas, and is also generally well tolerated, though some irritation may occur. It is also safe for use for women who are or may become pregnant.

Metronidazol is used frequently for acne caused by rosacea. It is available as a gel at .75% strength. It must be applied once or twice a day, and like the others mentioned above, is usually well tolerated but can cause some irritation.

Tetracycline is not often used as a topical treatment, but rather as an oral antibiotic. It is available as a solution and ointment at different strengths. It contains sodium bisulfite, a sulfa derivative, and has been known to cause allergic reactions. It may also cause yellowing of the skin. It is, however, a popular oral antibiotic for dermatologists to prescribe, but the same side effects may happen.

There are many other products used to treat acne that must be prescribed by a physician. Many factors go into determining which product is right for you such as skin type, type of acne, and the severity of your condition. Your physician will help you find one that is right for you.

Soap is one of the most common products used to cleanse the skin, and for some people is okay to use on acne afflicted areas. It can, however, aggravate these areas depending  on one’s skin type, skin sensitivity, and actual acne condition.  That is why it is important to use a cleanser that will work best with these factors.  This will help you avoid further irritation to the skin and will promote faster healing.  If you have sensitive skin, stay away from fragrant soaps, as the chemicals in them can cause breakouts. If your skin is oily, use soaps that are virtually oil-free, as products containing a substantial amount of oil will add oil to your skin, causing the pores to become clogged and subsequent breakouts to occur.

Cosmetics can cause acne to worsen. Certain makeup products contain chemicals that while on the skin, clog the pores and irritate the skin, causing breakouts.  If you are suffering more breakouts than normal, or if you feel something is irritating your skin, you may want to find out what is in your cosmetic products that might be causing this to happen.

Instead, use cosmetics that are non-cometigenic, meaning they won’t clog your pores. If a product irritates your skin, stop using it and find one that doesn’t.  Product containers now contain information about what is in the product, and what it should be used for, and often times, what skin types it works best on.  You can gain information by reading these labels.

As mentioned above, remember not to over wash your skin, as this can cause it to become irritated and breakouts to occur. Also, wash gently. Harsh scrubbing will not remove any more dirt and oil than gentle scrubbing, and will also cause irritation.

Be sure to choose your acne products carefully. You might even try sticking to one brand for your daily regimen, as this will help you be consistent. Often times, a specific line of products is engineered to work together, and will promote healing and prevention in the same way.

Stay away from harsh products that can irritate your skin, and change products if what you are using is not working for you. Consult a physician if use of over-the-counter hygiene products isn’t working properly.

Isotretinoin (Accutane)

Accutane is one of the oldest, and among the most effective, prescription medications for treating moderate to severe acne. It is used on cystic and other advanced forms and has been used safely by millions for that purpose. But it does have some potential side effects and risks.

Pregnant women are commonly advised to avoid taking isotretinoin. Various studies have advised that it can produce birth defects. It’s a synthetic molecule, a retinoid similar to Vitamin A, available in pill form. As such, it can be abused. Normal dosage is once or twice per day for 4-5 months.

It functions to reduce oil production, unclog pores and kill the bacteria that contribute to acne. It can also cause headache, excessive skin dryness, diarrhea and other problems. However, like all side effects, everyone is affected differently. That’s one of the major reasons it’s crucial to see a professional regularly during the course of treatment.

Oral Antibiotics

Acne is caused, in part, by a bacteria (Propionibacterium acnes). So, the disease can be combated, in part, by taking antibiotics. Like all powerful antibiotics some care is necessary when using these.

Tetracycline (or its derivatives, doxycycline and minocycline) is one of the most commonly used. Both forms have been in use for many years and can considerably reduce inflammatory acne. Normal dosage is 5-10 grams per day at first, though it’s reduced as treatment progresses. Treatments may take several months. Some patients’ skin becomes sensitive to the sun during treatment.

Erythromycin is another common treatment for acne. It’s a broad spectrum antibiotic and can kill Propionibacterium acnes effectively. Like any powerful antibiotic, though, it can sometimes cause gastrointestinal irritation. That’s a main reason it’s a prescription drug.

Topical Treatments

Some topical antibiotics can attack the Propionibacterium acnes bacteria directly through the surface of the skin. They’re typically used to treat less severe cases of acne. They may even be used in cases of acne vulgaris, a mild form.

A number of retinoids are sometimes prescribed. They may be the same compound used in over the counter medications, but in dosages high enough to warrant or require a prescription. Adapalene is a gel or cream that is generally effective within two or three months. It can cause minor skin dryness and irritation. It helps unclog pores. Tretinoin is a natural retinoid that has similar effects.

Nearly all acne can be successfully treated. Seek a professional diagnosis to explore your options.

