New treatment could rid acne scars

There are many acne treatments that can help sufferers rid themselves of the skin disorder. However, even after the acne has cleared away, some people are left scarred from the condition. Now, a new treatment may now be available that will cover over these scars.

It is widely believed that over 90% of people in their teens and early 20s will suffer from acne at one time in their lives. The condition is a result of an overbalance in hormones which leads to the production of oil and sebum.

Scars

There are a number of acne treatments that can help young people get rid of the ailment, and some can even prevent scarring at the same time. For many though, scars can remain on the skin as a result of acne.

A new technique is being used to help remove these scars. The treatment consists of removing skin from behind the ear and applying it to the scar tissue. The crater behind the ear is administered with anaesthetic, and some of the skin removed. The acne affected scar tissue is then removed and replaced with the skin from behind the ear. The new skin is then sealed with sterile strips.

Self-conscious

“Over the past five years, laser treatment, which stimulates the production of collagen, has been used very successfully as a treatment for acne scarring,” says Dr Puneet Gupta, who is a GP with special interest in dermatology. “However, for people with very deep craters, even strong laser treatment is not enough. They are usually in a very visible part of the face, are hard to camouflage even with make-up, and, as a result, patients often feel very self-conscious”.

The new treatment causes little bleeding. The process is also completed and fully healed only after a few days.