Ice-pick scars are 1-2 mm in diameter. They are so named as they form very narrow incisions into the upper level of the skin; similar to a small ice-pick wound. This type of scarring is characterized by deep pits that are usually less than 2 mm across. They extend into the skin, giving the surface appearance of having been punctured by an ice pick. They are narrow and deep, extending well into the dermis. There are other ice pick scars however that are larger, and don't extend that deep into the skin. Ice pick scars develop from a deep infection in the skin, mostly the dermis. Upon development, the infection makes its way to the skin surface, creating a cyst. The cyst persists and forms the ice pick scar.
