Bad Scars from Keloid Acne

When we think of acne scars, we tend to picture “ice pick” divots in the skin. These tell-tale pot marks relay a story of complexion woes from years ago that continue today. Not all acne scars leave divots in the flesh. Some of the marks actually have the reverse effect on the skin, as in the case of acne keloid scars.

Keloids are scars that are raised above the surface of the skin caused by an overgrowth of flesh at the spot where the initial injury occurred. Often times, the skin is damaged by pimples and acne keloid scars form skin growths on the area where the pimples originally appeared. Even though the skin is completely healed, the area is left with a raised scar that is difficult to treat.

Although the acne keloid scars are difficult to treat, they do tend to become less and less noticeable over time as the raised skin becomes a little more even with the surrounding skin. I personally have witnessed my sister using pressure to reduce the appearance of an acne keloid scar, and the technique worked. She simply applied pressure to the raised area for a period of five minutes, three times each day. Within a week, the raised area was even with the rest of her skin.

The pressure technique may not work for all cases, but it is worth a try. Other treatments for acne keloid scars include freezing the area. This procedure is generally quick and relatively painless. Laser therapy is another good, relatively pain-free approach to getting rid of acne keloid scars. Other approaches are not so kind.

Injections, radiation and surgery are the other options, so I would opt to use pressure first and foremost. If pressure did not work, I would suggest using lasers or freezing. The acne keloid scars would have to be significantly noticeable for me to consider going under the needle, let alone under the knife.

The good news is that the acne keloid scars are not harmful. The bad news is they often tend to reappear after they have been removed. Another negative to these kinds of scars is they may be sensitive to touch. Sometimes they become irritated and uncomfortable.

It is never a good idea to leave a skin growth go without medical attention. You may diagnose yourself with having an acne keloid scar, but your doctor may have a different opinion. If you find a new, possibly sensitive area of raised flesh, have it checked out by your physician. A biopsy may not be necessary, but it is good to be sure.