Acne scarring is a common skin condition that not only affects aesthetics, but also has the potential to cause significant psychological disorders. According to the characteristics of acne scarring, it can be classified as patchy, mild, moderate and severe.
Patchy type refers to distinct discoloration that is neither prominent nor atrophic. The discoloration can manifest as either erythema, hyperpigmentation or hypopigmentation. Mild acne scarring is defined as scarring that is not recognizable beyond 50 cm and does not interfere with social activities. This type of scarring can be easily concealed by means of makeup.
Moderate acne scarring is clearly visible at a distance of 50cm and can be either atrophic or hyperplastic scarring. In the case of atrophic scarring, it can flatten out when the skin is stretched. This type of scar is likely to cause a social psychological barrier to the patient because it is easily visible and not well concealed by makeup. Severe acne scarring can be clearly seen from 50cm away and cannot be concealed by various makeup methods, which can be extremely damaging to the patient’s psyche. Severe atrophic scars cannot be smoothed out either.
The best time to treat acne scarring is after puberty, when acne lesions are basically stable and there are no new lesions.
1.Treatment of patchy acne scarring: You can choose topical application of retinoic acid cream, hydroquinone cream, azelaic acid, cumecoside cream, mucopolysaccharide of polyjuanic acid, etc. You can also try laser treatment for pigmentation disorders (there is a risk of aggravating pigmentation).
2.Treatment of mild acne scarring: You can choose collagen, hyaluronic acid filling injection treatment, autologous blood injection laser treatment, microdermabrasion, skin needling therapy, non-thermal etching laser, etc.
3.Treatment of moderate acne scarring: you can choose atherosclerotic laser for grinding and peeling, mechanical grinding, radiofrequency technology, deep chemical peeling, local injection of hormones or local seal of cytotoxic drugs, topical imiquimod, etc.
4. Treatment of severe acne scars: Generally, ring drilling is used, and if necessary, cosmetic surgery, reduction of tension sutures, and fat grafting and filling injections are implemented.
In addition, herbal treatment can be used according to the type of scar. Commonly used to add and subtract Tonics and Blood Activation Tang, or with the topical application of Chinese medicine, can also achieve better results.
In conclusion, the patient’s lesions are highly variable, and various periods and types of scars will exist at the same time, so the treatment should also adopt a concept of multi-method combined sequential treatment. The general order of treatment for acne scars is heavy then light, and the order of treatment selection is invasive then non-invasive, while also paying attention to both treatment and care.