How do clogged pores form under scar tissue. What are the challenges of treating acne beneath scars. How can you manage deep blocked pores and cysts related to scarring. What are the differences between keloid and hypertrophic scars.

The Phenomenon of Clogged Pores Under Scar Tissue

Acne scarring presents unique challenges for skincare, particularly when it comes to managing clogged pores that develop beneath scar tissue. This phenomenon can be frustrating for those dealing with chronic skin picking or acne-prone skin. Understanding the mechanics of how these blockages form and persist is crucial for developing effective treatment strategies.

What causes pores to become clogged under scars?

Clogged pores under scar tissue can occur due to several factors:

• Altered skin texture and structure from scarring
• Reduced skin elasticity in scarred areas
• Changes in sebum production around scar tissue
• Accumulation of dead skin cells trapped beneath the scar

These factors can lead to the formation of dense comedones or cysts that are difficult for the body to expel naturally. The presence of scar tissue can create a barrier, trapping sebum, bacteria, and cellular debris beneath the skin’s surface.

Identifying and Treating Deep Blocked Pores

Recognizing and properly addressing deep blocked pores, especially those under scar tissue, requires careful attention and appropriate skincare techniques.

How can you identify deep blocked pores?

Deep blocked pores often present as:

• Hard lumps beneath the skin’s surface
• Areas that feel firm to the touch but show no visible head
• Persistent bumps that don’t respond to typical acne treatments

These blockages may be more challenging to treat due to their location beneath scar tissue, which can impede the effectiveness of topical treatments.

What are effective treatments for deep blocked pores?

Treating deep blocked pores requires a multi-faceted approach:

1. Chemical exfoliants like salicylic acid to penetrate and unclog pores
2. Professional extractions performed by a dermatologist
3. Topical retinoids to promote cell turnover and prevent future blockages
4. Gentle physical exfoliation to remove dead skin cells
5. Hydration to maintain skin barrier function

It’s important to approach treatment cautiously, as aggressive methods can exacerbate scarring and inflammation.

The Role of Salicylic Acid in Managing Acne and Clogged Pores

Salicylic acid is a widely used ingredient in acne treatment due to its ability to penetrate pores and dissolve excess sebum and dead skin cells.

How does salicylic acid affect forming pimples?

Salicylic acid can have varying effects on developing acne lesions:

• It may help to dry out and shrink small pimples
• In some cases, it can harden forming pimples, potentially turning them into blackheads
• It can help prevent future breakouts by keeping pores clear

While salicylic acid is generally beneficial for acne-prone skin, its effects can differ based on individual skin type and the specific nature of the acne lesions.

Challenges of Skin Healing and Acne Management

Managing acne-prone skin, especially when dealing with existing scars, presents unique challenges that require patience and consistent care.

Why is it difficult for the body to expel clogged pores under scars?

The body’s natural skin healing processes can be impeded by scar tissue in several ways:

• Reduced blood flow to scarred areas can slow healing
• Altered skin structure may impair the natural exfoliation process
• Scar tissue can create a physical barrier preventing the expulsion of debris
• Changes in skin elasticity can make it harder for pores to clear themselves

These factors contribute to the persistence of clogged pores and the formation of deep-seated acne lesions beneath scar tissue.

Strategies for Skin Care When Abstaining from Picking

For those committed to breaking the cycle of skin picking, developing a comprehensive skincare routine is essential for managing acne and promoting skin health.

How can you care for your skin without resorting to picking?

Consider the following strategies:

1. Consistent cleansing with gentle, non-irritating products
2. Regular use of chemical exfoliants to promote cell turnover
3. Application of spot treatments for stubborn blemishes
4. Hydration to support the skin’s barrier function
5. Sun protection to prevent further scarring and hyperpigmentation
6. Seeking professional treatments for deep cysts or persistent blockages

It’s crucial to resist the urge to pick or squeeze, as this can introduce bacteria and cause further damage to the skin.

Understanding Keloid and Hypertrophic Scars

Keloid and hypertrophic scars are common types of raised scarring that can occur as a result of acne or skin picking. Understanding the differences between these scar types is important for proper treatment and management.

What distinguishes keloid scars from hypertrophic scars?

The main differences between keloid and hypertrophic scars are:

• Size: Keloid scars extend beyond the original injury site, while hypertrophic scars remain within the boundaries of the original wound
• Growth pattern: Keloids continue to grow over time, whereas hypertrophic scars typically stop growing after a few months
• Appearance: Keloids often have a smoother, more rounded appearance, while hypertrophic scars may be more linear or follow the shape of the original injury
• Treatment response: Hypertrophic scars generally respond better to treatment than keloids

Both types of scars result from an overproduction of collagen during the healing process, but keloids represent a more extreme form of this response.

