Scars come in all shapes and sizes, and once you have one, it can be tough to get rid of it. While scars might be a normal part of life, it pays to understand how they form and tips for treatment and prevention.
Scars can be as insignificant as a tiny gash left over from a childhood bike accident or as severe as multiple wounds from a serious car accident. Some people never scar, while others scar from the smallest injuries imaginable. In this article, you’ll learn about the mechanisms at work when a scar forms, the various types of scars that exist and finally, advice about when to seek treatment.
What is a scar?
By definition, a scar is the permanent mark left after any type of trauma to the skin: burns, cuts, scrapes, medical procedures or accidents. Don’t fret over the word “permanent,” though; today there are many products and procedures that can help make scars less noticeable (more on that below).
How do scars form?
Although it might seem like your body is punishing you by creating that unsightly scar, it’s actually a part of the body’s natural healing process. When there’s an open wound, the body responds by sending collagen to the site; these fibers help bridge that gap in the skin. While the skin underneath heals, a scab forms. If the wound leads to a scar, you’ll notice when the scab falls off. The skin underneath will look different from surrounding skin – it might be lighter or darker, more red or irritated, or have a shiny look to it.
Contrary to popular belief, the extent of trauma isn’t the main factor that influences the formation of scars. Brian Flyer, a doctor from California, tells KidsHealth: "It's not so much how deep or severe a wound is that determines whether a scar will form, but rather the location of the wound and that person's genetic [inherited] tendency to form scars.”
How can I prevent scars from happening in the first place?
The best way to prevent scars is to take good care of healing skin. As soon as you notice any cut or abrasion, take the following precautions:
Wash well. Use soap and water to thoroughly wash your wound. If soap and water isn’t available, you can use an antibacterial product like Jurlique Moisturizing Hand Sanitizer, but consider plain old soap and water your best defense.
-
Keep open wounds covered. If bacteria and germs invade the cut, you could develop an infection.
Don’t pick! The scab is protecting your skin underneath, and picking at it could disrupt the healing process as well as introduce germs and bacteria.
Is there more than one type of scar?
There are actually several types, from deep scars that are basically permanent and require professional treatment to more typical types of discoloration that can happen after pregnancy. Here are a few types to know:
Keloid or hypertropic scars. Typically, a scar will look pale and flat; but when there’s too much collagen, the result is a raised scar called a keloid or hypertrophic scar. Keloids are some of the more serious scars and are larger than the site of the original injury. Hypertropic scars appear very similar to keloid scars, but don’t extend beyond the original injury.
Contracture scars. Occurring after a burn, contracture scars are also very serious. The skin may be tighter at the location of the scar, making it harder to move. Deeper scars can also affect muscles and nerves.
Sunken or pitted. When fat or muscle tissue is lost, a scar can be sunken instead of raised, as is common in cystic acne. Surgical scars can also appear pitted.
Stretched skin. When skin stretches rapidly, or when healing skin undergoes too much tension – such as when the injury is located near a joint – these marks can leave scars. Pregnancy marks a good example.
False scars: Acne marks. As anyone who has suffered from acne knows, sometimes redness and discoloration can linger long after an acne lesion has healed. But in a typical case of acne, the marks left over are not scars at all – they’re known as post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and generally fade within six to 18 months.
The exception is cystic acne, which can leave deep, pitted scars that require surgical treatment to correct. Picking at acne lesions can also create more serious marks on the skin that might not fade on their own. If you’re not sure if those marks left after acne are scars or not, you should definitely consult your doctor.
Can I get rid of a scar?
In most cases, once you have a scar, you can’t ever erase it completely. But, whether or not people seek treatment depends greatly on the location of the scar and the extent of the damage. It’s easy enough to overlook a scar on the thigh, but marks on the face or upper body can be distressing. Most scars are more of a nuisance than a serious problem, but if you’re really bothered by a scar, you have a few options:
Topical treatments. While there’s still debate over how effective creams and ointments are with fading scars, ingredients like hydroquinone can help to lighten discoloration and are found in a variety of skin products.
Makeup. Luckily, today’s makeup can hide even the worst scars. Look to green-tinted concealers for acne marks, waterproof makeup for lasting coverage and body concealer for concealing larger scars.
Surgery. Professional procedures can change the shape of a scar so it isn’t as noticeable. Options include skin grafts, excision, dermabrasion or laser surgery. But remember that with raised scars, like hypertrophic or keloid scars, you might want to avoid surgery because of the potential for further scarring.
Injections. Dermal fillers can be a temporary fix for pitted scars.
Remember that although you can help make your scar less noticeable, you can’t make it disappear. Treatment goals should focus on fading discoloration and making the scar less noticeable, not erasing it – so be patient with your scar treatment.
See also:
Your Questions Answered on How to Hide and Fade Scars
Minimally Invasive Lunchtime Beauty Fixes: Scars
How Vitamins Can Help Acne
Skincare for Kids in 4 Easy Steps