In some cases, a severe outbreak of acne can lead to long term scaring. This happens because as your body attempts to repair it’s self after an infection of the skin. Unfortunately, this scar tissue may be a long lasting reminder of a long gone outbreak. Worse still, without treatment in most cases, the scars can become permanent.

Fortunately for us, this is no longer the rule. These days, doctors have been able to come up with ways to repair the skin and in some cases even eliminate unsightly scars. It is important to remember that everyone’s skin is different. A similar type of acne scar can make scarring occur differently to different people so that some people may develop less or no scars, while others have the misfortune of having large scars. Acne scars are broadly classified into two types - those caused by increase tissue development and those caused by loss of tissue.

Depressed Scars
These scars feature different types of acne scars such as depressed fibriotic scars, Icepick scars, muscular scars and soft scars. You will find these scars, particularly Icepicks commonly on the face. Depressed scars normally occur after the cyst ruptures due to an expansion caused by dead skin cells, oil, pus and bacteria. The rupture affects the dermis and so the white blood cells dash to protect the dermis. The loss of tissue, (which results in loss of collagen) beneath the skin leaves the skin exposed and unsupported, hence forming a saucer shaped ice pick scar.

Keloids
In other people, scarring takes a reverse action after the collagen is lost wherein the body prompts fibroblasts to produce too much collagen and the resulting scar tissues are known as Keloids. Keloids mostly affect male torsos. Another result of increased tissue formation is a scar known as hypertrophic scar which means an overgrowth.

Treating Acne Scars
The kind of scar treatment you will receive, which is carried out by a dermatologist is determined by a number of factors, top among them the cost, your desired results, where your scar is located, the type of scar and its severity, and the types of treatments available. Microdermabrasion, dermabrasion, skin grafting, skin surgeries and steroid injections in cases of Keloids are few among the common scar treatments you can receive. You need to discuss your feelings with your doctor about the scars, and he also discusses and explains the treatments.

One thing the doctor can advise you is that Keloids cannot be treated if the treatment poses a threat of formation of more Keloids. Of course, only you and your doctor can determine the right course of treatment for you.

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