Types of acne scars & tips to prevent scarring
Acne can be very mild and result in a few isolated spots that heal on their own. But it can also be severe and leave long-term traces, even if it has been brought under control.
With severe acne, pustules and deeper cysts appear, and scarring can leave hills and valleys on the face that can seriously affect self-esteem. Before attempting to treat your acne scars, you should know what type of scars you are dealing with in order to find the right approach that can improve the appearance of your skin.
Read on to learn more about the different types of acne scars, how they are best treated, and get some tips on how to prevent them from developing.
Types of acne scars
Scars occur when an eruption penetrates deep into the skin and damages the underlying tissue. Medical professionals have developed a classification system for acne scars that includes ice pick, boxcar and rolling scars. This helps in the diagnosis and treatment of many acne scars.
Ice pick acne scars
As the name suggests, ice pick acne scars are thin, deep scars. The skin looks as if it has been cut open with an ice pick, and these scars are deeper than they are wide. Ice pick scars can extend into the deep dermis or subcutaneous layer and are therefore difficult to treat. Some dermatologists consider punch transplantation the best solution for ice pick acne scars. In this method, the scar is extracted, but instead of closing the opening, a skin graft is used.
Boxcar Scars
Unlike ice pick scars, boxcar scars do not taper to a point and have clear edges. These scars appear as round pits with sharp vertical edges. They resemble the scars that come from chicken pox and usually appear on the temples and cheeks. The most common treatment for boxcars is dermal fillers, as they plump up the skin and smooth out the depressions left by scars.
Rolling acne scars
Rolling scars have a rolling or wavy texture that gives the skin an undulating appearance. They are usually wide and flat and are caused by wrinkling between the skin and the underlying subcutaneous tissue. This common type of acne scarring can be effectively treated with a simple surgical procedure called a subcision. This involves inserting a special needle under the scar to break the subdermal bands responsible for the wavy scars.
Prevention of acne scars
When it comes to acne scars, it is important to start acne treatment as soon as possible to prevent scarring. While there are several safe and effective treatments for acne scars, there may be a better solution – prevention!
Avoid touching, picking or picking acne spots to prevent acne from spreading and creating acne scars. There are several treatment methods to treat acne and prevent the development of stubborn scars. Natural acne treatments that reduce toxicity, improve skin condition and treat acne include herbs such as chamomile, lavender, juniper, bergamot, dandelion root, witch hazel and burdock root. Nutritional supplements such as vitamins A, C, E and B6 can also be helpful for healthy skin.
Finally, you should always use sunscreen to protect your skin from the sun's rays, which can damage the skin and further aggravate the acne problem.
Final thoughts
There are different types of acne scars, and it is important to know what type it is, as the treatment of acne scars is tailored to the type and severity of the scars. A dermatologist will help you find the right treatment for you and create a treatment plan tailored to your needs. Many factors are taken into consideration, z. B. The type of scars, your skin type, and where the scars appear on your body.