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  • Writer's pictureDr. Christine Dierickx

WHAT ARE THE DIFFERENT TYPES OF ACNE LESIONS?

Acne can cause scars that are a very unpleasant marker and may generate a lot of distress.


Acne scars are most often the product of an inflamed lesion, such as a papule, pustule, or cyst. The tissues are destroyed, prompting your body to create scar tissue, which is not as smooth and uniform as the original skin.


But what are the different types of acne scars and more important: how can we prevent and treat them?


The best method to prevent scarring is to treat acne early enough to minimize the extent and duration of inflammation.


Luckily, acne scars are treatable. And the key to finding the right treatment is starting with the right diagnosis. So what are the types of acne scars (swipe to see)?


  1. Ice Pick Scars: deep, very narrow scars

  2. Boxcar scars: round or oval depressions with steep vertical sides. Wider than ice pick scars, boxcar scars give the skin an uneven, pitted appearance.

  3. Rolling scars: wave-like depressions across otherwise normal-looking skin. Rolling scars differ from boxcar scars in that they aren't sharply defined. The skin itself looks uneven.

  4. Hypertrophic scars: Hypertrophic scars are firm, raised scars that grow above the surface of the skin. Hypertrophic scars caused by acne are most often found on the torso, especially in men, but they can happen anywhere on the body.

  5. Keloid Scars: a more severe type of raised scar. They differ from hypertrophic scars in that keloids grow larger than the original wound.


Dr. Dierickx is specialized in improving the appearance of scars. After determining the type of scars, Dr. Dierickx will choose the most appropriate treatment. Scar treatment might include: adjusted topical treatment creams, injections, subscision or various laser treatments. Get in touch to discuss the right treatment for you.




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