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Causes of Scarring
One of the main causes of scarring is skin injuries like cuts, burns or acne breakouts. When the skin is damaged, it has to heal itself. As part of the natural healing process, collagen production increases at the site of injury to reform the skin barrier. However, sometimes excess collagen is deposited, forming a scar. Other causes of scarring include:
– Surgical procedures: Any incision made during surgery has the potential to result in a scar as the skin heals. The size and depth of the incision impacts scar severity.
– Acne: Frequent breakouts or cystic acne lesions can cause pitting or keloids due to repeated skin damage over time.
– Burns: Burns that damage the deep layers of skin are highly likely to scar as new skin forms during burn wound healing. The severity of scarring depends on the burn depth.
– Stretch marks: Rapid weight gain or loss can cause stretching of the skin which may permanently damage collagen and elastin fibers, resulting in striae or stretch marks. Pregnancy is a common cause of stretch marks.
– Trauma: Deep wounds, lacerations or injury from accidents, animal bites etc. that damage the dermis can potentially cause scarring.
Types of Scars and Treatment Options
There are different types of scars based on appearance and severity. Choosing the appropriate treatment depends on scar type:
Hypertrophic Scars:
These raised scars are red, thick and often itchy. They usually appear within 4-6 weeks after injury and may continue changing or regress over 1-2 years. Treatments include silicone gel sheets/patches, corticosteroid injections, laser therapy. topical creams/gels.
Keloid Scars:
Keloid scars extend beyond the original wound and tend to grow larger rather than fade over time. They are more common in darker skin tones. Intralesional corticosteroid injections and surgical excision with post-op radiation therapy help control growth.
Atrophic Scars:
Also known as icepick or box car scars, these are pitted or depressed into the skin rather than raised. Microneedling, laser resurfacing, fillers and procedures like punch excision can help smoothen atrophic scars.
Stretch Marks:
Faded stretch marks are pink or silver in color while recent ones appear purple, red or dark brown. Topical creams with retinoids, lasers, microneedling and surgical procedures provide some improvement but often cannot remove them completely.
Acne Scars:
Treatment of acne scarring depends on scar type – boxcar, icepick or rolling scars. Options include lasers, chemical peels, microneedling, filler injections and procedures like subcision or punch excision.
Precautions After Scar Treatment
To get the best outcome from scar treatment and prevent worsening of scars, it’s important to follow post-procedure care instructions. This usually involves:
– Applying a thin layer of antibiotic ointment daily for a few weeks.
– Avoiding direct sun exposure and using sunscreen of SPF 30 or higher daily even after scars have faded. Sun can cause darkening of scars.
– Not scratching or picking at scabs as it may worsen scarring.
– Being gentle while washing – don’t rub skin vigorously. Pat dry.
– Avoiding skin products like retinol creams till scars have fully healed.
– Using silicone scar sheets/patches as directed by doctor for some months after procedures like excision or lasers.
Through proper scar treatment and prevention of further skin damage, many acquired scars can be improved significantly over time. Consult a board-certified dermatologist to determine the best plan according to individual skin type and needs. Regular follow-ups are important to review progress. With consistent care, scars no longer need to be the reminder of past skin injuries.
