Types And Treatment Of Acne Scars

In most of the acne cases, patients recover from the troubled skin without scars left on their skin. But in some people, acne scars are left in the healed skin. These scars are the mark of prematurely aging skin and become the cause of embarrassment and even social isolation. But dermatologists and cosmetic surgeons can now effectively treat acne scars.

Types Of Scars

Scars resulting from acne can be divided into two main types: those that result from increased tissue formation, and those that are caused by loss of tissue. Scars forming by increased tissue formation are actually the result of accumulation of excess collagen in the skin. These are of two types: hypertrophic (or thickened) scars and keloid scars. Of these, keloid scars have been known to run in families.

Acne Scars Caused By Loss Of Tissue

These are the more common types of scars resulting from acne. These are of different types as described below. Ice-Pick Scars These acne scars may be shallow or deep in the skin. They are usually small with steep sides resembling an ice-pick wound and this is what they owe their name. Ice-pick scars may feel hard or soft upon touching. Those feeling soft are usually shallower while the hard ones are deeper. Depressed Fibrotic Scars These scars are usually large having sharp margins and steeper sides. They look similar to deep chicken pox scars. Superficial And Deep Soft scars These scars vary in size with sloping edges that unite with normal healthy skin. Atrophic Macules These are soft, flat scars appearing bluish or violet in color, especially on white skin. They usually tend to fade away over time and become less prominent. Treatment Of Acne Scars

A variety of treatment methods are used to treat scars resulting from acne. Some methods of treatment are more effective for certain kinds of scars than others.

Chemical Peels

Chemical peeling is more effective in treating small scars, though it can be used for treating some large scars too. Peeling is not effective in case of keloids, ice-pick scars and deep fibrotic scars.

Dermabrasion

Dermabrasion can reach deeper in skin than peeling and hence can be used for deeper and hypertrophic scars. Combined with punch excision of scar tissue, dermabrasion can be used to treat ice-pick scars.

Laser Therapy

Laser treatment is the latest method of treating scars. While not very effective in all patients, laser therapy is successful in treating complex scars in some people. Laser is also used to elevate depressed scars for removal.