What Are Acne Scars?
Scars from acne can form in the early stages of the condition and they can persist after acne itself has improved. Acne scars are common to anyone who suffers from severe acne, but can also occur with mild to moderate acne. The duration of acne, the severity of acne and the delay in treatment all contribute to permanent acne scars. There are several treatments for acne scars, including chemical peels, microneedling, injectable fillers, and lasers.
What Causes Acne Scars?
If an acne breakout occurs deep in the skin, it can damages the skin and tissue underneath. When the acne clears, the body tries to repair this damaged area. During the healing process, the body produces collagen – a substance that supports the skin. If the body produces too little or too much collagen, you will see a scar. The type of scar depends on how much collagen your body makes.
Depressed acne scars (Atrophic): If the body produces too little collagen, depressions or pits form as the skin heals.
Raised acne scars: (Hypertrophic) Sometimes the body produces too much collagen while trying to heal the skin and underlying tissues.If this happens, a person will develop a raised acne scar. This type of acne scar is more common in darker skinned people such as African Americans, Hispanic and Asians. Even though we do our best to prevent acne scarring, some people do scar.
There are many treatment options, which can significantly reduce the depressed and raised acne scars. Treatments include chemical peels, microdermabrasion, laser resurfacing, and fillers.
Who gets acne scarring?
Scars can occur after skin inflammation, for example as a complication of acne. Scarring is part of the wound healing process, which is divided into three phases: inflammation, healing, and remodelling.
Types of acne:
There are 3 main types of atrophic acne scars:
- Ice pick scars – small, deep holes in the surface of your skin that look like the skin has been pierced with a sharp object.
- Rolling scars – caused by bands of scar tissue forming under the skin, giving the surface of the skin a rolling and uneven appearance.
- Boxcar scars – round or oval depressions, or craters, in the skin.
References:
- NHS: Acne
- American Academy of Dermatology Association: Acne scars
Causes of Acne Scars:
Some people are more likely to see scars when their acne clears. The risk increases when someone:
- Has inflamed (swollen, reddish and painful) acne This often includes acne cysts and nodules. This type of acne often penetrates deep into the skin, causing damage to the skin.
- Doesn’t slow or treat inflamed acne. The longer someone has inflamed acne, the greater the risk of scarring.
- Picking, squeezing, or popping acne: This increases inflammation, and thus increasing the risk of scarring.
- Has a blood relative who developed acne scars Genes play a big role.
Improper production and breakdown of collagen during the healing process can lead to the formation of various types of scars. Scars can be classified according to the cause and time of their formation and appearance. The last group of acne scars is divided into atropic, hypertropic and discolored. Atrophic scars are below the surface of the skin and have receded. On the other hand, hypertrophic scars are raised above the surface of the skin.
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