Acne Scarring

Scarring can occur after a severe outbreak of acne, especially if pimples have not been handled well (i.e. popped with dirty fingers), and can worsen if one’s skin receives too much exposure to the sun. There are different kinds of scars, such as ice pick, boxcar, rolling, and keloid scars, as well as hyperpigmentation. Pimple scars can last for years without proper treatment, which is a problem for those whose breakouts tend to occur on the face. In fact, acne scarring often leads to anxiety and low self-confidence.

Does the above description sound like what your skin is experiencing now? Inquire with our dermatologists for expert scar treatment and get that much-needed confidence boost.

Acne scars are usually the result of inflamed blemishes caused by skin pores engorged with excess oil, dead skin cells and bacteria. The pore swells, causing a break in the follicle wall. Shallow lesions are usually minor and heal quickly.

Acne scarring occurs on the skin as a result of severe acne or in breakouts when acne cysts are formed. This is characterized by permanent indentations and textural changes that manifest on the skin due to the destruction of skin tissue. Acne scars are usually found on the back and chest and may appear lumpy, especially in cases of that occur on the skin as a result of severe acne. The term “scarring” is not used for the temporary red and brown marks left early after acne has occurred as these marks will almost always improve without treatment.

In severe acne, large pus-filled spaces known as acne cysts are formed. These cysts destroy skin tissue which is not replaced during the healing process.  When the cyst eventually empties and the area heals, it usually leaves behind an indentation (or scar) on the face. On the chest and back the scarring can be lumpy (known as “hypertrophic” or “keloid” scarring).