Risk Factors for Keloid and Hypertrophic Scar Formation

Several factors can increase the likelihood of developing keloid or hypertrophic scars, particularly in the context of acne and skin picking.

What factors contribute to the formation of raised scars?

Key risk factors include:

• Genetic predisposition: Some individuals are more prone to forming raised scars
• Skin type: Darker skin tones are at higher risk for keloid formation
• Age: Young adults are more likely to develop keloids
• Location: Certain body areas, such as the chest, back, and shoulders, are more prone to keloid formation
• Inflammation: Deep or prolonged inflammation increases the risk of scarring
• Skin tension: Areas of high skin tension are more susceptible to raised scars

Understanding these risk factors can help individuals take preventive measures and seek appropriate treatment early on.

Preventive Measures and Treatment Options for Acne Scars

While completely preventing acne scars may not always be possible, there are steps that can be taken to minimize their occurrence and severity.

How can you reduce the risk of acne scarring?

Consider the following preventive measures:

1. Treat acne promptly to reduce inflammation and the risk of deep lesions
2. Avoid picking or squeezing acne lesions to prevent further damage
3. Use gentle skincare products that don’t irritate the skin
4. Incorporate ingredients like niacinamide and vitamin C to support skin healing
5. Protect your skin from sun exposure to prevent hyperpigmentation
6. Consider professional treatments like chemical peels or microneedling for existing scars

Early intervention and consistent skincare can significantly impact the long-term appearance of your skin.

What treatment options are available for existing acne scars?

For those dealing with existing acne scars, several treatment options can help improve skin texture and appearance:

• Topical treatments: Retinoids, silicone gels, and hydroquinone for hyperpigmentation
• Microneedling: Stimulates collagen production to improve scar appearance
• Chemical peels: Removes outer layers of skin to promote cell turnover
• Laser therapy: Various types of lasers can target different scar types
• Dermal fillers: Can help raise depressed scars
• Corticosteroid injections: Particularly effective for keloid and hypertrophic scars

The most appropriate treatment will depend on the type and severity of scarring, as well as individual skin characteristics.

Managing acne and its resulting scars requires a comprehensive approach that addresses both prevention and treatment. By understanding the unique challenges posed by clogged pores under scar tissue and the various types of acne scars, individuals can work with skincare professionals to develop effective strategies for maintaining clear, healthy skin. While the journey to improved skin health may take time and patience, consistent care and appropriate interventions can lead to significant improvements in skin texture, appearance, and overall well-being.

Clogged pores under scar tissue

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serene
, 22 Aug 2017

I think that with chronic picking we develop a certain type of acne which is unique to our condition. I have found myself recently having a breakout which felt hard under the skin yet on the surface resembled a clogged pore. When I tried to extract it with a blackhead extractor, nothing would come out yet I noticed some scar tissue (which appears whiter than surrounding skin and has a harder consistency). I tweezed the scar tissue open and was able to extract a dense comedone. I dont understand how my body would have naturally expelled this particular clogged pore since it was underneath a scar and was calcified into a hard substance. I’ve been using salicylic acid diligently over the past week in order to curb acne, and what I noticed is that the salicylic acid tends to harden some of the forming pimples under the skin, creating a large blackhead or comedone. Therefore, it probably would have taken a long time to be reabsorbed or purged by the body. I am not sure if it would be able to be purged since it was blocked off by scar tissue. So right now I am a bit confused as to how I am to take care of my skin when choosing to fully abstain from skin picking. What exactly do I do if I get these deep blocked pores on the skin and pores which are blocked off by scars? Has anyone been battling with this? I dont want to be walking around for months with dense bumps on my skin. I understand not picking small surface pimples and whiteheads which can eventually pop on their own, but its maddening to have to abstain from picking these deeper cysts related to scarring. Wondering if there is anyone who can relate and understand what I am referring to.

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Keloid and Hypertrophic Scars – acne support

What are keloid and hypertrophic scars?

Keloid and hypertrophic scars are common types of scarring that can occur as a result of the acne healing process. They appear as raised lesions of scar tissue on the skin and are a result of the overgrowth of fibrous tissue in the region where the acne lesion had developed.

They are more common on the chest, back and shoulders, where the skin is thicker, although they can occur around the jaw line. They are also more common in people with darker skin types.

What is the difference between keloid and hypertrophic scars?

The difference between keloid and hypertrophic scars is their size in relation to the acne lesions that caused them. A keloid scar is larger than the acne lesion that caused it. A hypertrophic scar is the same size as the acne lesion that caused it.

What factors make it more likely that keloid and hypertrophic scars will form?

