Acne and scarring

Laser. If the scars are extensive but not too deep, and the acne has burnt out, laser treatment is a possibility. In the UK, it is difficult (but not impossible) to obtain laser treatment under the National Health Service, but it is available from private clinics. It is claimed to be particularly effective for flat, ‘tissue-paper’ scars and for pitted ‘ice-pick’ scars, but not as good for thick, lumpy scars. However, there is little evidence that it is really effective (British Journal of Dermatology 2000;142:413–23), and it is costly in private clinics. If you are considering it, discuss it with your doctor first.

 

Collagen injections. Some specialist clinics use collagen injections to plump out flat ‘tissue-paper’ scars and pitted ‘ice-pick’ scars.

 

Liquid nitrogen/steroid injection. Lumpy cysts can sometimes be treated by freezing with liquid nitrogen or injecting with triamcinolone steroid. These are not treatments for scars.

 

Dermabrasion, ‘planing down’ of the skin using a high-speed wire brush, used to be a common method of dealing with acne scars. It now seldom used because of the risk of infection.

 

Silicone sheets. You can buy silicone sheets (‘silicone skin’) from pharmacies. You may have to ask your pharmacist to order them. You apply the sheet to your skin like a face mask. It is claimed that this can help lumpy scars, but its effectiveness is questionable.

 

Surgery. Scars which are deep and disfiguring can sometimes be cut out by a plastic surgeon.
 

Written by: Dr Margaret Stearn
Edited by: Dr Margaret Stearn
Last updated: Sunday, May 8th 2011

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Comments on this article

Posted by Optional on 28/12/2011 at 04:38

i have childhood embarassing scars on my legs, they are tiny and alot, i have lost potential dates because i am afraid they will reject me if the guys see my scars, i have kept this a secret for too long , i am suffering in silence, i want to wear dresses and i am starting to worry about my age because am so pretty and guys wants to marry me bt i cant let them bcos they will see my legs. Is there a solution for tiny shalow scars? Help!

Posted by Optional on 19/01/2011 at 12:54

IM AFRICAN AMERICAN WHIT BAD ACNE SCARES AND NEED HELP IV SPENT THOUSANDS OF DOLLARS AND NO ONE REALLY HELPED ME AS OF YET IVE RAN OUT OF IDEALS MY BACK IS AGAINST THE WALL PLEASE HELP

Posted by donna moscrop on 21/09/2010 at 04:10

please cud i hav some information on lazer treatment for acne

Posted by Nayeem on 08/08/2010 at 12:54

i am looking for a product which is available in bangladesh, which removes dark spots and hyperpigmentation.... please advise

Posted by Anonymous on 19/09/2009 at 06:38

I have severe deep acne. What treatment would be suitable?. Thankyou.

Posted by Rachel...x on 06/04/2009 at 09:30

Use metrogel and clearsil ultra.....x it works :)

Posted by Jamie on 02/04/2009 at 03:29

i have acne and im just wondering which would be the best treatment for me ?

Posted by Elizabeth on 22/03/2009 at 06:40

I have white heads errupting over the lower half of my face. Some of these get inflamed and painful and leave scars. I need help in finding the right kind of topical treatment as well as some pointers regarding skin care to prevent these from recurring.

Posted by Emily.x on 22/02/2009 at 04:53

Helo my names emily can some one please help me im 17 and i have spot's and i hate them .x

Posted by Helpful Fairy on 10/01/2009 at 05:40

Go to a dermatologist - don't put up with it any more. In the meantime a paste of green clay and palmarosa oil (1 drop only per paste) worked a treat for me. Parmorosa oil (obtained from health food shop) dries up sebum. Aqueous cream as moisturizer is good. And if you must remove the liquid in the spot always apply a hot compress for at least 10 mins and be gentle.

Posted by mag on 17/12/2008 at 08:08

can someone please help me i suffer bad with acne spots fof nearly 13 years now have tried everything and nothing works for me