What is the difference between atrophic scarring and normal scarring?

Author: Hattie Towne  |  Last update: Saturday, July 5, 2025

Atrophic scars are the opposite of hypertrophic scars. They are depressed, sunken and often have a pitted appearance. Atrophic scars happen when the body does not make enough collagen while healing, which causes the loss of tissue.

What are the two types of scarring?

Types of scars
  • Normal fine-line scars. A minor wound like a cut will usually heal to leave a red, raised line. ...
  • Keloid scars. A keloid scar is an overgrowth of tissue that occurs when too much collagen is produced at the site of the wound. ...
  • Hypertrophic scars. ...
  • Pitted or sunken scars. ...
  • Scar contractures.

Do atrophic scars get better?

While some scars may undergo some level of fading, atrophic scars are particularly stubborn and don't resolve over time. Atrophic scar treatment helps fill in the indentation and fade the appearance of your previous wound for a smooth, balanced appearance.

What is an atrophic scar appearance?

Types of Atrophic Scars

The three main types include: Ice Pick Scars: Deep, narrow scars that resemble small punctures in the skin. Boxcar Scars: Wider depressions with sharp edges, often caused by acne or chickenpox. Rolling Scars: Shallow scars with a wavy appearance due to tissue damage under the skin.

What is the difference between atrophic scar and normal scar?

Atrophic scars are the opposite of hypertrophic scars. They are depressed, sunken and often have a pitted appearance. Atrophic scars happen when the body does not make enough collagen while healing, which causes the loss of tissue.

How to Get Rid of a Keloid in 3 Days (No Aspirin!) | Nymfy Official

What does a normal scar look like?

When a scar first develops on lighter skin, it's usually pink or red. Over time, the pinkish color fades, and the scar becomes slightly darker or lighter than the color of the skin. In people with dark skin, scars often appear as dark spots. Sometimes scars itch, and they may be painful or tender.

Why is my scar sunken?

Depressed scar

Sunken scars can become more noticeable as you age. This happens when the skin relaxes and sags, causing the depressions to become more noticeable. You're more likely to develop depressed scars after chickenpox or severe acne clears.

What color is a hypertrophic scar?

Hypertrophic scars are usually: Pink to red. Slightly raised or flat.

Can silicone sheets help atrophic scars?

Atrophic Scars: These are indented scars that form when underlying structures supporting the skin, such as fat or muscle, are lost. They are common in conditions like acne or chickenpox. While silicone strips may not be able to fill the indentation, they can help to improve the texture and colour of atrophic scars.

How deep are atrophic scars?

They are , typically 1.5-4 mm wide and may be shallow (< 0.5mm) or deep (> 0.5mm). Rolling scars, which account for 15-25% of atrophic acne scars, have an undulating appearance with a gently sloping border. They are typically wider (usually ≥ 4-5 mm) than they are deep.

Does Vaseline help atrophic scars?

Moisturize Atrophic Scars

This will help to keep your skin hydrated making it appear less dry and rough around the scar. Try using a non-comedogenic moisturizer, like Vaseline® Jelly – it won't clog your pores and is appropriate for use on sensitive areas, like the face.

Why do old scars flare up?

Fibroblasts, which form during scar tissue growth, are responsible for fibrosis. If the fibroblasts do not clear over time, they cause prolonged inflammation. Other symptoms associated with scar tissue include itching, swelling, and tenderness or sensitivity.

What is the hardest scar to treat?

Hypertrophic scars that result from burn wounds are more difficult to treat. Superficial burn wounds usually heal without forming hypertrophic scars. Deep burn wounds are harder to treat. Many dermatologic and plastic surgeons treat these by removing the burned area and then using a skin graft.

When is it too late to massage scar tissue?

For best results, you should perform scar massage for at least 10 minutes, twice a day, for six months. You should only stop sooner than that if the scar starts showing signs of infection or you experience intolerable discomfort.

Are atrophic scars permanent?

Atrophic scarring is often an unfortunate and permanent complication of acne vulgaris. It has high prevalence, significant impact on quality of life, and therapeutic challenge for dermatologists.

What does an atrophic scar look like?

Atrophic scars are pitted or indented scars that occur when your skin heals below the normal layer of skin due to a lack of regenerative tissue. Think of a pothole in the road that isn't filled all the way up—that's what the imbalanced skin of an atrophic scar is like.

Why am I suddenly scarring easily?

“Scarring is a natural part of our body's healing process. There are some people that are predisposed to forming thicker scars based on genetics, immune status, medications, and other factors.”

How to fix atrophic scars?

The available treatment modalities for atrophic scarring available in literature are ablative fractional laser therapy (6), non-ablative laser therapy (16), dermabrasion (2), chemical peel therapy (5), surgical techniques such as subcision, autologous fat transfer and injectables (5) and combination therapies (7) ...

What does a cortisone shot do to scar tissue?

Dermatologists may inject a corticosteroid solution directly into a hypertrophic scar or keloid, which may help reduce its size. Steroids break the bonds between collagen fibers, which reduces the amount of scar tissue beneath the skin.

Why is there a hard lump under my scar?

That Lump Under Your Surgical Scar May Be An Incisional Hernia. Have you recently noticed a lump or a bulge in the area of a previous surgical scar? Chances are you have what's called an Incisional Hernia. Incisional hernias can occur in up to 50% of surgical incisions.

What does abnormal scarring look like?

What Is Abnormal Scarring? When skin is cut or injured, the body heals itself by forming scar tissue. If the body makes too much scar tissue, abnormal scarring results. “Hypertrophic scars” are usually raised, red fibrous lesions, and keloid scars extend beyond the edges of the original cut or wound.

How to flatten hypertrophic scars at home?

Do
  1. massage your scar with a water-based cream (such as aqueous cream or E45 cream) a few times a day for up to 10 minutes each time – only massage your scar if the wound is fully healed.
  2. try to keep your scar covered when you're in the sun for at least 1 year – wear clothing that covers it, or put a dressing over it.

What is scar sarcoidosis?

Scar sarcoidosis is characterized by the onset of erythematous swelling and the development of papules and nodules within the original scars. In cases of cutaneous or subcutaneous swelling in the area of an old scar or beside a scar, a scar sarcoidosis is a possible differential diagnosis (1).

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