The Emotional Toll Of Acne Scars

Acne scars are often seen as just something physical that can be treated with the proper creams or procedures.  However, some sufferers feel the pain of the scars long after they have been healed.  This article discusses the emotional issues that arise from acne scars, and how they can be prevented.

Some of the worst kind of acne scarring is the emotional isolation imposed on the sufferers caused by the physical trauma of having to live with imperfect skin.  Severe scars cause emotional stress and embarrassment and can leading to a socially stunted  and depressing lifestyle. This condition, as well as the treatment can go on for years before there is even a glimmer of relief from the situation.  What brings on these emotional problems are the scars left by the worst types of acne.

The cause of acne conglobata is not really known. What is known is that it affect boys between the ages of 18 and 30, more often than girls. It is chronic and characterized by deep abscesses, violent inflammation, severe skin damage and big heavy acne scars. Deep ulcers may form under the damage tissue with the severity turning some young men into social hermits. Both the acne and the resulting scars do respond to treatment. It takes time, however, to heal. Follow up visits are also necessary to contain any other flare ups.

There is a highly destructive inflammation called acne fulminans,  which strikes quickly and unexpectedly. The tell tale sign is fever and ulcerating scars and lesions. It is sometimes accompanied by pain in the joints, hips and knees. The sufferer must undergo several treatments of non steroidal anti inflammatory medications.

Many of us have seen what doctors call nodular cysts on the faces of young men. These are sometimes several centimeters in diameter and can occur on the back and chest of the sufferer. These cysts are filled with pus and must be drained by a doctor. The scars that form from these cysts are usually internal and below the skin and must be removed by a qualified dermatologist. While the cysts can be treated immediately, the acne scars cannot.

Gram negative folliculitis is an infection of the follicles in the skin. It is pretty rare, developing in the process of the sufferer being treated for severe acne scarring. This type of infection is resistant to many antibiotics as well as anything purchased over the counter.

It is very important for sufferers and their families to know that treatment of these very severe cases will take years, and sometime the first treatments will not work. The point is to find something with the help of a qualified physician that will work to clear the acne and the resulting acne scars.

Article Tags: Acne Scars

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