Can acne scars be removed?

Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
Updated on September 16, 2024
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If acne is not treated properly or promptly, it may worsen and develop into cystic acne. Additionally, if individuals frequently scratch, squeeze, or pick at the acne during treatment, infections can form and ultimately result in residual scarring. Once scars have formed, they are not easily fully repairable. If the scar proliferation is not too severe and is relatively flat, fractional laser treatment can be temporarily used for repair. If the scar proliferation is more pronounced and protrudes significantly, it is necessary to seek treatment in a proper hospital with medications and injections for closure therapy. However, these methods can only temporarily soften or shrink the scars, and cannot completely remove them. Therefore, the most fundamental approach is still to manage the treatment effectively to prevent residual scarring. Upon detection, it is crucial to follow standardized treatment protocols and avoid scratching or bursting the acne.

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Written by Liu Jing
Dermatology
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Will acne with pustules leave scars?

Pustular acne is considered a relatively severe type of acne. Without standardized and effective treatment, coupled with poor management such as scratching with hands and other adverse stimuli, it can lead to facial scars or acne pits. Therefore, it is necessary to enhance skin moisturization and sun protection, avoid spicy and irritating foods, and use medical skincare products such as acne clearing and scar diminishing creams, and acne repair serums. Oral medications such as Tanshinone IIA sulfonate capsules, Icariin tablets, and Vitamin A acid capsules, along with topical applications of Fusidic acid cream, Vitamin A acid cream, or Adapalene gel, are used. Additionally, physical treatments like fruit acid peeling and phototherapy with red and blue light are employed to provide anti-inflammatory effects and improve abnormal keratinization. (Note: Medication should be used under the guidance of a physician.)

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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The main causes of acne formation

Acne is primarily caused by excessive secretion from one's own sebaceous glands. There are various reasons for this excessive secretion, such as genetic constitution and dietary preferences for spicy, fried, or sweet foods. Frequent staying up late, anxiety, tension, or mood disturbances can also lead to this condition. Some women may experience acne related to menstrual disorders or hormonal imbalances. Once acne is noticed, it is best to seek proper medical treatment and avoid squeezing or picking with hands to prevent scarring or pockmarks. Besides medical treatment, it is essential to maintain a long-term diet avoidance, regulate eating habits, exercise regularly to boost immunity, sweat more, and possibly take medications that reduce sebaceous gland secretion.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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How to treat acne scars?

Acne is a disease caused by Propionibacterium acnes infection, with symptoms often more severe on the face. During the treatment of acne, if not handled properly or if the symptoms are severe, scars, pits, or post-acne marks may form after healing. Once these occur, there are no very effective medications available for treatment. It is possible to visit a dermatology department at a reputable hospital and use fractional laser treatment, which has decent effects. However, it may not be resolved in one session and could require many visits, and the costs can be high. Therefore, during the treatment of acne, it is crucial to follow a standard treatment regimen, avoid squeezing or picking at acne to prevent secondary infection, maintain a light diet, avoid spicy and irritating foods, and refrain from staying up late.

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Written by Liu Jing
Dermatology
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What should I do if I have acne on my chest?

Because the chest is an area prone to seborrheic overflow, it can develop inflammatory lesions such as acne, and it is necessary to strengthen skin cleaning and provide anti-inflammatory symptomatic treatment. Oral medications such as clarithromycin sustained-release tablets and vitamin A acid ester capsules are recommended, while topical application of cloriodoquine cream or adapalene gel at the affected area can be supplemented with local treatments like red and blue light therapy and glycolic acid skin peeling. In daily life, it is important to bathe frequently, change undergarments regularly, and use selenium sulfide cleansers for skin cleaning. One should consume more green vegetables and dietary fiber, and avoid excessive spicy and high-calorie foods, including fried foods and sweets. For lesions on the chest, avoid squeezing to prevent scarring.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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Can acne scars heal by themselves?

Generally, scars formed from acne are impossible to heal naturally. Most acne scars are due to improper or untimely treatment, or scars formed from infection due to squeezing or scratching during the treatment process. These scars do not heal by themselves, and common topical medications are not particularly effective in repairing them. Generally, treatment is needed from a dermatology department in a formal hospital. If the scar is not particularly noticeable, fractional laser treatment can be used for repair. If there is significant hypertrophic scar tissue, local medication injections can be used for treatment, but they can't completely remove the scar, only temporarily shrink and soften it. Therefore, it is essential to follow proper treatment protocols during acne treatment to avoid scratching or squeezing and prevent scarring.