10 Things That Can Lead To Scar Tissue Formation
Types of Scars
Scars are a natural part of the healing process. Scars can happen in the internal site or outside the body. Scar tissue formation is usually classified as
Keloid scars
Hypertrophic Scar
Contracture scar
KeloidScars
A keloid is usually formed on the tissues after an injury. It is a red-skin colored plaque of scar tissue. Keloids are usually seen on the upper chest, shoulders, breastbone, earlobes, and upper back. Keloids are sometimes painful and require appropriate treatment.
Hypertrophic Scar
This is the most common form of scar tissue and usually fades over time. Hypertrophic scars are usually red, raised scars that form along a wound and can remain for up to five years.
Contracture Scar
This type of scar happens in tissues that had a burn injury. They happen because of the skin tightening and shrinking and these scars usually impair the movement of the affected area.
How Do Scars Form?
When the skin is wounded, there is a disruption in the body tissues. The body produces a protein called collagen as a part of the healing process. Collagen accumulates in the area where there is tissue damage and this helps and strengthens the wound.
For approximately three months, collagen production continues to form and the production of blood supply increases, which causes the scar to become raised, lumpy, and red. After some point in time, collagen breaks down, the supply of blood reduces and the scar may turn out to be smoother, softer, and paler.
10 Causes of Scar Tissue
Acne scars, Credits: pixabay
The exact causes of scar tissue formation remain unknown. However, hypertrophic scars and keloids usually result from burns, insect bites, acne, chickenpox, piercings, tattoos, and surgery.
Keloids develop more often in people with darker skin. Keloids and hypertrophic scars occur more frequently in younger people between 10 and 30 years old.
Scars happen after there is tissue damage. The reasons for the tissue damage are as follows.
Accidental injuries (falling off)
Deliberate harm from a weapon or self-harm
Cuts following a surgery, like a Caesarean section birth
Bites and scratches from animals or people
Burns and scalds that results from hot objects or liquids
Body piercings like ear or nose piercings
BCG vaccination
Tattoos
Acne scars
Keloid and hypertrophic scars may run in families.
Ways to Treat Scars
Lasers, Credits: pixabay
Scars are treated in the following ways.
Applying vitamin E lotion to the scar
Massage therapy
Over-the-counter medicines
Laser surgery
Corticosteroid creams
Compression techniques