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Hello all,
I am new to this modern version of acne.org but was in fact a member in my early high school days back in '06.
I have returned due to my new issue: random scarring. I eventually got over my acne by keeping it simple -gentle bar soap and mild moisturizer. My age may have contributed but either way acne has not been severe since about 2010.
since bout 2012-3 I have used various creams lotions and potions since I worked at Sephora and had access to a ton of skincare. I used various vitamin c serums and some scrubs but nothing regularly since late 2015. Since last year I noticed random scarring on my right of my face only as well as significant collagen loss as in one side of my face appears thinner and there is definite unevenness. The scarring was "addressed" by a derm who barely looked at my skin and said enlarged pores are caused by acne (which I don't really get) and did not even acknowledge the loss of fat/collagen in one side nor could she even explain why just one side was scarring.
the retin a she prescribed I believe has made my skin worse and the scars seem to be clustering one area.
Words cannot express how sad this makes me and I think about it constantly. I am currently only cleansing with a basic bar and using cerave am.
Has anyone experience this random scarring and if so what has helped? Photos attached
Your scarring is not random.
It can take time for scars to surface. On top of that, you are getting older like all of us, and with it inevitably comes some facial fat loss which makes scarring more noticeable.
Regarding enlarged pores, they can be well hidden when the pores are still clogged. They become noticeable when the gunk is out and you can actually see the tiny holes for what they are.
By the way, your scarring is so minor I doubt anyone will notice it in real life.
Coming back on here after years. I initially popped into this thread in 2013 when I first experienced what I believe to be AMVC. My random scarring eventually stopped in 2014 but however, just last week, I observed that new tiny random pits were starting to show on my face. I've since observed new ones all over again. No extreme change in my diet or life, either.
Has anyone here experienced a relapse like me?
On 7/9/2017 at 5:30 PM, Feelishia said:Any updates from people here who had this problem?
I recently went back into the main 22-page AMVC thread after being active a few years ago. I first noticed random scarring in 2013 and was plagued for about a year before the random scarring seemed to have stopped. I admittedly stopped examining my face in the mirror too (but don't think that is what made it "stop").
I ran the same circus as most people here. From 2013 to 2015, I've visited loads of dermatologists, a dermapathologist, rheumatologists, allergy docotors, naturopaths, Chinese acupuncturists, a Lyme literate naturopath. I've had a skin scraping done that showed no signs of any bugs, yeast, bacteria and have had tests for Lupus, Lyme and tick borne diseases, and scleroderma - none. The only near answer I got was in late 2015 from a rheumatologist who said I had blood tests that continued to show that I had some sort of detection of ANA positive (means I am testing positive for antinuclear antibodies). I had gone in to follow up with him since the Lyme literate naturopath I had seen in August of that year produced blood work results that showed I was positive for Lupus and ANA. The rheumatologist had me take a week long urine sample collection to thoroughly test for heavy metals but that came back negative as did a blood test for Lupus. The rheumatologist's most educated guess was that I maybe had some sort of "undifferentiated connective tissue disease" based on the ANA result and my description of the scarring.
The story would have ended there since the scarring had stopped for me by then (I was just trying to find answers) but 2 weeks ago (which is 2-3 years later from my first encounter with random scarring), I noticed small divots forming out of nowhere. And since then, I've observed 7 or so new divots on my cheeks, forehead, and most recently one near my upper left eye near the nose bridge. There seems to be the same pattern of a new scar everyday.
The only difference I have noticed this time around as opposed to back in 2013 is that (so far) I am just seeing pin drop like divots. No divots forming lines or any linear scars.
I try not to subscribe to the belief of AMVC given it's supposed rareness but it's hard to stay positive. I had just spent the past year on microneedling treatments to fix my leftover scarring, and I feel like now, it was all in vain.
I've had no wild diet changes and have cut back on fish consumption in the year since my reading on the alleged omega 3 connection years back, so I can't pinpoint what may have triggered this scarring. I read a suggestion in the AMVC thread from one of the last posts in there from a member named FindingHealth to take borage oil and to also apply it to the skin.
Any updates from anyone? I know this forum and these AMVC threads have since gone pretty dead.
