Dr Gauri's
Skin & Hair Clinic
Experience the Difference

About Acne Scars :

Acne scars are usually the result of biologic process of wound repair in the skin and other tissues when there is a deep break in the wall of the pore, resulting in spillage of infected material into surrounding tissue, creating deeper lesions. The skin attempts to repair these lesions by forming new collagen fibers. These repairs usually aren't as smooth and flawless as the original skin. 

 

Who gets acne scars?

Scars are more likely to be seen scars when the acne clears. The risk increases when a person: 

• Has inflammatory (swollen, reddish, and painful) acne, such as acne cysts and nodules. This type of acne tends to penetrate deep into the skin, which damages the skin. 

• Delays or does not treat inflammatory acne. The longer a person has inflammatory acne, the greater the risk of scarring.

• Picks, squeezes, or pops acne. This increases inflammation, which increases the risk of scarring. 

• Has a blood relative who developed acne scars. Genes play a large role.

​

Although we know what increases a person’s risk of developing acne scars, it is not possible to predict who will develop acne scars. As even people who have all the risk factors may not scar. 

​

What causes acne scars?

When acne breakouts penetrate the skin deeply into the dermis, they damage the skin and the tissue beneath it. As the acne clears, the body tries to repair this damage by production of collagen — a substance that gives the skin support. If the body produces too little or too much collagen, you will see a scar. 

​

The type of scar depends on how much collagen your body makes.

• Depressed acne scars: If the body produces too little collagen, depressions or pits form as the skin heals.

• Raised acne scars: Sometimes the body produces too much collagen as it tries to heal the skin and underlying tissue. When this happens, a person develops a raised acne scar.

​

Signs And Symptoms

What you see on your skin varies with the types of acne scars you have. Broadly, there are two types of acne scars: 

Depressed: Most of the acne scars cause depressions or pits in the skin.

Depressed scars usually form on the face. And these scars are referred to as “atrophic” (a-tro-fic) scars are classified as:

• Boxcar - These are deep "U" shaped scars.

• Icepick - As the name suggests, these are "V" shaped scars with its bottom deep into tissue

• Rolling - These are "W" shaped scars with “wave-like” undulations across otherwise normal-appearing skin

Raised: These acne scars are more common on the back and chest and appear as firm, raised masses of tissue usually larger than the original acne in size.The medical term for a raised scar is “hypertrophic.”

​

Myths v/s reality

• Acne Is not Contagious. This means that you cannot catch acne simply by touching someone's skin.

• Touching/squeezing/self handling of acne is not the solution as it can actually trap dirt and bacteria underneath the skin. This can further irritate the blemish and can lead to scarring. So, it is important to avoid touching or picking at a pimple and being extra gentle when cleansing the area.

• While Mild forms of acne such as black heads and whiteheads usually disappear on their own once they have run their course. It is the more severe cases of acne that are long lasting and become inflamed that people need to worry about. Those suffering from this type of acne should consult with a skin care provide immediately to help prevent acne scars from forming.

• Acne can affect any and all skin types. If you have acne scars is not mean that your skin is dirty. Because the cause of acne is rooted deep in the oil glands, excessively scrubbing and washing your face will not clear up the blemishes and can actually cause more damage to the skin.

​

Understanding the facts about acne and acne scars can help you properly manage your skin care to keep it looking healthy and beautiful for years to come.​