Acne is one of the most common skin problems experienced by both teenagers and adults. Not only is acne a problem, but the acne scars that appear cause many people to lose confidence.
But did you know that there are different types of acne scars and that they require different treatments? Let's take a look at the following article.
Types of Acne Scars
Before treating acne scars, it is important to know what type of scars you have. Judging from their shape, the types of acne scars or blemishes consist of various types, namely:
Atrophic scars
Atrophic scars or acne pockmarks occur when there is a loss of skin tissue resulting in a hollow shape. This type of scar is divided into three, namely:
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- Boxcar, which is a wide U-shaped wound with sharp edges. These scars can be shallow or deep. Shallow scars respond more easily to acne treatments.
- Ice picks, which are acne pockmarks that have deep depressions with a V-shape, are similar to carving marks. In some cases acne scars can also look like smallpox scars. Among other acne scars, these scars are the most difficult to remove because they leave deep scars.
- Rolling, where pockmarks have indistinct edges and make the skin appear rolled or bumpy.
Hypertophic scars
Hypertrophic scars occur due to overproduction of collagen during the acne healing process. As a result, excess tissue mass is formed so that the wound surface protrudes upwards. These scars are also known as keloids and appear on the back and chin areas.
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How to Get Rid of Acne Scars
In mild cases, acne can usually be treated with natural ingredients or special acne skincare and over-the-counter acne medications.
When acne inflammation starts to get worse and does not get better with medication and skincare, you should immediately consult a doctor and avoid squeezing acne so as not to leave scars.
Some types of acne scars require different treatments. The following actions can be taken to disguise acne scars:
Microdermabrassion
Microdermabrasion is a treatment that uses crystals and a vacuum to remove dead skin cells. The microdermabrasion tool will scrape away the top layer of skin to encourage regeneration of the skin cells underneath so that the skin that emerges becomes more even and smooth. This treatment can be done for atrophic scars such as boxcars, rolling, and ice picks.
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Chemical peeling
Chemical peels are done by scraping off the top layer of the skin using chemical medications. In choosing a chemical solution, you need to match the type of acne scars that appear.
If the acne scar is a type of discoloration or hyperpigmentation that shows skin discoloration, such as blackening, you can use acid solutions such as salicylic acid, lactic acid, or glycolic acid.
Whereas if the scar is deep like an ice pick, you can use trichloroacetic acid (TCA), but you should only use TCA in consultation with a doctor.
Laser
Laser therapy can be used to treat various types of acne scars, both atrophic and hypertrophic. To treat keloids, pulsed-dye laser therapy is commonly used.
Treating acne scars needs to be tailored to the type of scar that appears. Consult a doctor to get treatment that suits your condition.
If you need medical advice or consultation, you can either visit a doctor or make use of the consultation features that are available in the Ai Care application by downloading the Ai Care application from the App Store or Play Store.
Looking for more tips and information regarding health, conditions, first aid, and other home remedies? Click here!
Higuera, V, (2023). Acne Scars 101: A Complete Guide to Getting Smooth Skin Again. Available from: https://www.everydayhealth.com/acne/remove-acne-scars.aspx
Ferreira, M. (2023). How to Best Treat Acne Scars. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/acne-scars
Johnson, J. (2022). How to Best Treat Acne Scars. Available from: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/324784