Like all acne scars, the formation of keloid and hypertrophic scars is largely dependent on how your skin heals. If you tend to scar easily then you are more likely to develop acne scars.

Inflammation also plays a key role in development of acne scars. The deeper that inflammation from an acne lesion reaches into the skin the more likely it is to scar upon healing. This is one of the reasons that it is important to treat acne as soon as possible, to lower the risk of deep inflammation.

Picking or squeezing acne lesions can damage the skin and lead to an increased chance of scarring. It is not advised that you pick at or squeeze your acne. However, in reality many people do this in an attempt to remove pus. If you are insistent on picking at or squeezing your acne to remove pus then please see our guide on how to lower your chances of damaging your skin here.

You are also more likely to develop acne scars if you smoke, as smoking leads to an increased risk of scarring in general.

People with darker skin types are also at a higher risk of developing thicker keloid and hypertrophic scars as they have a variety of genetic factors that increase the likelihood of thickened scars occurring.

Keloid and Hypertrophic Scar Treatments

Treatment for keloid and hypertrophic scarring comes in two stages, as it does for other acne scarring. First stage treatments for keloid and hypertrophic scarring are designed to reduce the height of the scar so that the skin’s surface returns to being flat. Second stage treatments for keloid and hypertrophic scarring are aimed at reducing skin discolouration in the newly flat scar.

It is important to remember that scar reduction treatments are not readily available on the NHS. If you are thinking about paying for a scar reduction treatment privately then be sure to research your practitioner and make certain that they are qualified to conduct the procedure, such as a Consultant Dermatologist or Plastic Surgeon. It is often advisable to use a practitioner who can carry out all of the various forms of scar reduction treatments that are discussed above, as they will be able to advise you on the best option for your skin colour and nature of scarring.

Please note that all of the treatments below have potential side effects, such as burns, skin peeling, irritation, skin bleaching and changes to skin texture. Darker skin types are at higher risk of suffering the side effects of scar removal. Please talk to your healthcare provider to find out more about the risks involved for any treatment that you may be considering.

Stage One Treatments

Steroid Injections

This is where steroids are injected directly into the scar to soften and thin the fibrous tissue, lowering the scar’s height. It often takes several steroid injections spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart to achieve the best results.

Dermabrasion

This is where a special tool is used to remove the top layers of skin through friction, not unlike a sanding machine. As the layers of skin are removed the keloid or hypertrophic scar becomes flatter.

Chemical Peels

This treatment works by removing the outer layers of skin using high concentrations of glycolic or salicylic acid.

Laser Therapy

Laser therapies work in two ways. Ablative laser therapy uses high energy light to remove the outer layers of skin whilst encouraging new collagen production in the lower layers of skin. Non-ablative laser therapy uses heat to encourage new collagen production in the skin without damaging the outer layer. The removal of the outer layers and/or the production of new collagen results in a reduction in scar height. There are multiple laser therapies that are available for the treatment of acne scarring. A consultant dermatologist will be able to determine which treatment is right for you based on your skin colour and the nature of your scarring.

Stage Two Treatments

Dermabrasion

This is where a special tool is used to remove the top layers of skin through friction, not unlike a sanding machine. As the layers of skin are removed the discolouration caused by scarring can become reduced.

Microneedling

This treatment is sometimes known as collagen induction therapy. It works by using a special tool to create several, tiny injuries within a scar. These injuries usually heal within two days and new collagen is formed inside of the scar. Collagen is a protein that help gives our skin strength and elasticity. Through this process microneedling can reduce the discolouration associated with scarring by encouraging old skin cells to shed, including skin cells that have been discoloured by excess pigment. Multiple treatments tend to be required every four-six weeks to gain maximum benefits. It is important to note that reducing skin discolouration is not microneedling’s main purpose and targeted treatments designed for treating skin discolouration may work better.

Chemical Peels

This treatment works by removing the outer layers of skin using high concentrations of glycolic or salicylic acid. In doing so, it can reduce the discolouring that is associated with scarring. This treatment should only be carried out by a qualified practitioner (visit www.jccp.org.uk).

Laser Therapy

Ablative laser therapy uses high energy light to remove the outer layers of skin, which can reduce the discolouration that is associated with scarring. There are multiple laser therapies that are available for the treatment of acne scarring. A consultant dermatologist will be able to determine which treatment is right for you based on your skin colour and the nature of your scarring.

We do not recommend that you pop your acne lesions (spots). Instead, you should use a safe, targeted acne treatment. To find out more about the treatments that are available, and how you can cover your acne lesions, visit the Treatments and Covering Acne sections of this website.

