Scarring
Scars are areas of tissue on the body which are formed due to abnormal healing, or abnormal collagen production. They are formed when the body is healing the body has damaged nerves, cells and other tissues due to injury, disease or surgery. The scar tissue is composed of collagen and other proteins, and does not look like the surrounding skin because these proteins are laid down in different formations.
Scars can be caused from a variety of conditions, but two of the most common ones are skin trauma and surgical incisions. Skin trauma commonly occurs from cuts and burns, and when these wounds heal, they are replaced by scar tissue. Surgical incisions that heal form scar tissue as well. These scars can be large and extensive, depending on the amount of tissue damage that occurred and how it was repaired. Scars are permanent, but there are ways to minimize their appearance, such as medicated ointments, creams and even surgery.
Scars can vary greatly in size and appearance, depending on the cause of the injury and the type of scarring. Keloid scars are thick, wide and irritated, while hypertrophic scars are raised and wider than the original wound. Atrophic scars are sunken and can be caused from acne, skin infection or surgery.
In some cases, scarring can be divided into two categories: normal and abnormal scarring. Normal scarring occurs when the body produces normal amounts of collagen as healing occurs. Abnormal scarring is the production of excess collagen and other proteins, resulting in overly thickened areas or overgrowth of scar tissue.
Scarring can also be caused by certain infections, such as the Herpes simplex virus and syphilis. Burns, hypertrophic scars, keloids and atrophic scars are types of scars caused by minor or moderate trauma to the skin. For more severe scarring, skin grafts may be used to cover the damaged area.
Scarring can cause physical and psychological effects on the person, both of which can be difficult to cope with. Physically, scarring can limit a person’s mobility and their range of motion, depending on the extent of the scarring and its location. It can prevent a person from having a desired hairstyle, or from wearing certain types of clothing.
Psychologically, scarring can cause a person to feel self-conscious, embarrassed and ashamed. It can also remind them of a traumatic experience or cause them to feel as though they are being judged. It is important for those affected by scarring to be aware of the psychological and social effects that it can have on their lives.
There are treatments available to help minimize the appearance of scarring, such as dermabrasion, laser therapy, steroid injections and silicone sheeting. For more severe scarring, surgical procedures such as facelifts, skin grafts or reconstructive surgery may be recommended. With the right treatment and support, the effects of scarring can be greatly minimized or completely removed.
