Even after the unsightly skin associated with acne has disappeared, scars may remain behind. Acne scars that pit the skin and cause a depression can occur when pimples grow large and break the skin or when someone with acne breaks the skin to release the pus and dead cells. Raised types of acne scars result when collagen fibers grow to fill in a damaged area under the skin.
Ice Pick Scars
Scars with deep sides that pit the skin are called ice pick scars. They can be soft or hard. Dermatologists typically treat ice pick scars using a punch incision that cuts away the scarred area and encourages the growth of new tissue to fill in the gap left behind.
Atrophic Scars
Atrophic scars, also called atrophic macules, are flat scars with a bluish tinge. Chemical peels may reduce the appearance of atrophic scars, although they may also fade over time on their own.
Depressed Fibrotic Scars
Depressed fibrotic scars resemble the scars from chicken pox. These large scars with sharp edges commonly occur on the cheeks. Treatment can involve dermabrasion, laser or surgery.
Hypertrophic Scars
Hypertrophic scars, a type of small raised scar, result from an excess buildup of tissue in place of a hole left after the pimple has gone away. Hypertrophic scars may grow smaller over time but can also be treated using lasers, injections or surgery.
Keloid Scars
Keloid scars are another type of raised scar. They look like a red lump of scar tissue and occur most commonly on the upper chest, shoulders and upper back. Keloids have a genetic component, and people of African ancestry tend to get them more often. Treatments for keloid scars include laser removal, cutting away the scar, freezing of the scar and steroid injections.
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