Why Prevention is Better than Cure in Acne Scars
Healthcare Implications of Scarring Caused by Pimples
Oct 29, 2009
Most studies on acne and its effects on the teenage population highlight the fact that scarring is the primary concern of a patient with acne.
Healthcare Implications of Scarring Caused by Pimples
There is a wide variation in the results of studies on the occurrence of scarring in acne patients. Goodman, in 2000, reported 11% of males and 14% of females with acne had scars as assessed by the dermatologists treating them. A survey conducted in 2001 in France among female patients by Poli F et. al. revealed that 49% of patients thought they had scarring from acne.
In the extreme end of the spectrum, Layton et. al. studied 185 patients in 1994 and found that almost 95% of patients in their study had some degree of acne scarring. They also noted that body acne caused scarring in males more often than females. Another important inference from their study was that the severity of acne scars was related to the delay in taking treatment after the onset of acne eruptions.
It would be interesting to analyze why an acne sufferer would approach a doctor for the treatment of acne scars in the first place. There are two main reasons why an individual would seek treatment for his/her acne scar problem:
- Cosmetological reasons. Removing scars or at least changing the appearance of scars so that it becomes less visible is the main reason a patient would seek out treatment for the acne scars. It is always wise to keep a realistic expectation, though, so as to avoid future disappointments.
- Psychological reasons. Recurrent acne eruptions and the resultant blemishes and scars could be emotionally upsetting to any teenager. At times, the psychological impact may be disproportional to the extent of the acne scars themselves. Depressive illness and anxiety coupled with a loss of confidence creates an inferiority complex and self imposed social isolation in a number of acne scar sufferers. In such cases, proper counseling should be included as part of the acne treatment protocols.
Why Prevention is Better than Cure in Acne Scars
An update from the global alliance of dermatologists to improve outcomes in acne management published as a supplement to the May 2009 issue of the Journal of American Academy of Dermatology reached the consensus opinion that "Early, appropriate treatment is best to minimize the potential for acne scars." The authors, headed by Diane Thiboutot from the department of dermatology, Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine and Harald Gollnick from the Otto-von-Guericke University, Magdeburg recommended the acne treatment be continued as long as necessary to prevent acne scars.
The above study conducted by dermatologists from across the globe linked two modifiable key factors to the formation of acne scars:
- Time delay between onset of acne and starting effective and appropriate treatment according to the specific type of acne. The longer the delay to get the most appropriate treatment, the higher the chance of getting irreversible acne scars. This is a warning to those teenagers who do not take the initial outbreak of acne seriously and resort to home remedies and OTC treatments for their pimples until it is too late to prevent the damage.
- The extent and duration of inflammation caused by acne breaks before these are controlled. The more intense the inflammatory reaction and the longer it is allowed to damage the facial dermal layer, the deeper and larger will be the resultant acne scars.
In some acne affected teens, progression to scarring despite conventional treatments has been cited as a primary rationale for early institution of oral isotretinoin.
The unfortunate fact is that, whatever mode of therapy is instituted for the treatment of acne scars, it is virtually impossible to get back the normal consistency and appearance of the skin as compared to the pre-acne state. Hence it is always wise and cost effective to prevent the acne scar formation by taking appropriate effective medications to treat the acne right from the initial stages of the disease activity.
Related Articles
- Acne - A Chronic Disease with Effective Treatments . Many parents and friends advice the acne affected teens just to leave it alone as the zits will go away by themselves! Nothing can be farthest from the truth.
- Tips on How to Prevent New Acne Eruptions . A few selected tips on how to prevent acne eruptions will help most acne sufferers maintain a healthy and clear complexion.
Sources:
- Diane T, Gollnick H et al. New insights into the management of acne: An update from the Global Alliance to Improve Outcomes in Acne Group. J Am Acad Dermatol, 2009;60:S1-50.
- Poli F, Dreno B, Verschoore M. An epidemiological study of acne in female adults: results of a survey conducted in France. J Eur Acad Dermatol Venereol 2001;15:541-5
- Goodman GJ. Management of post acne scarring: what are the options for treatment? Am J Clin Dermatol 2000; 1:3-17
- Layton AM, Henderson CA, Cunliffe WJ. A clinical evaluation of acne scarring and its incidence. Clin Exp Dermatol 1994;19:303-8
Disclaimer
The information given in this article is for educational purposes only so that patients are aware of the options available. No diagnosis should be made or treatment undertaken without first consulting your doctor. If you do so, the author or Suite101 will not be responsible for any consequences. The images provided are for illustration purpose only.
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
