If you’ve struggled with acne either as a teenager or as an adult, you know that getting rid of the pimples and clearing up skin is just the beginning. The scars left behind from acne can last for years and can cause just as much embarrassment and frustration as a breakout, especially since there is no easy fix for this often permanent problem. Read on to learn about the different kinds of acne scars and what you can do to treat them.
Ice Pick Acne Scars
These scars are characterized by deep, narrow holes in the skin. It may appear as if the skin has been punctured by an ice pick, hence the name. Ice pick scars develop when the skin is damaged deeper in the dermis, often when a cyst or pimple works its way to the surface. These can be the most difficult acne scars to treat.
Boxcar Acne Scars
A boxcar scar is different from an ice pick scar in that it is broader and boxier. Like an ice pick scar, it causes a depression in the skin when not enough collagen is produced during the healing of a blemish. The depressions can be round or oval and usually have steep vertical sides and a pit-like appearance.
Rolling Acne Scars
As the name implies, these acne scars have smooth edges and some say look like rolling hills on the skin. Rolling acne scars can give the skin a wavy appearance and are difficult, but not impossible, to treat.
Keloid Acne Scars
Raised red or pink scars that appear as a mass of tissue are called keloid or hypertrophic scars. The scar is often larger in size than the original blemish. Unlike the other forms of acne scars, these scars are formed from an overproduction of collagen rather than an underproduction of it during the healing process.
Treating Acne Scars
Almost all acne scars are deeper than they may seem at first. They often require more aggressive treatment to restore skin to its natural pre-acne-scar appearance. For most cases, the goal is to induce new collagen production and allow the skin to heal itself. This is often done with lasers, chemical peels or microneedling. To find out more or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Davis, call us today at 817-778-4444.
