Acne is prevalent among 80% of youths in Singapore and approximately 12% of adults, making acne scarring a common concern for many.
Acne can be particularly frustrating, first causing painful and unsightly whiteheads, blackheads, pimples, and cysts, and then leading to acne scarring even after you have recovered from active acne. Acne scars are what remain after your acne has healed.
There are four types of acne scars, depending on how much collagen was made during repair. If too little collagen was produced, the scar will be depressed or atrophic. If too much collagen was produced, the scar will be raised or hypertrophic (also known as, keloids).
U-shaped scars with sharp edges. It can either be shallow or deep. It is usually found on the lower cheeks and jaws.
These are raised scars due to an over-production of collagen during healing. Hypertrophic scars can be tender to the touch, painful, or itchy. They occur most commonly on the back and chest.
In addition to boxcar, depressed or atrophic scarring also include:
V-shaped and narrow like an ice pick. It goes deep into the skin and is the most difficult to treat. It is most commonly formed on the forehead and the upper cheeks where the skin tends to be thinner.
Rounded and irregular. It gives your skin a wavy and uneven appearance. Typically found on the lower cheeks and jaws where the skin tends to be thicker.
Acne scars are first diagnosed visually in Singapore, where your doctor will examine the area and determine a diagnosis. Next, he/she will determine the severity of your acne scarring.
|
Grade
|
Severity
|
Appearance
|
|---|---|---|
|
1
|
Macular
|
Red and flat scar
|
|
2
|
Mild
|
Scar that is easily covered by makeup or hair
|
|
3
|
Moderately
|
Not easily covered by makeup or hair, visually obvious at less than 50 centimetres
|
|
4
|
Severe
|
Unlikely that makeup or hair can cover up, visually obvious at more than 50 centimetres
|