On 9/3/2017 at 9:28 PM, boafriend said:I recently went back into the main 22-page AMVC thread after being active a few years ago. I first noticed random scarring in 2013 and was plagued for about a year before the random scarring seemed to have stopped. I admittedly stopped examining my face in the mirror too (but don't think that is what made it "stop").I ran the same circus as most people here. From 2013 to 2015, I've visited loads of dermatologists, a dermapathologist, rheumatologists, allergy docotors, naturopaths, Chinese acupuncturists, a Lyme literate naturopath. I've had a skin scraping done that showed no signs of any bugs, yeast, bacteria and have had tests for Lupus, Lyme and tick borne diseases, and scleroderma - none. The only near answer I got was in late 2015 from a rheumatologist who said I had blood tests that continued to show that I had some sort of detection of ANA positive (means I am testing positive for antinuclear antibodies). I had gone in to follow up with him since the Lyme literate naturopath I had seen in August of that year produced blood work results that showed I was positive for Lupus and ANA. The rheumatologist had me take a week long urine sample collection to thoroughly test for heavy metals but that came back negative as did a blood test for Lupus. The rheumatologist's most educated guess was that I maybe had some sort of "undifferentiated connective tissue disease" based on the ANA result and my description of the scarring.
The story would have ended there since the scarring had stopped for me by then (I was just trying to find answers) but 2 weeks ago (which is 2-3 years later from my first encounter with random scarring), I noticed small divots forming out of nowhere. And since then, I've observed 7 or so new divots on my cheeks, forehead, and most recently one near my upper left eye near the nose bridge. There seems to be the same pattern of a new scar everyday.
The only difference I have noticed this time around as opposed to back in 2013 is that (so far) I am just seeing pin drop like divots. No divots forming lines or any linear scars.
I try not to subscribe to the belief of AMVC given it's supposed rareness but it's hard to stay positive. I had just spent the past year on microneedling treatments to fix my leftover scarring, and I feel like now, it was all in vain.
I've had no wild diet changes and have cut back on fish consumption in the year since my reading on the alleged omega 3 connection years back, so I can't pinpoint what may have triggered this scarring. I read a suggestion in the AMVC thread from one of the last posts in there from a member named FindingHealth to take borage oil and to also apply it to the skin.
Any updates from anyone? I know this forum and these AMVC threads have since gone pretty dead.
I joined for this exact reason. I
started spontaneously scarring last year and since about May/June got wayyyyy worse. It's ruining my life. I've seen two dermatologists but they basically say it has to come from somewhere and-my favorite- "Why don't you look into laser?" One gave me Retin-A which I'm certain made it worse. Now I have come to the conclusion that I need to see a regular doctor but my family doctor is no longer living in this country (not even kidding)and Ihave no idea where to go. I also have severe anxiety which makes me avoid the doctor. I am terrified they will find something horribly wrong with me, since this is not my only health issue. Ihave a blog on here with pics if you are interested in comparing lol.
How is your skin currently ? What has been done, if anything, to help lessen the scarring ?
On 9/18/2017 at 7:53 PM, Signorina822 said:I joined for this exact reason. Istarted spontaneously scarring last year and since about May/June got wayyyyy worse. It's ruining my life. I've seen two dermatologists but they basically say it has to come from somewhere and-my favorite- "Why don't you look into laser?" One gave me Retin-A which I'm certain made it worse. Now I have come to the conclusion that I need to see a regular doctor but my family doctor is no longer living in this country (not even kidding)and Ihave no idea where to go. I also have severe anxiety which makes me avoid the doctor. I am terrified they will find something horribly wrong with me, since this is not my only health issue. Ihave a blog on here with pics if you are interested in comparing lol.
How is your skin currently ? What has been done, if anything, to help lessen the scarring ?
My skin still doesn't look good. I had microneedling professionally done this summer 3 times and it did seem to start smoothing things out (not the deeper scars, though). However it was money in vain because as mentioned, the random scarring relapsed this August for me. I haven't been examining my face in the mirror as of late because it's not worth the emotional trauma for something I have sought answers for but received no help for. I have noticed a new slight saucer shaped dent in the area between my eyebrows the past few days. Sucks big time and it is noticeable since it is a bit darkened in color. Hoping it will fade on its own, as I've noticed a few of my spontaneous scars vanish on their own over time.
I'm sorry you have experienced this as well. If everyone who has posted reallt has what is coined as AMVC, then it proves that this disease is not as rare as past medical literature has made it out to be. It has been under-researched. It may still be a rare "disease," but it definitely is way more than the supposed 23 cases that some people report have been on medical record.
On 8/7/2017 at 0:00 AM, arte90 said:Your scarring is not random.
