Overview Of Scars
A scar forms due to a wound or injury and it becomes a mark that does not fade over time, even after this has healed. They are very common, and almost everyone has some sort of scar. Scars can occur on the interior and exterior of the body. For example, scarring can happen on organs if surgery happens.
Now a scar isn’t too frightening if it’s tiny or in a place that’s easy to cover. But when it’s not, you might think if there’s a method to treat it, other than concealing it underneath your clothing. The fact is the scar will never fully disappear. But there are a few procedures that can help decrease its magnitude and alter how it looks.
The Formation of Scars
When a wound happens, the body responds by producing more collagen to help aid in the healing process. This collagen is going to build up and help to strengthen the wound. The collagen will continue to form, with blood supply increasing in this area. This will cause the skin to become inflamed, red and often appear lumpy. The collagen will later break down, but the scar will form a smoother surface, but still showcase where there was a wound.
Scars can take up to two years to fade. After this point of time, they are unlikely to fade.
Why and Where do scars form?
The why as to scars forming can be a variety of things:
- Surgery
- Accidental injuries
- Burns
- Scalds on the skin
- Intentionally harming yourself
Scarring is not the same for every person, and there are areas of the body that are more likely to scar. For example, the back, ear lobe, chest, and shoulder are more likely to scar. Scars over moveable joints can become larger, due to the mobility of the joint, such as the knees or elbows.
Treating Scars
There are various treatments that are meant to help reduce the appearance of the scar. They are not going to disappear completely, but they can fade. Some of the options include:
- Pressure dressings
- Corticosteroid injections
- Silicone gel sheets
- Utilizing makeup to cover these
- Surgery
Many times, a person may use a combination of treatments in order to decrease the scar visibility.
Preventing Scars
There are things you can do that are going to help to prevent scars. This includes:
- Do not scratch or pick at the scabs of a wound
- Utilizing ointments like Vaseline to help heal the skin
- Using silicone gels that are meant to encourage healing and minimize scars