Acne Scars

Whether it is from our puberty or from recent acne outbreaks, acne scars are a painful reminder of bad skin. Whenever the acne occurs, it's very common to be left with scarring from excess collagen when those pimples heal. Acne scarring tends to occur more commonly in the more severe forms of acne with large nodules and inflammation. If treated, the overall prognosis for persons with acne is good, however; in some cases it can lead to long lasting physical scarring and psychosocial impairment.

How are acne scars formed?

To understand how acne or pimple scars are formed it’s important to first understand how acne forms. Acne develops as a result of plugged follicles. In these conditions the bacteria can grow inside and can cause inflammation, leading to inflammatory lesions in the dermis. This inflammatory reaction in the dermis results in redness and may eventually cause permanent scarring or hyperpigmentation.

Types of acne scar

Typical acne scarring tend to fit into the following two major categories:

1. Depressed acne scar

Most people who scar after the acne clears see soft, saucer-like depressions or pits on their skin. Sometimes the skin loses its underlying support and develops a wavy texture. As we age, these scars often become even more noticeable. There are three types of depressed acne:

Icepick Scars:

Icepick scars are the most common type of mark left behind by acne. Icepick scars are deep, narrow scars characterized by the pits they form in your skin. These facial blemishes are often the result of persistent acne.

Boxcar Scars:

Similar to chickenpox scars, boxcar scars have angular, well-defined edges and can usually be found on your temples or cheeks.

Rolling Scars :

Indicated by their wave-like appearance on your skin’s surface, rolling scars are wide and shallow indentations left behind by pimples. Rolling scars are caused by bands of tissue developing between the epidermis and the skin tissue below, pulling your skin down in a scar that leaves rolls on your face.

2. Raised acne scar

Once acne clears, some people see raised scars on their skin. With time, these scars may become larger and more noticeable. Some raised scars itch. They can even be painful and tender. There are two types of raised acne-scars:

Keloid scars

Keloid scars can expand beyond the original pimple site as well, and can feel rubbery and firm and can even itch. Keloids are more common in people of African, Asian, or Latino descent. Keloids can develop anywhere on the skin, but most form on the earlobe, chest, shoulders, or upper back.

Hypertrophic scars

Unlike other acne scarring, hypertrophic scars are raised above the surface of your skin and remain within the boundary of the original blemish. The good news about these types of scars is that they can reduce in size as time goes on.

Tags

severe acne, nodules, acne scarring treatment