Marks remaining after acne
Atrophic Acne Scars
Related terms · Indented scars · Icepick scars · Boxcar scars · Rolling scars
Atrophic acne scars occur when skin tissue does not recover sufficiently after inflammation, leaving the surface pitted. This is different from flat red or brown marks.
Overview
Atrophic acne scars: please check these three things first
- Atrophic acne scars occur when the skin tissue does not recover sufficiently after inflammation, leaving the surface pitted. This is different from flat marks that are red or brown.
- Post-inflammatory erythemaHyperpigmentation shows almost no change in skin elevation. Hypertrophic scars are changes where the skin rises.
- Please let us know if the pitting is visible under side lighting, if new inflammation continues to occur, or if the scars are increasing.
Meaning and Distinction
What are atrophic acne scars?
Depending on the shape and borders of the pitting, they are sometimes categorized as icepick, boxcar, or rolling scars. Atrophic acne scars occur when the skin tissue does not recover sufficiently after inflammation, leaving the surface pitted. This is different from flat marks that are red or brown.
- Easily confused terms
- Post-inflammatory erythema and hyperpigmentation show almost no change in skin elevation. Hypertrophic scars are changes where the skin rises.
- Why this is checked during medical evaluation
- Since scars with structural changes may require different procedures than the treatment of new inflammation, the treatment sequence is separated.
- Information to prepare for your visit
- Please let us know if the pitting is visible under side lighting, if new inflammation continues to occur, or if the scars are increasing.
More details
Connecting atrophic acne scars to my symptoms
If pitting is visible under side lighting, it is easier to distinguish from marks
Atrophic scars are a state where the skin tissue has decreased, lowering the surface. Do not look only at whether they are red or brown; check the depth and borders under both frontal and side lighting.
If new inflammation persists, the priority is set before scar procedures
While deep and painful acne is newly forming, scars may increase. We plan the timing separately for treatment to reduce current inflammation and treatment for existing scars.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions when looking into atrophic acne scars
Is a diagnosis determined by the term 'atrophic acne scars' alone?
Post-inflammatory erythema and hyperpigmentation show almost no change in skin elevation. Hypertrophic scars are changes where the skin rises.
What should I write down before my appointment regarding atrophic acne scars?
Since scars with structural changes may require different procedures than the treatment of new inflammation, the treatment sequence is separated. Please let us know if the pitting is visible under side lighting, if new inflammation continues to occur, or if the scars are increasing.
Acne Glossary
Compare similar terms here
You can check simple definitions before proceeding to detailed explanations.Read More
Check guides where this term is used
- Condition GuideAtrophic (pitted) acne scarsPitted acne scars are divided into icepick (narrow and deep), boxcar (relatively angular borders), and rolling (wide and gently undulating) types, and these can be mixed in one area. Even if they are red or brown, if the surface is flat, they may be post-inflammatory marks. Korean herbal medicine cannot promise to fill an already pitted dermal structure; we distinguish between the role of reducing recurrent inflammation and recovery conditions that create new scars, and the actual scar procedures.→
- Condition GuideAcne scarsAcne scar symptoms are divided into atrophic scars, where the skin is indented, and hypertrophic or keloid scars, which are firmly raised. Indented scars may be a mix of ice-pick (narrow and deep), boxcar (relatively distinct borders), and rolling (wide and wavy) types. Conversely, flat red or brown changes remaining after acne may be post-inflammatory erythema or hyperpigmentation and should be distinguished from scars where the skin structure has changed. If new acne continues to appear, or if there is pus, heat, rapid swelling, acne that looks like a scar grows rapidly, or bleeding and ulcers occur, a dermatology evaluation should come first.→
- Medical Evaluation GuideIf acne reappears after improving during treatmentIf inflammation decreased during treatment but returned after stopping, it does not mean the previous treatment was a complete failure. Try to note what decreased and by how much, and which types of acne returned and how many weeks after pausing treatment. It is easier to determine the priority for the next treatment if you also examine whether maintenance therapy was needed, if the treatment was not used sufficiently due to irritation, or if the recurrence coincided with changes in menstruation, sleep, or digestion.→
- Medical Evaluation GuideIcepick, boxcar, and rolling acne scars can be mixed even within a single area→
Evidence and Update Information
The following materials were referenced to verify the basis and scope of the definitions and treatment descriptions.