SCARS

Scars are a natural part of healing, but they can sometimes be bothersome. This article explains how scars form and different ways to make them less noticeable.

How Scars Form

Well, they start forming when the deeper layer of our skin, called the dermis, gets injured. To fix this, the body generates new collagen fibers, which are essentially proteins, to patch up the wound. However, this repair work leads to the formation of scar tissue, which often differs in texture and appearance from the surrounding skin. It’s important to note that scars typically emerge once the wound has fully healed.

Types of Scars

Now, not all scars are the same. While most scars appear flat and light-colored, some can be raised. These raised scars are known as hypertrophic or keloid scars. They tend to be more common among younger individuals and those with darker skin tones. On the flip side, some scars may have a sunken or pitted look. This happens when the underlying structures that support the skin, such as fat or muscle, are lost during the healing process. Surgical scars and certain acne scars fall into this category.

Moreover, scars can also manifest as stretched skin. This occurs when the skin undergoes rapid stretching, like during growth spurts or pregnancy. Similarly, tension on the skin during the healing process, especially around joints, can lead to this type of scar.

In essence, scars are the body’s way of repairing itself, but their appearance and characteristics can vary depending on various factors such as the type and severity of the injury, as well as individual differences in skin type and healing processes.

Treatments for Less Visible Scars

While it’s not possible to completely erase scars, there are several methods available to help improve their appearance:

Topical Treatments:

Applying substances like vitamin E, cocoa butter cream, silicone gel, onion extract products, and certain over-the-counter skin care products such as Vaseline and Aquaphor may offer some improvement in scar healing.

Surgery:

Though it won’t eliminate a scar entirely, surgical procedures can be utilized to modify a scar’s shape or make it less noticeable. However, surgery isn’t typically recommended for hypertrophic or keloid scars due to the risk of recurring scars or worsening scarring post-treatment.

Steroid Injections:

A series of steroid injections into a scar can help flatten it and soften the appearance of keloid or hypertrophic scars. Other substances, like 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) or bleomycin, may also be injected to reduce scar size and alleviate itchiness and pain.

Radiotherapy:

Low-dose, superficial radiotherapy is sometimes used to prevent severe keloid and hypertrophic scarring from recurring. However, this treatment is reserved for extreme cases due to potential long-term side effects.

Dermabrasion:

This procedure involves removing the skin’s surface with specialized equipment to blend in irregularities in a scar, whether it’s raised or depressed. Microdermabrasion, a less invasive form of dermabrasion, is minimally effective for very superficial scars.

Laser Resurfacing:

Similar to dermabrasion, laser resurfacing removes surface skin layers using different types of lasers. Newer laser technologies target collagen in the dermis without removing upper skin layers, resulting in minimal downtime compared to traditional methods.

Filler Injections:

Injectable fillers can temporarily raise sunken scars to match surrounding skin levels. However, the effects are temporary, and the procedure may need to be repeated regularly. Newer filler options are available on the market and may be suitable for certain individuals.

Microneedling:

This technique involves creating many small puncture holes in the skin’s surface to stimulate collagen production and introduce collagen stimulators or other products to reduce scar appearance.

Cryosurgery:

Freezing the scar can reduce its size and alleviate symptoms like pain, itchiness, hardness, and discoloration. This method may be combined with steroid or 5-FU injections for added effectiveness.

Natural Options (limited research):

Zinc supplements: May help wounds heal and reduce inflammation, but consult a doctor about proper dosage.
Coconut oil: Early research suggests it may aid wound healing and has cell-renewing properties.
Aloe vera: May reduce scar appearance, but more human studies are needed.

Important Note:

Some treatments, like steroid injections, may have side effects.
Talk to a doctor about the best course of action for your specific scar.

There’s no one-size-fits-all solution. A dermatologist can recommend the most suitable approach for your scar type and desired outcome.

Source:

American Academy of Dermatology.