Types of Acne Scars

Inadequate treatment of acne is major cause in development of acne scars. Generally, acne scars fall into these different types:

Ice pick scars usually occur on the cheek. They are narrow with a jagged edge. These scars are harder to treat and the more penetrating they are, the longer they take to heal. Ice pick scars develop after an infection from a cyst or other deep inflamed blemish works its way to the surface. Skin tissue is destroyed, leaving a long column-like scar.

Depressed fibrotic scars or “boxcar scars” have sharp edges with steep vertical sides. Their base is rigid, white and can not be stretched. When an inflammatory breakout destroys collagen, tissue is lost. The skin over this area is left without support, and a depressed area is created.

Rolling scars are wide, shallow scars that give the skin a wave like appearance. Rolling scars arise when fibrous bands of tissue develop between the skin and the lower tissue. These bands pull the epidermis, binding it to deeper structures of the skin. It is this pulling of the epidermis from within that creates the rolling appearance.

Keloid scars looks like a raised, firm mass of tissue. These types of scars often grow larger than the original wound. Unlike other scars, keloid scars are not caused by a loss of tissue, but by the overproduction of collagen.