Picking or squeezing acne lesions can damage the skin and lead to an increased chance of scarring. It is not advised that you pick or squeeze your acne. However, in reality many people do this in an attempt to remove pus, blackheads or whiteheads. If you are insistent on picking at or squeezing your acne to remove pus, blackheads or whiteheads then you should follow our guide below to lower your chances of damaging your skin and scars forming.

It is important to note that this technique does not remove the risk of permanent scarring.

Warnings

• We do not recommend that you pop or squeeze your acne lesions. Instead, you should use a safe, targeted acne treatment. To find out more about the treatments that available, and how you can cover your acne, visit the Treatments and Cover-Up sections of this website.
• This guide is designed to help lower the risk of permanent injury to the skin for people who are insistent upon squeezing their acne spots. However, scarring and skin damage are still risk factors even when following this guide.
• Do not apply anything more than gentle pressure in an attempt to drain more pus. You will be at risk of squeezing only inflamed skin, which cannot drain, and force the acne-causing blockage deeper into the follicle.
• If you squeeze out blood then you should stop. Squeezing out blood is not the only time when you should stop. Never apply anything more than gentle pressure and stop if the pus, blackhead or whitehead does not easily release.

Guide

Step one: Gently cleanse and sterilise the acne lesion, surrounding skin and your hands using an anti-bacterial skin wash.

Step two: Place the tips of your index fingers either side of the acne lesion.

Step three: Applying gentle pressure, press your fingers downwards and towards each other. Don’t use your nails as you may break the skin, risking infection. If pus or the blockage is not released then DO NOT apply more pressure and leave the acne lesion alone.

Step four: Gently re-cleanse the area of skin and your hands.

Step five: Apply an acne treatment to the acne lesion/area.

If pus or a blockage does not release after following this guide then do not apply further pressure. You will be at further risk of causing permanent damage to the skin, forcing the blockages deeper into the skin, and breaking the follicle wall, which can result in inflamed acne and acne cysts forming.

How to get rid of a pimple scar

March 04, 2009, 02:11

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#11

December 06, 2009, 19:24

#12

December 19, 2009 , 21:40

#13

in the center where I had this procedure, Eliza, it was called CO2 laser, I had scars on my cheeks, now there is no trace

December 20, 2009, 02:33

#14

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#15

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February 23, 2010, 03:12

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Ayurvedic cream “Klirvin” helped me, though for 2 months I was smeared instead of creams at night and during the day and as a base for foundation. it really helps

Ayurveda thing!!! #28 0005

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#29

October 20, 2011, 00:03 November 18, 2011 13:10

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Ivan this is really a big problem! Here you need to shoot the prick! Valera your time has come0002 February 11, 2012, 04:38

#49

Blondinochka082

Dilyara, you understand that all procedures are selected according to the type of skin and the condition of the skin. ..there were peels and masks…everything in time depends on the skin….it took about six months (but all this is individual)…For starters, just go to a cometologist and consult…I advise the clinic on Dmitrovsky highway Klem-clinic)))))

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#50

Huge subcutaneous pimple on forehead.

Huge subcutaneous …

April 20, 2014, 02:56

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April 20, 2014, 10:04

#1

April 20, 2014, 10:10

900 06 #2

Guest

You go to a beautician, you pay a penny. I think no more than 100 r and they will burn it with a current. It will decrease in size, all that remains is to cover up an even spot

April 20, 2014 10:21 am

#3

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#4

90 509 April 20, 2014 12:01

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April 20, 2014, 21:29

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Guest

Author, if this problem occurs to you regularly and frequency, I would have acquired bangs if I were you.

April 21, 2014, 20:55

#8

Guest

Do nothing now. When the pimple is blown away, you just need to squeeze it out and burn it with something. That’s why he periodically becomes inflamed, because there is a rod, he needs a way out.

April 22, 2014 11:29 am

#9

April 22, 2014 7:14 pm

#10

22 April 2014, 20:54

#11

lazanja

Balm Keeper removes inflammation very well, it contains antiseptic, anti-inflammatory and healing natural ingredients. It is enough to apply the balm to the inflammation and let it soak in, and after a few hours the redness noticeably disappears. swelling, everything gradually resolves. You can apply it under a band-aid at night.

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#12

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Guest

share my bitter experience of subcutaneous acne on my forehead.

Jul 24, 2016 07:49 PM

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Guest

I agree, bangs are what you need. At the same time experiment with the image.

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agree, bangs is what you need. At the same time experiment with the image.

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agree, bangs are that what is needed. At the same time experiment with the image.

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Author, if you have this problem with regular frequency, I would get bangs if I were you.

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Author, if you have this problem with regular intervals, I would get bangs if I were you.

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