Scars

What is a scar?

When skin or organs are damaged, the body naturally wants to heal itself. Since the body cannot re-create healthy skin or tissue, it puts together new fibers that are not as functional as the original tissue, but that serve as a protective, useful barrier. When this barrier is completely healed, it is known as a scar.

Scar tissue is the fibrous connective tissue which forms a scar; it can be found on any tissue on the body, including skin and internal organs, where an injury, cut, surgery or disease has taken place, and then healed. Thicker than the surrounding tissue, scar tissue is paler and denser because it has a limited blood supply; although it takes the place of damaged or destroyed tissue, it is limited in function, including movement, circulation, and sensation. Other than with minor cuts and scrapes, scarring is a common result of any bodily damage.

Scar tissue in the skin is inferior to healthy, normal skin for several reasons: sweat glands are damaged or destroyed, hair does not grow back, and there is less resistance to ultraviolet radiation. Skin scars are normally flat and pale, illustrating the history of the injury which caused them, yet often a body will produce too much fibrous tissue, resulting in an extra thick or raised scar.

What are the four main types of scars?

• Keloid scars: These scars protrude from the skin and extend beyond the original injury site. Over time, a keloid scar may affect mobility. Possible treatments include surgical scar removal or injections with steroids. Smaller keloids can be removed using cryotherapy (freezing therapy using liquid nitrogen). You can also prevent keloid formation by using pressure treatment or gel pads with silicone.
• Contracture scars: If your skin has been burned, you may have a contracture scar. These scars cause tightening of skin that can impair your ability to move. Additionally, this type of scar may go deeper to affect muscles and nerves.
• Hypertrophic scars: Raised and red scars that are similar to keloids, but do not extend beyond the boundaries of the injury site. Possible treatments can include injections.
• Acne scars: If you’ve had severe acne, you probably have the scars to prove it. There are many types of acne scars, ranging from deep pits to scars that are angular or wavelike in appearance. Possible treatments will depend on the types of scars you have.