Acne Scarring Glasgow

There are four major causes of acne:

1. Face, back, and chest oil production is triggered by hormones
2. Dead skin cells clog the pilosebaceous ducts, causing comedones (blackheads and whiteheads), which is also partly exacerbated by hormones
3. The bacterium acnes colonizes the skin
4. Factors contributing to inflammation

Acne may be affected by the following factors:

Hormones

• It is common for acne to worsen during the days leading up to menstruation for young women
• PCOS is one of the conditions mentioned in the previous paragraph.

UV light

• Possibly helpful for acne

Stress

• A possible explanation is the tendency of some people to scratch the spots as soon as they appear (a condition known as acne excoriee).

Diet

• Increased consumption of fresh produce, whole grains, fish, olive oil, and garlic
• Drink less bottled beverages and eat less sugary foods, such as cakes and ice creams

Cosmetics

• Oil-based cosmetics

Medications

• Steroids (tablets and creams)
• Anabolic steroids

• Skin that is oily
• Sometimes stretching the skin can make them more visible (blackheads and whiteheads)
• Inflammation of the lesions – papules , pustules and nodules
• Scarring caused by:
  • Loss of tissue – atrophic scars
  • Excess tissue – hypertrophic or keloid scars
• Darker skin types are more likely to experience pigmentation (darkening of the skin)

It is uncommon for tests to be necessary. If the acne is severe, it’s important to get in touch to find out how our acne treatments may help your condition. Tests are also likely to be unnecessary if over-the-counter treatments have failed to clean acne up or acne scars are prevalent. In certain cases, glandular conditions will be considered and we may recommend blood tests or onward referral to an Endocrinologist.

Although there is no cure for acne, there are treatments that greatly reduce the likelihood of new spots appearing, as well as scarring. An individual suffering from severe acne may lose confidence and self-esteem. We are able to offer patients the best treatment for acne scarring thanks to the latest advances in Topical treatments, Oral Antibiotics, and Isotretinoin. All treatments, however, do not deliver instant results and patience is required.

After attempting over-the-counter remedies, consider these options. The maximum effect of most treatments is obtained after 2-4 months of treatment:

• Treatments applied topically
  • Benzoyl peroxide
  • Some antibiotics included erythromycin, tetracycline, and clindamycin
  • Retinoids such as adapalene and isotretinoin

• Antibiotics for oral use
  • Tetracyclines or erythromycin are usually used in conjunction with a topical treatment.

• OCPs – oral contraceptives
  • OCPs may be helpful for female acne sufferers but it can take 3-4 months to work
  • In people who smoke, have a significant body mass index, or have a family history of blood clots, OCPs are not recommended.

• Isotretinoin
  • Is a powerful treatment for severe acne that is based on Vitamin A
  • Can continue to provide benefits 2 years later
  • Only a dermatologist can prescribe it due to the possibility that it may cause serious side-effects

With our holistic approach to skin health, we treat acne from head to toe.

Support is provided and we can assist, when needed, in choosing a next step. Shared care is recommended with your family doctor.

A very common problem in Glasgow is acne scarring, which affects more than 90% of acne sufferers.

As previously mentioned, prevention of new scarring is the most effective approach. Once the acne is under control, scarring is usually addressed. Over six to twelve months, 50% of scars will naturally fade away (especially smaller ones).

Scarring can be improved but not removed…

In order to avoid unrealistic expectations, it is essential to manage expectations accordingly. Up to 75% of scars can be improved by the following procedures:

• Atrophic scars
  • A dominant treatment option is the use of ablative lasers – In addition to more traditional treatments, lasers offer technologically advanced advantages. Patients who undergo such treatment may require weeks or even months of recovery, so they must be carefully selected and counselled.
  • By stimulating collagen, microneedling improves scars – In most cases, it requires a series of multiple treatments, as it has a much milder effect than laser ablation
  • Punch excision – The best way to remove small, deep scars is by punch excision, which can result in a new, more controlled wound
  • Subcision – This surgical technique is particularly effective for treating ‘rolling’ scars. Blood pools under the affected area because the upper layer of the skin separates from the underlying scar tissue. As a result, it forms connective tissue that helps level out the rolling scar.

People who suffer from acne are often anxious and stressed, causing them to become socially withdrawn. They may become depressed as a result.

Having feelings of hopelessness, depression, and lack of interest in doing things can indicate depression during the last month.

It is important to speak to your GP if you or your child feel depressed.

Depression can be treated with:

• Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), medication, and counselling.
• An antidepressant called SSRIs selectively inhibit serotonin reuptake.

Read more about treatment for depression.

People with acne in Scotland do not have a main charity or support group.

You can find a variety of acne-related forums and blogs on the internet, however. The experience of others with acne may be helpful to you.

The following are two examples:: 

• Talk health provides free acne-related information and support
• People with medical conditions or injuries that affect their appearance can seek assistance from Changing faces.
  • Brief and confidential advice and information
  • Changing Faces Practitioners can be contacted directly
  • Self-help guides

We are only based in Glasgow, but we do get visitors from other areas – these include areas such as Edinburgh Aberdeen, Fife, Stirling, Dundee and as far as Newcastle.