It can take time for scars to surface. On top of that, you are getting older like all of us, and with it inevitably comes some facial fat loss which makes scarring more noticeable.
Regarding enlarged pores, they can be well hidden when the pores are still clogged. They become noticeable when the gunk is out and you can actually see the tiny holes for what they are.By the way, your scarring is so minor I doubt anyone will notice it in real life.
I respectfully disagree. I, as well as many members on here, have experienced spontaneous, randomdivots and pits form on the face without any prior damage or skin trauma. If the OP is experiencing scarring without any type of recent acne or severe cysts, she is in the same boat as me and many others.
Assuming your random scarring stops for good, you can look into typical treatments such as microneedling or RF microneedling to try improving the texture. If it doesn't stop....sorry. Medically, not much help is available. Many people believe it is AMVC, a supposed rare scarring disease with limited medical research to support it.
I agree with arte90 - these are probably pre-existing scars that have only now become visible. I've had scars that have suddenly appeared out of nowhere - funnily enough a few days after I had spent a long day in the sun. It's possible it's caused by ageing and time, but also by dehydration of the skin. I found that by using a hydrating moisturiser my overall skin tone improved and these scars smoothed out. I imagine they're still there, but I can't see them now. If it helps, I agree that your scars are very minimal - I can't even see them in the first photo. Remember that you will notice them far more than anyone else ever does.
Boafriend - I'm not saying that spontaneous scarring doesn't happen. I'm not medical expert after all, and in no position to assess other people's experiences. But if it is a very rare condition, then it is more likely that it wasn't random and existed previously.
On 8/30/2017 at 11:22 PM, boafriend said:Coming back on here after years. I initially popped into this thread in 2013 when I first experienced what I believe to be AMVC. My random scarring eventually stopped in 2014 but however, just last week, I observed that new tiny random pits were starting to show on my face. I've since observed new ones all over again. No extreme change in my diet or life, either.
Has anyone here experienced a relapse like me?
Hi Boafriend. After your scarring stopped, did the scarring disappear or did you have to manually get rid of them through topical solutions?
On 10/15/2017 at 3:15 AM, iwillfix said:On 8/30/2017 at 11:22 PM, boafriend said:Coming back on here after years. I initially popped into this thread in 2013 when I first experienced what I believe to be AMVC. My random scarring eventually stopped in 2014 but however, just last week, I observed that new tiny random pits were starting to show on my face. I've since observed new ones all over again. No extreme change in my diet or life, either.
Has anyone here experienced a relapse like me?
Hi Boafriend. After your scarring stopped, did the scarring disappear or did you have to manually get rid of them through topical solutions?
Sorry it took so long to get back to you. As noted, my scarring has relapsed, altho it seems to come and go now randomly.
After my initial encounter with this issue in 2013, some of the more major, large linear lines completely disappeared on their own. However, the overall texture of my skin has remained pretty bad. Very orange peel like, kind of looks like there's some type of swelling underneath causing it, but dermatologists have provided zero help.
@boafriend Take a look at this, ... they used a 1064nm laser as treatment around the last page this advice was given.
Hello everyone,
I've had not acne for years now, but 5 months ago, I started to get those mysterious scarring appearing everywhere on my skin, without any reason. Various shape, some linear and very long, some more round or square or triangular shape... They appear shalow and get deeper as time pass by.
I don't know what to do anymore.
Please, can someone suffering or who has recovered fromAMVC help me... This continues and it's higly depressing to see my face change this fast and without reason. I can really wake up in the morning or look at my face at the end of the day and notice 3-4 more of worst, some can stick together suddenly, and make a long linear (and wide at the same time !) scars.
I only apply oils and vaseline (aquaphor) on my skin.
The scars never fade and continue to appear. It's very scary. It only has been 5 months
I took accutane almost 10 years ago.
I'm happy I found this forum cause I felt very alone suffering from this problem, but I've read almost all the pages and still, I don't understand the logic of all this...
Over the last few days, I have seen the, appearing out of nowhere in the span of literally under an hour. Today, I went to the supermarket, returned, and had SEVERAL on one of my cheeks, arranged sort of in a row vertically, almost like stretch marks. It's like the collagen is just magically disappearing into thin air on parts of my face.
WTF is this crap? I have searched all over and can't find squat. I was thinking it's an autoimmune disease that's flaring up, but I would think even that would take SOME time to form the damn scars. I wouldn't expect to see several non-red indented scars appearing out of nowhere in under a freak'n hour. \
It's like I have some sort of flesh-eating disease.
