About this topic
A scar is a long-lasting mark that is left after an injury. Whenever a sore, cut, or burn happens, the body has to heal itself. New tissue must replace the injured skin. This tissue is made of tough, white fibers called collagen. It acts like a bridge to connect tissue. ‚
Scar tissue is weaker than normal skin. It takes about a year for scar tissue to mature. In the first 3 to 4 weeks, the tissue is fragile and can easily reopen. This can lead to more injury and scarring. ‚
A few things affect scarring. These include how deep the wound is, the location, and how long it takes to heal. Age and genetics also play a role. Scars may fade and soften over time. ‚
Sometimes, you may develop an abnormal scar. This may need more treatment. ‚
- Keloid ¢ ˆ ’ A thick mound of scar tissue. Too much collagen causes this kind of scar. This scar may become bigger than the original injury. Your doctor may order steroid shots or, sometimes, surgery to treat it.
- Hypertrophic scar ¢ ˆ ’ A thick, red, raised scar. It may be treated with steroid shots and, sometimes, surgery.
- Contracture ¢ ˆ ’ A scar that pulls the skin edges and other tissues together. You may not be able to fully move the area if you have this kind of scar. You may need surgery.
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How does the doctor treat this health problem?
Some scars are large and do not improve with things you do at home. There are other treatment options. These include: ‚
- Surgery
- Dermabrasion
- Laser treatments
- Injections
- Chemical peel
- Creams with drugs to break down scar tissue
What care is needed at home?
- Always ask your doctor what treatments are safe for you to do at home.
- When you have a cut, sore, or burn, follow your doctors orders on how to care for the wound. Ask your doctor about:
- When you should change your bandages
- When you may take a bath or shower
- If you need to be careful with lifting things over 10 pounds
- When you may go back to your normal activities like work or driving
- Do not pick at scabs.
- Protect your scar from the sun. Keep it covered or use sunscreen. Scars exposed to the sun may not fade as much.
- Avoid smoking. Smoking can lessen blood supply to the wound and delay healing.
- Once the wound is healed enough and no longer has any open areas or scabs, try gentle massage. Place two fingers on one edge of the scar. With firm pressure move your fingers back and forth. Do not slide your fingers over the skin. Instead, keep contact on the scar and move the skin beneath your fingers. Since scar tissue lies down in many directions, move your fingers in different directions: side to side, back and forth, diagonally, and in circles. Spend about a minute in one spot before changing to a new position on the scar. Work your way to the other end of the scar. Do this 2 to 3 times a day.
- Use silicone patches or gels on the scar. Research shows these can help form thinner, lighter scars. Wearing the gel sheets for 12 to 24 hours a day for 2 to 3 months works the best.
- Your doctor may order tools to help your scars.
- Compression garments can help with scar remodeling. These are often used on a burn.
- Splints may be needed if the scar is over a joint. Splints can help contractures from forming.
- Use makeup over a scar to help hide it.
What changes to diet are needed?
- Eat a well-balanced diet.
- Avoid sugars and large amounts of carbs. This is especially important for people with diabetes as these foods may delay healing.
- Get lots of vitamin C in your diet. Vitamin C can be found in food such as oranges, grapefruit, strawberries, broccoli, red and green peppers, and dark leafy greens.
Where can I learn more?
American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery ‚
http://www.aafprs.org/patient/fps_today/vol18_1/vol18_1pg4.html ‚
NHS Choices ‚
http://www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Scars/Pages/Introduction.aspx ‚
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you. ‚
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Copyright ‚ © 2015 Clinical Drug Information, LLC and Lexi-Comp, Inc. ‚