When it comes to scars, there is no such thing as “one size fits all.” Have you ever noticed that two or more scars can look different from one another? That’s because every person’s skin has a different way of healing that is influenced by a number of factors. Scars can vary in size, shape, look, and feel based on the origin, the area of the wound, the kind of wound, and how it was treated. Because of how they often heal, many people can be bothered by the appearance of their scars. Fortunately, there are treatments and therapies available that can help.
In order to discuss treatment options, it’s best to start with a fundamental understanding of what a scar is and why it develops.
What is a scar?
A scar is a natural response from your body when an area of skin has healed from an injury. A wound typically starts out deep in the dermis, which is the middle layer of the skin that has connective tissue, blood vessels, nerves, sweat glands, hair follicles, and other anatomical distinctions. Once a wound begins to heal, skin cells make extra collagen as a defense mechanism. The excess collagen is usually more thick and less pliable than the rest of your skin – the result is scar tissue.
How should I treat a wound to minimize the formation of a visible scar?
One of the most important ways to stop a scar from forming is to follow proper wound care. Sometimes, a scar is unavoidable, but certain prevention methods can help stop scars from noticeably forming.
Proper wound care:
If you injure your skin, it’s important to tend to it properly to diminish your chances of sprouting an infection and keeping your odds of developing a scar low.
Take the following into consideration:
- After an injury, gently wash your wound with a mild soap and water to remove germs and debris.
- Keep your wound moist with petroleum jelly for about five days following your injury. It is advised to not use an antibiotic ointment unless specified by a doctor. Antibiotic ointments can cause irritation and lead to a skin rash called dermatitis, especially if there is no infection present.
- Completely cover your wound with a bandage and apply pressure with dressing, such as silicone gel, while it is healing. Be sure to change your bandage daily while your cut or scrape is still fresh.
- If your wound required the use of stitches, follow your doctor’s instructions on how to care for your injury and when to return for the removal of your stitches.
- Once your wound heals, apply sunscreen to the new skin daily to avoid hyperpigmentation.
Types of scars and their treatment options:
Raised scars
Raised scars can be itchy, sensitive, and painful. They occur due to an excess in collagen production during the healing process and usually develop on muscular areas such as the chest, legs, shoulders, and back. Treatments such as cryosurgery, radiation, laser therapy, or corticosteroid injections can help flatten the scar into a less noticeable blemish.
Keloid scars
Keloid scars are a type of raised scar, and typically the most common. They look pink or dark red in color and are usually hard to the touch. Like raised scars, they occur due to an excess in collagen and can be one of the hardest types of scars to treat. Dermatologists usually treat these the same as traditional raised scars – with surgery, laser therapy, corticosteroid injection injections, and cryosurgery.
Flat scars
These scars start out looking raised, but over time, smooth out. The main complaint many people have with this type of scar is that it often leaves a dark mark behind. Just like with raised and keloid scars, dermatologists treat these with surgery, laser therapy, corticosteroid injection injections, and cryosurgery.
Acne scars
Acne scarring occurs after a breakout clears and the body works to restore damaged tissue and skin. By either producing too much or not enough collagen, people suffering from acne can experience pitted or raised acne scars. Dermatologists can treat this condition using surgery, skin resurfacing, microdermabrasion, radiofrequency, and cosmetic fillers.
Contracture scars
Contracture scars usually appear after a burn injury. Collagen deep in the skin becomes damaged and sometimes a person’s mobility is limited due to the tightness and thickness of the newly formed skin. To treat a contracture scar, dermatologists can perform surgery, skin grafts, a special z-shaped incision procedure called a z-plasty, or reconstructive tissue expansion.
What’s next?
Even when following the steps above, in certain circumstances, the development of scars cannot be avoided. We know scars can cause you to feel self-conscious, but in the end, it’s important to remember that they are each a reminder that our skin is doing its job and healing as it was created to do.
If you are concerned with a scar and are frustrated with lack of progress you have made with at-home treatment, consider scheduling an appointment with your dermatologist. A board-certified dermatologist can help you determine what kind of scar you have and develop a treatment plan and probable outcome of healing for the scar.
Additionally, it’s important to have an expert look at your skin from head-to-toe at least once a year to check for skin cancer. Sometimes, certain cancers can look like scars and because of this, they may be missed in a self-skin exam. Early detection and treatment of skin cancers saves lives and minimizes the area of skin that may need repair.
Don’t delay in getting the treatment you desire. We are here to help!
About Us
FLDSCC’s team of providers are experts in diagnosing and treating skin cancers; skin conditions and diseases such as eczema, rosacea, dry skin, rashes, and warts; and chronic skin diseases and infections, while simultaneously tackling aging skin, wound care, and a multitude of other skin, hair, and nail concerns.
Several FLDSCC providers are fellowship-trained in Mohs micrographic surgery, an effective state-of-the-art treatment for most types of skin cancers. Mohs surgery involves minimal discomfort and encourages the greatest preservation of healthy tissue, which means less risk of scarring and superior cosmetic results.
FLDSCC has many convenient locations throughout the state. For more information, visit www.fldscc.com, or call (855) FLD-SKIN.
