What To Know About Boxcar Scars And Their Treatment

 Scars on the skin are an inevitable byproduct of the healing process. They may serve as a reminder of prior injuries, treatments, or breakouts of acne. The boxcar scar is one kind of scar that attracts notice frequently. These scars can significantly lower someone's confidence and self-esteem. Many people wonder what these scars are and can they be treated. This blog post is created to answer those questions only.

Through this blog, we  will explore boxcar scars, their causes, and the possible treatments to help you get back to having skin that is smoother and more even. To create this blog, references have been taken from skin doctors like Dr. Roopi Khera popular for acne scar treatment in Ludhiana. 

What are Boxcar Scars?

Boxcar scars are a common type of atrophic scar, which means they form as a result of the loss of collagen or tissue beneath the skin's surface. These scars are characterized by their shallow to moderately deep depressions, sharp edges, and box-like appearance. They are typically wider than ice pick scars (another type of acne scar) and can vary in size from a few millimeters to several centimeters across.

Causes of Boxcar Scars

Boxcar scars most commonly occur as a result of inflammatory acne. When the skin experiences a severe acne breakout, the body's natural healing response can sometimes lead to the overproduction of collagen, causing raised scars known as keloids or hypertrophic scars. However, in the case of boxcar scars, there's a deficiency in collagen production, leading to depressions in the skin.

Factors that contribute to the formation of boxcar scars include:

• Inflammation: Prolonged inflammation in the skin can damage collagen and elastin fibers, impairing the skin's ability to heal properly and resulting in the formation of scars.

• Loss of Tissue: When the skin's underlying tissue is lost due to inflammation or trauma, a depression or indentation can form.

• Picking and Squeezing Acne: Manipulating acne lesions by picking, squeezing, or popping them can increase the risk of scarring, including boxcar scars.

Treatment Options for Boxcar Scars

There are various treatment options available to help improve the appearance of boxcar scars and promote smoother skin texture. It's important to note that the effectiveness of these treatments can vary from person to person, and consulting a dermatologist or a skincare professional is recommended to determine the best approach for your specific case.

1. Topical Treatments: Skin texture can be improved and collagen formation can be stimulated with several topical treatments. Retinoids, vitamin C, and peptides are among the ingredients that are known to encourage collagen synthesis and skin cell turnover, which can eventually make scars look less noticeable.

2. Microdermabrasion and Microneedling: Microdermabrasion utilizes small crystals to remove the top layer of skin, whereas microneedling uses tiny needles to inflict regulated micro-injuries that encourage the synthesis of collagen. Both techniques promote skin renewal, which can help reduce the visibility of scars.

3. Chemical Peels: Using a solution on the skin, a chemical peel allows the skin's outermost layer to flake off and reveal younger-looking skin beneath. Chemical peels can lessen the visibility of scars by enhancing skin texture and accelerating cell turnover.

4. Dermal Fillers: With dermal fillers, such as hyaluronic acid injections, the sunken portions of boxcar scars can be temporarily raised, resulting in a smoother skin surface. But this is only a short-term fix, and it must be used again and again to achieve the best results.

5. Laser Therapy: Scar tissue is the focus of laser treatments like fractional laser and CO2 laser therapy, which also encourage the synthesis of collagen. The general texture and look of boxcar scars can be improved using these procedures.

6. Subcision: A needle is put beneath the scar tissue to cut the fibrous bands that are dragging the scar down. This little surgical technique is called subcision. This enables the skin to level out and assists in removing the scar.

7. Microneedling Radiofrequency (RF): To promote collagen formation and tighten the skin, microneedling RF mixes radiofrequency energy with microneedling. The texture of boxcar scars can be considerably improved by this procedure.

Conclusion

The improvements in skincare and dermatological procedures offer a variety of efficient treatment options for boxcar scars, which can be a cause of aggravation and self-consciousness. Remember that it takes time and consistency to see substantial changes. The best treatment approach will be determined by your skin type, the severity of your scars, and your unique needs after consulting with a dermatologist or skin care specialist. You can take efforts to achieve smoother, more even skin and increase your self-confidence if you are bothered by these scars. To know more about the best suited treatment you can book an appointment with Dr. Roopi Khera, a leading skin doctor in Ludhiana at The Glo Medispa clinic.