Acne scarring is a widespread problem. According to the Acne Resource Center, 25 percent of the teens who suffer from acne will have permanent acne scars that range from light to severe. Your dermatologist can perform a number of procedures to reduce the size and appearance of these scars, but first he has to determine the type of acne scar that is affecting you.
Ice Pick Scars
Ice pick scars look like a small puncture wound, and they get their name from their appearance. The American Academy of Dermatology points out that these scars can be superficial or can go deep into the layers of the skin. Even though they might be deep, these scars are usually small in diameter.
Atrophic Scars
Like ice pick scars, atrophic acne scars can look like small puncture wounds to the skin. Unlike the ice pick version, however, atrophic acne scars have smooth borders. These acne scars don’t reach as deeply into the skin as the ice pick variety.
Keloid Acne Scars
Keloid scars from acne are common in African Americans. These scars are the result of increased tissue buildup. Collagen amasses underneath the skin, which leaves a bumpy or mottled look. The American Academy of Dermatology points out that an individual has to have a genetic predisposition to develop keloid acne scars.
Hypertrophic Scars
Like keloid scars, hypertrophic acne scars appear as raised tissue. These scars are common on the back and other areas of the trunk that may have experienced breakouts. Unlike keloid scars, the hypertrophic scars don’t expand beyond the boundary of the original wound.
Rolling Scars
Rolling acne scars are depressions that are shallow in depth. They can affect wide areas of skin and leave the scarred area looking scooped out or wavy.
About this Author
James Mulcahy is a New York City-based licensed massage therapist with more than 1,500 hours of training in anatomy, myology and pathology. He currently works as a freelance writer and has contributed to Huffington Post, New York Press, British Airway’s High Life, Metromix and many other publications.