Benzoyl Peroxide

One of the most common – and most effective – treatments possible for mild acne, benzoyl peroxide is used daily by millions. It works by helping combat the bacteria that is partly responsible for acne in the first place: Propionibacterium acnes. It also helps to eliminate dead skin cells from the area. If those don’t move to the surface where they can be sloughed or washed off, they can accumulate, upping the odds of getting acne.

One possible side effect is excessive drying of the skin. It can also bleach fabric, and so should be used with care when treating acne while dressed.

The danger of side effects can be minimized by using the proper amount. If a 2.5% concentration is working, don’t assume that 10% is better, or will work faster. Higher dosage only increases the chances of side effects without any compensating value.

Resorcinol

Resorcinol is another popular OTC medication and is effective in many cases, especially when combined with other compounds such as sulfur. It functions by breaking down hardened skin, leading to more effective removal from the follicle and the area outside. That also produces lower chances of clogging, a main factor in acne formation.

It should not be used in conjunction with astringents such as alcohol.

Alcohol and Acetone

Both of these common chemicals are safe, but are generally much less effective than more modern acne treatments. Alcohol is a mild antibacterial and helps remove oil from the surface. Likewise, acetone is a degreasing agent and helps keep the surface clear. But the excess oil (sebum) that contributes to acne lies well under surface where it lends a growth medium for bacteria and helps clog pores.

Salicylic Acid

Often coming in the form of soaked pads, salicylic acid helps break down blackheads and whiteheads. It slows down the process of shedding dead skin cells inside the follicle, making build up and compaction less likely. It also helps remove them. This helps prevent bacteria build up in the sebum (skin oil) inside the pore.

It should not be combined with other treatments, unless recommended by your dermatologist. Excessive skin irritation can happen.

If acne persists for more than a couple of weeks, or grows worse, it’s best to consult a dermatologist.

Acne is rarely misdiagnosed, and is easy to analyze. It can leave lasting scars, which are more prevalent in forms of severe acne, while those left with milder forms of the condition are easier to treat.

One of the most successful treatment alternatives for treating acne scars is the use of lasers such as Erbium. Acne should be treated as early on in the course of the condition as possible, so as to prevent further scarring. This can also reduce the severity of the scarring.

One of the newest ways to treat active acne is with micro dermabrrasion using aluminium hydroxide crystals. These crystals abrate the skin, removing the top layers.  This   serves to remove excess debris associated with acne. This type of treatment is not necessary or recommended with milder forms of acne as it can be hard on the skin. However, this treatment has proven to be very effective in clearing up active acne.

This type of treatment is also used to clear acne on the back and chest. This can be useful since back and chest acne is often more dificult to treat than facial acne.

Treating acne scarring requires a series of treatments before obvious results are seen. Unfortunately, this treatment isn’t very effective in treating deep scarring caused by severe or pprolonged acne.

The drawbck of micro dermabrasion treatment is that it is operator dependent.  Over pealing the skin can lead to such side effects as hypopigmentation or scarring. So, in effect, if not done properly, the treatment you are using to clear up acne scarring could actually cause additional scarring.

Because of this, it is recommended it be done by a physician or qualified therapist who knows how to make it be effective without causing more damage to your skin.

Erbiuim laser treatment as a means of treating acne and the scars associated with it is painless, bloodless, gentle, and very effective.

The actual therapy is simple, fast, and accurate, and more severe scarring can be treated during several sittings if preferred.

Though the side effects of such lasting treatments are few, and may not happen, but they are still possible. It’s recommended to discuss this acne treatmet and its possible side effects with your doctor.

Acne is caused from excess oils on the skin that build up and form lesions called pimples. Acne prevention is the best way to treat it, but this can be more difficult to do on the back.

Like with facial acne, it is important to stick to a daily skin regimen especially for this type of acne. This includes a cleanser, lotion, and possibly a moisturizer.  Glycolic acid is also said to work well with such a regimen.

Another way to try and treat back acne is to try to figure out what could be causing or helping to aggravate it. Heavy backpacks are worn across the upper shoulders and part of the back. If you carry one, especially on a daily basis, and have particular trouble with acne in these areas, you might try switching to a shoulder bag, or pack with carry handles. Once your acne clears up, try wearing the backpack once again. If the irritation returns, you will know at least part of the cause, and may think about other alternatives instead.

The clothing you wear can also affect and irritate your acne. Tight clothing can rub against your skin, which will aggravate it, and can also promote sweating. Sweat will, in turn, cause excess oil build-up, which will cause more breakouts to occur.

Rough clothing is also bad for acne-prone areas, as it aggravates the afflicted area, which can irritate existing acne and cause new breakouts.

Like other forms of acne, back acne can be mild, moderate, or severe. It is important to identify the type and severity of your condition so you can treat it accordingly. Skin type also plays a part in the treatment of acne. Different skin types require different treatments, and react differently to products.