Learn About Five Types of Acne Scars
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Struggling with acne breakouts is challenging on its own. Then, the scars that sometimes form leave a lasting mark on your skin (and self-confidence). Depending on your unique skin, genetics, and type of acne, you may develop scars that are sunken, raised, or even discolored. You can read about the five different types of acne scars here.
If you need treatment for acne scars, contact Advanced Dermatology today. With state-of-the-art clinics in the Greater Houston, TX area in Katy, Pearland, League City, and Sugar Land, you have a dermatologist office near you to get started on the acne treatment you deserve. Book online or by phone.
Five types of acne scars
In most cases, acne scarring occurs when pustules, nodules, or cysts, to name a few, damage the deeper layers of your skin. Acne scars can be sunken (atrophic) or raised (hypertrophic).
During the natural wound-healing processes, cells work hard to rebuild tissues, including collagen, to repair your skin. However, issues that occur during the healing process can increase your risk of any of the five types of acne scars described below.
No matter which type of scar you have, Advanced Dermatology provides several types of treatment solutions, including the in-demand laser skin resurfacing service. Acne scar treatments are available at the clinics in the Greater Houston, TX area in Katy, Pearland, League City, or Sugar Land.
1. Boxcar
As one of the most common types of atrophic acne scars, boxcar scars lead to broad depressions that have well-defined edges. Boxcar scars, which tend to form on your cheeks and jawline, develop when your skin doesn’t produce enough collagen to repair skin during acne healing stages. Ongoing issues with inflamed papules and pustules tend to cause boxcar scars.
2. Ice pick
Ice pick scars are atrophic acne scars that also form when collagen production isn’t adequate. Because of the lack of collagen, as your skin heals, weakened spots sink. You develop deep, narrow indentations in your skin, particularly on your cheeks, that make it look like a sharp tool punctured your skin. Ice pick scars are usually associated with cystic acne.
3. Rolling
Rolling scars, another type of atrophic acne scar, leave your skin looking very uneven and wavy – scar edges are smooth. These shallow indentations form because of poor collagen production and improper skin restructuring during healing. This is often a result of chronic inflammatory acne.
4. Hypertrophic
Hypertrophic scars, also known as raised acne scars, form when your skin produces too much collagen as it heals after a breakout. If the scar tissue becomes larger than the initial acne that caused it, the scar is known as a keloid. Hypertrophic scars usually form on your chest, back, and shoulders, or along your jawline. People who have skin of color are more likely to develop raised scars and keloids.
5. Hyperpigmentation
While not technically a type of scar, hyperpigmentation (or skin discoloration) is an issue that occurs because of healing after acne inflammation. You may notice patches of skin that are unusually dark or mismatched from your normal skin tone. If your skin has higher levels of melanin – meaning your skin is darker or tans easily – your risk of hyperpigmentation is greater.
No matter how minor or severe your acne scars may be, Advanced Dermatology providers can help. Book your acne scar evaluation at any of the Greater Houston, TX area locations in Katy, Pearland, League City, or Sugar Land. Click here or call the office nearest you today.