Why Does Acne Scar?

Acne progresses through various stages, with scarring typically absent in its initial stage. However, as it advances to the inflammatory stage and inflammation penetrates deeper into the skin, the risk of scar formation increases. The healing process of active acne can lead to either a loss of healthy collagen tissue or an excess formation of collagen due to severe and persistent inflammation. Therefore, early control of inflammation is crucial in preventing or reducing scarring in acne. While some patients may develop scars even at the early stage of acne with minimal inflammation, these scars often respond well to treatment and show significant improvement.

Who is Prone to Getting Acne Scars?

Several factors can influence the likelihood of acne scarring:

• Lack of treatment for active acne or allowing acne to resolve on its own.
• Delayed initiation of treatment for active acne.
• Engaging in picking, popping, or squeezing acne, which can increase inflammation and lead to scarring.
• Presence of severe acne, such as nodulo-cystic acne.
• Family history of severe acne.

What are the types of Acne scars?

Acne scars exhibit a variety of characteristics, including different shapes, sizes, depths, and surface textures. It's common for multiple types of acne scars to coexist in the same individual. These scars can be broadly categorized into three types:

• Macular (flat) acne scars: These include erythematous and hyperpigmented scars.
• Atrophic (depressed) acne scars: This category encompasses ice pick, boxcar (shallow and deep), rolling, and linear (narrow and wide) scars.
• Hypertrophic (raised) acne scars: These consist of hypertrophic, keloidal, and papular scars.

Why You Should Treat Your Acne Scar?

Treating acne scars is not a medical necessity since they are a permanent result of acne. However, addressing acne scars is often driven by cosmetic concerns, as they can significantly impact an individual's psychosocial well-being. Issues such as reduced self-esteem, limitations in social or professional interactions, impacts on career and personal life, and the desire for improved appearance are the primary reasons people seek treatment for acne scars.

Treatment for raised hypertrophic acne scars

• Scar creams: Silicon based creams and dressing are useful to depress te elevated scars. They are slowly acting and useful in combination to other treartments. They make the scars shrink, flatten and lose their colors.
• Intralesional injection:Intralesional injection is a medical procedure commonly used in dermatology to treat various skin conditions, including acne scars. During this procedure, a medication is injected directly into the affected area of the skin. The medication is typically a corticosteroid, such as triamcinolone acetonide, which helps reduce inflammation and promote healing.
• Laser treatment, such as CO2 Laser, is utilized to remove raised scar tissue effectively. Following the laser procedure, injections may be administered on the same day to deter recurrence. IPL treatments can also be employed to diminish the size of hypertrophic acne scars.
• Another treatment option is intralesional cryotherapy for raised acne scars. During this procedure, liquid nitrogen gas is delivered into the lesion via a specialized device, freezing the tissue. This causes the scar tissue to die and shed off. However, it's important to note that this treatment can result in white spots on the skin.