Just as war has a post-war effect (on the completion of
the war), acne healing is not the end of the story. It is the beginning of a
new series of efforts to control the scars, and if possible, to obliterate it
totally. It is the reformation and rehabilitation process for that particular
patch of the skin.
Many people recoup the original health of the skin, without
any permanent effects. But many have to suffer disfiguring scars. Topical skincare products and medications can work to some extent, but more efforts and
ways and means will be required to find a lasting solution. A combination of
surgical procedure and skin resurfacing has to play their part here. There are
no other shortcuts or options to it howsoever.
The hyperpigmented mark on the skin, when the acne lesion
is healed, should not be mistaken as a scar. At this stage, the natural healing
process has taken over, a post-inflammatory change. The result may not be
immediate, nature is always slow, it goes placidly. The time frame for the
scar-vanishing trick may be anything between 6 to 12 months. If, even then the
skin reverts to its original colour, take it that you are going to be gifted
with a permanent scar, and think of redrawing the plans for its permanent
removal, in consultation with a dermatologist.
There are certain practices and medicines that can come in
to play to expedite the healing process of the scar:
1. Wearing a good sunscreen is of utmost importance.
Exposure to the sun causes damage to the skin and lengthens the process of
healing.
2. Skin's remodelling process is amenable to certain tried
and tested medicines. They heal up the post-inflammatory changes. One tested
medicine is Tretinoin (Retin A-Renova, Avita).
3. Do not pick scabs under any circumstances. By doing so,
you are rendering a disservice to your own skin. You are interfering with the
healing process of nature. By doing so, you are prolonging your own recovery.
Be realistic about the results. Do not try to achieve the
impossible. Such efforts may cause more damage to the skin. No single treatment
is right for everyone and your dermatologist knows what is best for you.
Remember, treatment is addressed on a case-to-case basis.
No doubt, it is double punishment. Firstly, to undergo the
pains of recovery from acne and then to be the owner of a scar. Scars are there
to remind you constantly and provide questioning room for others. In the
ultimate analysis, let the advice and wish of the dermatologist prevail.
Disclaimer:
This article is presented solely as an example and is not meant to be
interpreted as medical treatment or diagnosis. If you or someone you know
require help, seek qualified medical assistance. No content on this site should
ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or
other qualified clinicians.
Comments