Acne can form different types of facial scars. Some scars can easily be treated while other scars are more prominent and difficult to treat. There are ways that you, yourself, can cause acne scars.
Identification
Some forms of acne, such as cysts, boils and nodules, will cause scarring to occur, according to the Mayo Clinic. This happens with these forms of acne because they form so deeply under the skin. Severe acne, such as having a high multitude of pimples, can also cause scars, especially when the acne forms over and over in the same location. Picking at or squeezing acne can also cause scars, according to GuideToClearSkin.com.
Types
There are four different types of acne scars, according to AcneGroup.org. Ice pick scars leave deep pits and are the most common type of acne scar. Rolling scars is the term used for scars that are depressed, or indented, and dip into the skin. Boxcar scars look like chicken pox scars and are commonly found on cheeks and temples. Keloids, or hypertrophic scars, are often very thick scars.
Preventing Scars
A number of things you do with your acne can cause scars. For example, picking, squeezing and popping your acne can result in scarring because the acne can turn into a sore or become infected, according to the Mayo Clinic. Scrubbing your acne can also cause scarring due to irritation, which often worsens acne. Leaving your acne untreated can cause scarring. This is especially true for boils and cysts. Without proper treatment, acne can flare out of control.
Solution
With modern technology, scar removal is an option. If your scarring is very minimal, your dermatologist may prescribe certain creams, such as retin-A, to reduce scar appearance. For slightly deeper scars, you may find that dermabrasion therapy or laser resurfacing is more helpful. Dermabrasion therapy involves wearing down the surface layer of your skin with a spinning brush, allowing new, healthier skin to grow, according to KidsHealth.org. Laser resurfacing involves the same process, but instead of using a spinning brush, lasers are used to remove the top layer of skin. For rolling scars, or depressed scars, doctors may inject a substance, such as collagen, beneath the skin to raise the depressed area.
Warnings
Depending on the depth of your scars, some procedures may need to be repeated from time to time. An example is collagen injections. Collagen only keeps the depressed areas raised for a period of time. To ensure the area stays raised, you may have to undergo the process several times. Laser therapy and dermabrasions may cause skin irritation, since removing skin is required during the process.
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