Acne Scar Treatment 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 that can contribute.

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 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

Laser resurfacing is a powerful medical treatment used to improve skin texture, acne scarring, pigmentation, sun damage and overall skin quality. At Ever Clinic, laser resurfacing is carried out by Dr Cormac, who will assess suitability, treatment depth and expected recovery during consultation.

As with any medical procedure, there are expected healing effects as well as possible complications. While significant complications are uncommon when treatment is planned and carried out appropriately, it is important that patients understand what can happen during the healing phase.

Some patients may experience an acne-type breakout after laser resurfacing. This can happen because the skin barrier is temporarily disrupted, the skin is inflamed, and richer healing products such as ointments or occlusive balms may be required during recovery.

This may appear as blocked pores, small whiteheads, pustules or a flare of pre-existing acne. An acne breakout after laser resurfacing does not necessarily mean that the treatment has gone wrong, but it should be reviewed if it is widespread, painful, worsening, or associated with increasing redness, swelling, heat, crusting or discharge.

Management may include adjusting skincare, reducing overly occlusive products when safe to do so, topical medication, oral antibiotics, or antiviral treatment where clinically indicated. Patients with a history of acne, rosacea or inflammatory skin conditions may be at higher risk of post-treatment breakouts and should discuss this with Dr Cormac during consultation.

Following laser resurfacing, the skin goes through a controlled wound-healing process. The length of healing depends on the type and depth of laser used, the area treated, the patient’s skin type, medical history, and how closely aftercare is followed.

Delayed healing means the skin is taking longer than expected to re-epithelialise, settle or strengthen. In rare cases, areas may fail to heal properly and require closer medical supervision. This may present as persistent rawness, weeping, crusting, erosions, tenderness, increasing discomfort or areas that repeatedly break down.

Delayed or failed healing can be caused by a number of factors, including infection, irritation from skincare products, excessive rubbing or picking, smoking or vaping, poor general health, certain medications, inflammatory skin conditions, or treatment depth.

Early assessment is important. If healing does not progress as expected, patients should contact Ever Clinic so that Dr Cormac or the clinical team can review the skin and advise on the safest next steps.

Redness is a normal and expected part of recovery after laser resurfacing. For lighter or more superficial treatments, redness may settle relatively quickly. For deeper resurfacing, especially fully ablative or fractional ablative laser treatments, redness can last for several weeks and, in some cases, several months.

Prolonged redness occurs because the skin remains inflamed and the blood vessels within the treated area stay more active while healing continues. This can be more noticeable after deeper treatments, in patients prone to flushing or rosacea, or where the skin has been irritated during recovery.

In many cases, prolonged redness gradually improves with time, sun protection and careful skincare. However, persistent or worsening redness should be reviewed, particularly if it is associated with sensitivity, spots, swelling, heat, discomfort or delayed healing.

Management may include simplifying skincare, prescription creams, treatment of inflammation or infection, vascular laser treatment, or other supportive measures depending on the cause.

Patients should contact Ever Clinic promptly if they experience:

• Increasing pain rather than gradual improvement
• Spreading redness, heat or swelling
• Yellow crusting, pus, discharge or an unpleasant smell
• Blistering, ulceration or areas of skin breakdown
• Fever or feeling generally unwell
• A sudden acne-type eruption or rapidly worsening rash
• Healing that appears to have stalled or deteriorated
• Redness that is worsening rather than slowly improving

The risk of complications can be reduced by careful patient selection, appropriate treatment planning, good preparation, strict sun protection, and following the aftercare plan exactly.

Patients should avoid picking, scratching, exfoliating, active skincare, fake tan, heat exposure and unapproved products during the healing period.

Laser resurfacing is a medical procedure, and recovery can vary from person to person. At Ever Clinic, patients are provided with aftercare instructions and review guidance, and are encouraged to contact the clinic early if they are unsure whether their healing is progressing normally.