Pimples, blackheads, whiteheads, and other kinds of acne can become an embarrassing and frustrating experience. For the most part, acne is a transient condition with no long-term consequences. However, some types of acne can leave visible scars that might compromise your appearance as well as your self-confidence.
Acne scars appear in various shapes and sizes and can impact your face and body. Dealing with acne and acne scars can be very distressing, but do not worry. Dr. Snehal Jadhav, an eminent skin specialist in Aurangabad, says that both acne and the scars they leave can be treated.
She is one of the founders of The Healing Center Advanced Specialty Homoeopathy& Skin Clinic, among the best skin clinics in Aurangabad.
Read on to understand acne scars' causes, types, and treatments.
What are the causes of acne scars?
Acne occurs when the pores or hair follicles in your skin become blocked with dead skin cells, sebum (oil secreted by your body), and sometimes both.When your acne heals, it leaves behind marks known as acne scars.
Some types of acne are more prone to cause scarring than others.
What are the different types of acne?
Comedonal acne is a moderate type of acne that comprises blackheads and whiteheads, which develop when your pore gets blocked. If bacteria become trapped within a clogged pore, then the pore can get infected and inflamed, resulting in acne. This form of acne is typically red and raised above your skin.
Cystic acne, also known as nodular acne, occurs when infectious acne spreads deeper beneath the skin. Large, inflammatory, pus-filled lumps or cysts occur beneath the skin's surface and can be painful.
Most of the time, comedonal acne recovers smoothly without leaving any scars. The most severe varieties of acne, notably cystic or nodular acne, can, nevertheless, leave extensive, visible scarring.
Dr. Snehal Jadhav, an acclaimed skin specialist in Aurangabad, says that when it comes to acne, the probability of leaving a scar is more if the damage within your skin is deeper.
What are the different types of acne scars?
Acne scars appear in a variety of shapes and sizes. Some marks are atrophic or depressed, which means they lie below the skin's surface. Other scars are hypertrophicor raised and sit slightly above the skin around them.
Below we have listed 3 types of atrophic acne scarring and 1 type of hypertrophicacne scarring.
Ice pick scars
These scars are deep and thin and look like they were caused by a thin, long tool such as an ice pick, hence the name. The majority of icepick scars are V-shaped and less than 2mm in size.
Deep acne on your cheek and forehead, where the skin is quite thin, often results in this type of scarring. They are more difficult to treat than other acne marks as they are pretty deep.
Ice pick scars are very common and account for about 60 - 70% of all depressed or atrophic acne scarring.
Boxcar scars
Boxcar scars are often wide and shallow. They can be oval or round with sharp edges that distinguish them from your normal skin. The majority of boxcar scars are 1.5mm - 4mm wide.
Boxcar scars resemble an open boxcar; they have a large diameter and shallow depth.
Boxcar scars make up around 20 - 30 % of depressed or atrophic acne scarring and are less prevalent than ice pick scars. They can be easily treated using skin resurfacing procedures when they are shallow.
Rolling Scars
Rolling scars are wide and shallow scars having smooth edges that appear like uneven and rolling skin. This is the widest of acne scars and can be as big as 5mm wide.
Rolling scars seem to be less deep as compared to other acne scars because of their sloping, smooth edges. They usually occur on thicker parts of your skin, such as your lower cheeks and jaw.
Rolling scars, which account for 15 - 25% of depressed acne scarring, are the least common acne scars.
Hypertrophic scars
Hypertrophic scars, also known as keloid scars, are formed due to the expansion of your skin's fibrous tissue. They form when your skin heals from an injury, such as a surgical incision or burns. Hypertrophic scars are elevated above the skin around the affected area.
Hypertrophic scarring of the chest, shoulders, back, and jawline is common. This sort of scar usually occurs in dark-skinned people and might itch or hurt.
Other acne marks
Some acne lesions might leave behind small regions of skin that appear darker than your regular skin tone, even if they are not scars. This is known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation.
People with "skin of color" are more likely to have it. Although it is not exactly scarring, the dark hue left by some kinds of acne can stay long after the acne is gone.
If you or your loved one is dealing with acne scars, do not hesitate to visit Dr. Snehal Jadhav, a top-notch skin specialist in Aurangabad.
What are the treatments available for acne scars in Aurangabad?
Most acne scars can be reduced in appearance with medications, various cosmetic procedures, and lifestyle modifications.
A few treatment options for your acne scars are listed below.
Over-the-Counter (OTC) products
Salicylic acid can help clear clogged pores and decrease the swelling from inflamed acne. It is a peeling agent and can also treat minor acne scars.
Alpha hydroxy acids, which are found in OTC skin care products, may aid in the treatment of acne marks by promoting exfoliation. These mild acids act by assisting in the removal of the skin's outermost (oldest) layer. Glycolic acid, lactic acid, and citric acid are 3 commonly used OTC alpha hydroxy acids.
Retinoids sold over the counter, such as adapalene, aid in collagen formation and may be beneficial in treating acne scars.
Cosmetic Procedures
If your acne scars range from moderate to severe, you can benefit from skin-improving cosmetic procedures.
Cosmetic techniques for acne scar removal include:
Dermabrasion
It is an exfoliating technique in which the outermost part of your skin is removed using a small, quickly rotating device. The skin then regrows, forming a new, smoother exterior layer.
Laser resurfacing
Also known as ablative laser therapy, this is a process in which a laser is used to remove the external layers of your skin and induce the creation of new skin cells.
Dermal fillers
The fillers are injected into the affected areas of your skin to conceal depressed acne scarring. They make your skin smoother and more even. Many types of filler are not permanent, so if you use them to heal acne scarring, you may have to repeat the procedure.
Chemical peeling
This process includes removing the topmost layer of your skin with a chemical solution and stimulating the formation of new skin. The fresh layer of skin which emerges is smoother and reduces the appearance and extent of acne scarring.
Microdermabrasion
Also known as a "power peel", it exfoliates the outer layer of the skin with microscopic crystals. Fine wrinkles, dark spots, and moderate acne scars can be reduced with little downtime.
Microneedling
Also known as collagen induction therapy, it involves puncturing the outer layer of skin using small needles. It creates tiny punctures that aid in collagen production and healing the skin.
PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) treatment
PRP has proven to be highly successful in treating a variety of scars left by acne breakouts.
This technique uses a combination of your own platelets and plasma. Dermatologists can boost collagen production in the underlying layers of your skin by injecting this PRP serum under your scars. This results in the reversal of depressions.
To learn about different procedures and the best treatment for you, please speak with Dr. Snehal Jadhav, among the leading skin specialists in Aurangabad.
Conclusion
Acne scars can be quite aggravating, especially if they appear on your face or body in highly visible regions. If you are prone to having acne breakouts, you can make a few lifestyle changes to prevent them.
Acne scars can range in size and intensity from a couple of minor blemishes to a vast area of deep, visible scarring. They can lower your self-confidence and make you want to avoid social activities.
While over-the-counter treatments can help with mild acne scarring, you should consult a specialist if you have moderate to severe acne scars.
Please schedule an appointment with Dr. Snehal Jadhav, among the preferred skin specialists in Aurangabad. She will assess the type and degree of your scarring and offer you the best treatment.