Excoriated acne is caused by scratching the acne to the extent that it develops into a wound. A frequent habit of picking the skin leads to the development of this condition. Young women and girls are more at the risk of developing scars on their face caused by these severe skin blemishes. Generally certain mental disorders accompany the bad habit of spending hours before the mirror and pick acnes.
Some of these conditions are depression, ADHD, mood disorder and anxiety disorder. Treatment of excoriated acne is two folds. It involves dealing with the mental issues behind the condition followed by the removal of the scars.
Common Mental Health Disorders Linked to Excoriated Acne
| Mental Health Condition | Symptoms Related to Acne Picking | Recommended Treatment Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Depression | Low self-esteem, obsessive grooming, body image issues | Antidepressants, CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) |
| Anxiety Disorder | Skin-picking as a self-soothing mechanism | Anti-anxiety meds, mindfulness techniques |
| ADHD | Impulsivity leading to repetitive skin-picking | Behavioral therapy, stimulant or non-stimulant meds |
| Mood Disorders | Emotional instability, obsessive focus on imperfections | Mood stabilizers, counseling |
How to Treat Excoriated Acne
Initially the picking is done to remove a skin abnormality. But, the process in turn causes more abnormalities and quickly develops into a vicious cycle. Nearly 2 % percent of people suffering from acne literally tear the skin by repeatedly picking at it. These people require psychological counseling prior to the commencement of acne treatment. The urge in them to scratch the skin can be uncontrollable and unconscious by nature.
Psychotherapists can explain the very reasons behind this urge to these individuals. This can help in curbing the impulse to pick the skin and divert the attention towards constructive thoughts instead. Medications prescribed by the experts like anti-depressants and anti-anxiety drugs further help in treating the associated mental issues with severely ruptured acnes.
After dealing with the psychological aspects of this condition, the scars formed on the face and other areas if any, need to be addressed. For this, one must take into account a couple of vital factors. They are a balanced diet and developing proper skin care habits.
Intake of foods high in carbohydrates should be reduced. Foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids reduce the production of sebum, an oily substance responsible for the formation of pimples and acne. In some people’s case, the consumption of dairy products causes increased levels of sebum in their body. Research to further understand this observation is still underway.
Apart from diet, proper care of the skin is also a must. Most people with oily face are prone to acne and pimples. Washing the face twice a day with FDA recommended face washers is a good practice.
Home Remedies to Treat Excoriated Acne Scars
- Cucumber, yeast, grape and oatmeal can be mixed together to prepare a natural face mask for acne. The preparation can applied on the face, allowed to dry for 10-15 minutes and cold water can be used to rinse the face thereafter
- One teaspoon of yeast can be mixed with yogurt to form a paste. It can be applied on the oily skin especially. After the paste dries up, warm water can be used to rinse the face
- A paste made from sandalwood and rose water can applied on the scars and left to dry for the whole night. The face can be rinsed with cold water in the morning to get a smooth and fresh look on the skin
- Fresh lemon can be cut and rubbed over the acne scars to naturally make them blur over a period of time
- Fenugreek is an age-old home remedy to get rid of acne scars. A paste of this herb can be applied and allowed to dry up. Cold water should be used to rinse the face. Regular application of this paste can effectively remove the scars
Diet & Skincare Tips for Managing Excoriated Acne Scars
| Factor | Do | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Diet | Consume Omega-3-rich foods (salmon, walnuts, flaxseed) | Excessive carbs, dairy (if sensitive) |
| Skin Cleansing | Wash face twice daily with dermatologist-approved cleansers | Over-washing or harsh scrubbing |
| Home Remedies | Use natural masks (cucumber, oatmeal, lemon, fenugreek) | Harsh chemical products without prescription |
| Lifestyle Habits | Maintain hydration, regular sleep, and avoid stress triggers | Skipping skincare routines |
