Scars are considered as blemish that reminds trivial to worse experiences. Scar is a trace left on the skin following an injury on complete healing. It is a natural course of the healing events following an injury.
Different characters of scars:
A scar can present over skin as refined lines or as small depressions or as an abnormal overgrowth of tissue.
- Linear fine scars
A minor injury like a cut will usually heal to leave a red, raised line, which will gradually fade and flatter over time.
This process can take some time. The scar won’t disappear completely and will be left with a visible mark.
Fine-line scars are common following a wound or after surgery. They aren’t usually painful, but they may be itchy for a few months.
On darker skin types, the scar tissue may fade to leave a brown or white mark. A pale scar may be more obvious on tanned skin because scar tissue doesn’t tan.
- Keloid scars
A keloid scar is an overgrowth of tissue that occurs when too much collagen is produced at the site of the wound.
The scar keeps growing, even after the wound has healed.
Keloid scars are raised above the skin and are red or violaceous when newly formed, before gradually becoming paler. They’re often itchy or painful, and can restrict movement if they’re tight and near a joint.
- Hypertrophic scars
Like keloid scars, hypertrophic scars are the result of excess collagen being produced at the site of a wound.
But not as much collagen is produced in hypertrophic scars compared with keloid scars.Â
Also, unlike keloid scars, hypertrophic scars don’t extend beyond the boundary of the original wound, but they may continue to thicken for up to six months.Â
Hypertrophic scars are red and raised to start with, before becoming flatter and paler over the course of several years.
- Pitted or sunken scars
Some scars caused by skin conditions, such as acne or following injury causing loss of fat can present as sunken or pitted appearance.
- Scar contractures
Scar contractures are often caused by burns. They occur during healing due contraction of the skin causing tightness and if across joints causing limitations in movement.
Treating scars
Complete scar removal isn’t possible, but most scars will gradually fade and become paler over time. Some treatments are available that may improve the appearance of the scar and help make it less visible.
If scarring is unsightly, uncomfortable or restrictive, treatment options may include:
1)Camouflage (make-up)
2)Topical silicone gel or silicone gel sheets
3)Pressure dressings
4)Steroids
5)Surgery
In many cases, multimodal treatments is preferred treatment of choice.
