What type of scars can improper acne treatment lead to?

Improper acne treatment can lead to both post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and atrophic scars. Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation occurs when the skin darkens after an acne lesion heals, often leaving behind a discolored area. Atrophic scars are characterized by their depressed appearance, which is a result of the loss of tissue following acne lesions. This can be exacerbated by aggressive treatments that damage the skin or by picking at active acne lesions.

While hypertrophic and keloid scars are types of raised scars, these are less common in the context of acne. Hypertrophic scars occur when the body produces too much collagen during healing, resulting in raised tissue, while keloid scars extend beyond the injury site and can be triggered by various skin injuries, not exclusively from acne.

Additionally, the notion that scarring is not possible is inaccurate, as untreated acne can lead to various forms of scarring. Thus, the understanding of the scars related to improper acne treatment is crucial for effective management and prevention strategies.