Acne Scars – Types and Risk Factors
Learn about acne scars – the different types of acne scars and what factors increase your risk for developing acne scars.
Acne is usually temporary, while acne scars may last forever. Both acne and acne scars can cause anxiety, social withdrawal, even depression.
Different types of scarring
During the healing process, our body produces collagen in the area of the wound, or in this case, of acne.
Depressed or atrophic scars
These scars signify lack in production of collagen in the wound healing process. The three types of atrophic scars area: rolling, box, and ice pick scars.
Raised or hypertrophic scars
These scars signify overproduction of collagen. Scars may either be hypertrophic or keloid. You may develop this type of scars on the face, chest, back or shoulders. Unfortunately, our Asian descent is also a risk factor for hypertrophic scarring.
Who develops acne scars?
Anyone can get acne scars! Here are some of the factors that make you more prone to developing acne scars.
- Family history
Like acne, scarring is also largely genetic. Look at your parents and other blood relatives. If they have scars – atrophic/depressed or hypertrophic/raised scars, then you are at greater risk of developing acne scars.
- Inflammatory acne
Inflammatory acne is characterized by red, painful, and swollen pimples. Usually the deeper or more severe the pimples, the greater the risk of scarring! Acne that presents as cysts and nodules almost always heal with scarring especially if left untreated.
- Delaying treatment or does not treat inflammatory acne
Already have acne but not paying mind to it? Delaying or not treating your acne is another risk factor for developing those unsightly scars. Remember the more acne you have, the greater risk of each one to result in a scar.
- Improper picking of acne
Some people love to pop, squeeze or prick their own pimples! Please try to avoid this especially if you are not trained professionally. This can cause more inflammation, hence more risk of scarring. Another danger is using unsterile hands and instruments in cleaning your zits. This is best left to dermatologists and well-trained skin therapists.
We have listed down the risk factors, not everyone who has risk factors develop acne scars, and vice versa! Some people who do not have risk factors may still get scars from acne! So what do you do? Treat your acne early and entrust your skin care and facial needs to your board-certified dermatologists.
For your acne, acne scars and other skin concerns, you may book your appointment with our board-certified dermatologists. Here is the booking link.
Cheers to healthy skin!
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