Acne Scarring: What is it?

Acne scarring occurs when the visible remnants of acne are permanently left on the skin after the
acne itself subsides. True scarring is to be distinguished from macules, or reddish spots that mark
the site of prior acne. Acne scarring is caused by a variety of factors. Acne is an infection of the skin
in which your body's immune system fights with white blood cells, causing pus, inflammation, redness
and swelling. Inflamation is the body's normal response to infection or irritants, and appears as redness,
tenderness, swelling and hot to the touch. This response triggers fibroblast cells to generate scar tissue,
and if that inflamation is prolonged and/or severe, a visible scar remains after the acne lesion clears.
Fibroblast cells make scar tissue as part of the normal healing process. It is important, however, to note
that red marks on the skin are not necessarily scars; simple red marks will usually disappear within
six months.

Ice-pick	Box	Rolling	Hypertrophic

Types of scarring

The types of acne scarring are twofold. They are:

Ice-pick scars.
Deep pits, that are the most common and a classic sign of acne scarring.

Box scars. Angular scars that usually occur on the temple and cheeks, and can be either
superficial or deep, these are similar to chickenpox scars.

Soft (rolling) scars
Scars that give the skin a wave-like appearance.

Hypertrophic scarring, which results in a growth of tissue known as keloid scarring.
Excess collagen is produced, and in severe cases, large outgrowths may result.

What is acne? | > Types of scars | Laser therapy treatment

Laser skin treatments | Wrinkle reduction | Laser hair removal | Vein & pigment removal | Scar treatment | Prescription skin care