What Are The Different
Types of Scars

Regardless of the cause of a scar - injury, surgery, burn or acne - treating it is difficult. "Everyone scars" says Tina Alster, MD. "But for unknown reasons, scars differ from person to person. People with more pigmenation in their skin typically develop more severe scars than those with fairer skin". Darker skin tones, for example, tend to develop keloids - scars that are thick and raised and extremely visible". "After an injury", explains Alster "instead of producing normal amounts of collagen these individuals overproduce the tissue, causing keloids".

Scars can cause embarrassment, decrease self esteem and hold you back from living a full, active life. Many people with acne scarring hide behind heavy makeup, hair and other concealment devices to avoid the embarrassment of others seeing their scars. While acne scars can be detrimental, they do not have to rule your life. With proper treatment and care, you can prevent future acne scarring and lessen the appearance of acne scars you already have.

How Does Scarring Happen?

Scarring occurs - as it is natural for our body to heal after a wound or injury. It is a normal occuring process to have skin tissue to scar. Although scars are not a health threat- their appearance and cause for distress may call for medical treatment.

While there are different types of scarring, in general scars occur after the skin has experienced a trauma. This trauma can be from an accident, surgery, excessive picking at acne prone skin, burns and other accidents or procedures. The depth of the wound, the wound's placement, your age, the way you treat the wound and even your sex, ethnicity and skin tone can effect the way your skin scars and the way your skin can heal scars.

The Main Types of Scars

Once the scar formation process is complete - there are three differet types of scars that can occur: atrophic (main types of acne scars), hypertrophic, and keloidal.

Hypertrophic Scars
Hypertrophic scars are raised scars and are genrally caused by very deep cystic acne, boils or other deep nodules or impurities. Hypertrophic scars are usually red in appearance and stay within the bounds of the original wound. Very common in dark-skinned individuals. Can decrease in size by itself over the years. Generally notorious to have them removed completely.

Keloid Scars
Keloid scars are raised and red but extend over the wound site as a result of aggressive healing attempts from your skin. Keloid scars can grow large and thick enough to limit mobility. Again very common to see them in dark-skinned individuals and difficult to remove them completely. They do however subside in size over the years.

Atrophic Scars
Atrophic scars are depressions or holes in the skin that leave a pitted, or wavelike appearance. Atrophic scars are the most commonly associated with acne and leave embarrassing pits, holes and depressions in skin long after the acne has cleared. Atrophic facial acne scarring is categorised into four main types: ice pick, boxcar, shallow/atrophic and valley/rolling scars.

The 4 Common Types of Acne Scars

Ice Pick Scars
Ice pick scars are the most common acne scars. They manifest as deep pits and leave a large open hole in the skin that spreads about two millimeters across. Ice pick scars make the skin look as though it has been punctured with an ice pick.

Boxcar Scars
Boxcar scars are angular with sharp edges that resemble the scarring accompanied by chicken pox. Boxcar scars vary in their depth and commonly effect the cheek and temple areas. They are similar to chickenpox scars.

Shallow/Atrophic Scars
These scars are angular and usuall quite large, with sharp edges and steep sides.

Valley/Rolling
Scars Rolling scars are caused by damage that occurred deep beneath the surface of the skin and results in a wavelike, uneven texture and appearance for the skin. Rolling scars are usually shallow and wide.

How to Prevent Scarring

The best way to prevent scarring is to never pick your skin. Picking at acne lesions will spread bacteria, slow healing time and increase the likelihood of scarring. Keep your skin in check with regular, gentle cleansers appropriate for your skin type. If you develop a break out, apply topical treatments and avoid picking at all costs.

Treatments For Acne Scars

Acne scarring can be treated in a variety of way depending on the severity and depth of your scars. Laser treatments are successful in helping to smooth scars. Prescription creams, gels and ointments can also be effective at diminishing the appearance of acne scarring and lesions. Skin grafts, microdermabrasion and injectables are also options for acne treatment. No matter which method you select, be sure you are under the care of a licensed, informed and caring doctor or dermatologist.
Acne scarring can inhibit confidence, self esteem and self worth. Take back your confidence and put your best face forward by effectively treating existing acne scarring and taking all necessary steps to prevent future scars. Once you get your skin clear and free from unsightly scars, your confidence will soar and you will never feel like hiding behind hair, hats and other masks again.

» Recommended Treatment for Acne Scars

Return from Types of Acne Scars to Top Scar Cream

References:
1. Vegetarian Times Apr 2001, pg 74 "Original Skin"
2. Encyclopedia of Family Health , By David B. Jacoby, R. M. Youngson, pg 1881
3. Acne for Dummies, by Herbert P. Goodheart M.D.

Read In Depth Scar Product Comparisons »

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Dermajuv is the only skincare product that is designed specifically for Acne Scars. Collaxyl is the key to the Dermajuv success story, because of it’s ability to regenerate dead skin.The lab test for Collaxyl involved tearing a piece of dead skin, applying one coating of Collaxyl, and leaving it for 72 hours. After this short period the dead skin had completely healed.

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