Types of Acne Scarring

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Overview of Acne Scarring

Even with the most careful and conscientious treatment, acne scars may still occur. But not all scars are created equal. Generally, acne scars fall under two categories: those caused by a loss of tissue (atrophic), and those caused by an excess of tissue (hypertrophic). Within these categories, acne scars fall into one of four types: ice pick, boxcar, rolling and keloid scars.

Discolorations are not true scars but rather post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, which will fade over time.

Acne scarring is a common problem and severe scarring often cannot be covered by makeup and need professional treatment for removal. To avoid acne scarring, treating acne early is important. Acne scarring can take two different forms, one is referred to as a crater and the other is what you have called ice pick. The crater scars are wider, shallow and usually rounder than the ice pick scars which tend to be smaller, sharp and deep. Acne scarring can be very unpredictable. Some people have sensitive skin, which is more prone to acne scarring, while others have skin that acne cannot scar.

Acne scarring results when the visible remnants of acne are permanently left on the skin after the acne itself subsides. Acne scarring is permanent but can be treated. Treatment of scarring may require many different kinds of treatments, depending on the kind of scarring present. Acne scarring may be considered atrophic, ice pick or hypertrophic. Having pitted scars which are usually deep is the first indicator of ice pick type of scarring. Steep edges are likewise visible signs of ice pick type of scarring.

Acne scarring shows many different forms and is explainable by the depth and severity of the antecedent inflammation and the ability of the individual to heal these lesions. Post-acne scarring is debilitating and socially disabling for many and is the avoidable outcome of untreated or inadequately treated acne. Acne scarring affects millions of people. Biological glycoconjugates is the perfect natural pimple scar remover. Acne scarring is no walk in the park. The real problem with acne scarring is that it can be a lasting impression and constant reminder of a very trying time--the teen years.

Ice Pick Acne Scars
 

Appearance: Ice pick acne scars are deep, very narrow scars that extend into the dermis. The skin looks as if it has been pierced by an ice pick or sharp instrument. Ice pick scars seem to make a small, deep "hole" in the skin. Some may look like a large, open pore.

Development: Ice pick acne scars develop after an infection from a cyst or other deep inflamed blemish works its way to the surface. Skin tissue is destroyed, leaving a long column-like scar.

Common treatments: Ice pick scars can be treated with punch excision or punch grafting.
 

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Boxcar Acne Scars

Appearance: Boxcar acne scars are round or oval depressions with steep vertical sides. Wider than ice picks, boxcar scars give the skin a pitted appearance. They are similar in appearance to chickenpox scars. Boxcar scars occur when an inflamed acne lesion destroys tissue, leaving a sunken area on the skin.

Development: When an inflammatory breakout destroys collagen, tissue is lost. The skin over this area is left without support, and a depressed area is created. Boxcar scars may be superficial to severe, depending on the amount of tissue lost.

Common treatments: Treatments for boxcar acne scars include punch excision or elevation, dermal fillers, and laser resurfacing.

 

Rolling Acne Scars

Appearance: This type of scarring causes rolling or "wave-like" undulations across otherwise normal appearing skin.
 

Development: Rolling scars arise when fibrous bands of tissue develop between the skin and the subcutaneous tissue below. These bands pull the epidermis, binding it to deeper structures of the skin. It is this pulling of the epidermis from within that creates the rolling appearance of the skin.

Common treatments: Rolling acne scars are best treated with subcision.
 

Hypertrophic or Keloid Acne Scars
 

Appearance: A hypertrophic acne scar looks like a raised, firm mass of tissue. These types of scars often grow larger than the original wound. Hypertrophic scars caused by acne are most often found on the torso, especially in men.
 

Development: Unlike ice pick or boxcar scars, hypertrophic scars are not caused by a loss of tissue. Rather, they develop because of an overproduction of collagen.

Common treatments: Steroid (cortisone) creams, tapes, or injections are used to help shrink and flatten the scar. Interferon injections are also used to soften scar tissue.

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