Acne vulgaris is a common skin disease that has both physical and psychological effects on patients. Acne scars, a common complication, can further worsen the quality of life of those affected. Scars result from an impairment in the healing process and can be divided into two categories: atrophic scars (such as ice pick, rolling, and boxcar subtypes) and hypertrophic (such as hypertrophic and keloid scars).[0] There is a lack of good quality evidence on effective type-specific approaches to treating acne scars.[0] This review aims to provide an overview of the current evidence for treating various types of acne scars.
Acne vulgaris is the most common skin disease in the United States, with an estimated 99% of the population having suffered from it at some point in their lives. Treatment options for acne scars depend on the type of scar, and must be tailored to an individual’s skin type.
Atrophic scars can be treated with subcision, a minimally invasive subcutaneous incisionless surgery.[1] The procedure promotes a wound healing response and new collagen formation, eventually leading to a smoother and more uniform appearance of the scar.[0] By altering the subcision procedure, negative side effects can be reduced and its effectiveness can be increased when used in combination with other treatments.[1]
Hypertrophic scars can be treated with chemical peels, intralesional corticosteroid injections, cryotherapy, and laser therapy. Chemical peels remove the top layer of skin, allowing for a smoother texture and even tone.[2] Intralesional corticosteroid injections help reduce inflammation and scarring.[3] Cryotherapy works by freezing the scar tissue, which then triggers a wound healing response.[0] Laser therapy is a safe and effective way to reduce the appearance of scars and can be used to target dark spots and hyperpigmentation.[3]
Microneedling is a popular choice for managing rolling scars. Through the process of microneedling, the dermis is punctured with tiny needles in order to spark a chain reaction of growth factors that in turn promotes collagen production.[0] It is especially beneficial for darker-skinned patients due to the low risk of hyperpigmentation compared to fractional nonablative laser therapy.[3] Microdermabrasion and dermabrasion are also physical ablating modalities used to manage rolling scars.
Keloid scars can be treated with a variety of methods, including chemical peels, salicylic acid, tretinoin, and even platelet-rich plasma.[4]
0. “Acne Scars: An Update on Management” www.skintherapyletter.com, 30 Jan. 2023, https://www.skintherapyletter.com/acne/acne-scars-management/
1. “Subcision in Acne Scarring Safely Improves Appearance …” www.dermatologyadvisor.com, 30 Jan. 2023, https://www.dermatologyadvisor.com/home/topics/aesthetic-medicine/subcision-in-acne-scarring-safely-improves-appearance/
2. “Chemical peel what to expect?” noahair.in, 30 Jan. 2023, https://noahair.in/chemical-peel-what-to-expect/
3. “An Overview on the Different Types of Scars – Nourishing Biologicals” www.nourishingbiologicals.com, 30 Jan. 2023, https://www.nourishingbiologicals.com/blogs/news/types-of-scars
4. “Scar Treatment Market | Current Trends and Growth Drivers Along …” www.medgadget.com, 30 Jan. 2023, https://www.medgadget.com/2023/01/scar-treatment-market-current-trends-and-growth-drivers-along-with-key-industry-players.html