I have seen mentions of spontaneous scarring on this website before, but I don't know if anyone here has ever had something this bizarre happen to them?
I started to get those about 4 months ago. I thought the same thing as you. Like my collagen is disappearing. I have a lot of linear lines, that become longer over time and strech, plus a lot of sort of depressed skin, like it is falling down. Scars can appear different shapes : round, like circle, or even triangular... I feel like an alien.
I post a picture not long time ago but unfortunately it doesn't show well on it. I had to take other pictures. I don't know what to do and it just became a lot worse as time passed by...
7 minutes ago, jordan12 said:Nope. Nope.
I guess I have to make peace with the fact that I'm going to look like a burn victim soon. I'm probably going to die soon as well.
You're kidding me, right? Scars don't just appear in one hour because your skin magically loses collegen. Do you have any other symptoms? You're not going to look like a burn victim. Maybe moisturize?
2 minutes ago, ScarRight said:You're kidding me, right? Scars don't just appear in one hour because your skin magically loses collegen. Do you have any other symptoms? You're not going to look like a burn victim. Maybe moisturize?
Yes, it can. It's unbelievable but it does...
But indeed I think the problem is worsened by the fact the skin is dry. It's like the skin has no elasticity anymore and just tear apart
Just now, ScarRight said:You're kidding me, right? Scars don't just appear in one hour because your skin magically loses collegen. Do you have any other symptoms? Maybe visit a docot to check for infection?
Yeah, I would think the same thing...but something utterly bizarre is happening. Again, I suspect an autoimmune disease like lupus is responsible.
I have other symptoms I haven't even mentioned:
I also have faint brown macules appearing - sometimes within an hour - around my nose/eyes.
In the last few months, I have had an outbreak of what look like sebaceous hyperplasia on my forehand (and a few on my cheeks/temples, and possibly my nose). I'm only 33, so too young to get those.
And back in the summer of 2015, I had an outbreak of these white bumps on my shoulders/upper back that resemble fibrofolliculomas. I was thinking I had Birt-Hogg-Dube' syndrome, but that was before the spontaneous indented scars.
20 minutes ago, Kixhikari said:Yes, it can. It's unbelievable but it does...
But indeed I think the problem is worsened by the fact the skin is dry. It's like the skin has no elasticity anymore and just tear apart
You know, I think you may be right. I'm guessing that the really dry air here for the cold winter (I also wake up with a shitload of painful boogers every morning, lol) is causing my collagen to rip apart somehow. The reason I say this is the recent arrangement of the newest ones...where they seem almost vertically aligned in a way, almost like stretch marks.
1 hour ago, jordan12 said:You know, I think you may be right. I'm guessing that the really dry air here for the cold winter (I also wake up with a shitload of painful boogers every morning, lol) is causing my collagen to rip apart somehow. The reason I say this is the recent arrangement of the newest ones...where they seem almost vertically aligned in a way, almost like stretch marks.
But it can't be the only reason tho, cause I had really dry skin years before that. It aggravates the problem for sure. My skin is drier than ever. But what I noticed is even if I keep my skin moisturized, put a lot of creams/oils or even vaseline to keep it moist, it doesn't keep the scars from appearing.
I have a lot of vertical lines, some longer, some less. The longest one starts from below my eye and goes down to my chin !!
If I smile or yawn, I feel my skin is really streched out. So weird.
At the beginning, only a few scars would appear, but these last days I can litteraly see dozens of news in a matter of days. They can widen, deepen. They mostly shallow but super wide. Some like nails indents. If they are close to each other they regroup and form lines or kind of circles.
Have you been under a lot of pressure lately ?
I feel like high level of cortisol/stress may have cause inside me that kinda immune system reaction...
In the last few months, I got liver, gut, kidneys, and hormonal problems. My health is a mess because of high stress and lack of sleep. Seeing those weird scars appearing has not help with anxiety.
I don't know if any of this has a logic. It seems so unreal, it doesn't make sense.
I wish I could know how to stop the process of scarring but I've read the "spontaneous scarring " thread and I found no real answer. Plus, no one who suffers from this seems to be here anymore...
Sorry if my english is weird, it's not my native language.
Since you mentionned it I've googled Lupus. I'll ask my doctof for a test. At this point I 'm really desperate to know what is happening to me...