Health Library

A scar is skin that forms over a wound as the skin heals. There are four main types of scars:

• Keloid —thick scars that grow out from the skin. They spread beyond the site of the wound.
• Contracture—often the result of a burn injury. The scar appears as a tightening of the skin. This type may also affect muscles and nerves below the skin.
• Hypertrophic—thick, raised scars. They look like keloid scars but do not spread beyond the site of the wound.
• Atrophic—thinned out, cigarette paper-like scars
• Acne —may look like deep pits or be angular and wavelike.

Scars do not go away on their own but may fade over time. Some people may feel self-conscious about their scars. This can affect their quality-of-life. Other scars may also cause physical difficulties. For example a scar on the face may affect movement of eyelids.

A scar is part of the normal healing process. The scar is made of the same material as the surrounding skin but it is made a little differently. As a result, the scar tissue appears different than the surrounding skin.

The size and appearance of a scar will vary based on:

• Type of injury
• How your skin scars—some people scar more easily than others
• Where the injury occurred
• How long it took for your skin to heal
• Age, heredity, gender, and ethnicity

Factors that may increase your chance of a scar include:

• Injury to skin, such as a cut, scrape, puncture, or burns
• Surgery
• Infections
• Acne

Normal Surgical Scar

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A scar may first look red and thick. It may may feel numb, itchy, painful, or sensitive. Overtime, the scar may fade. Then it may be raised, flat, depressed, dark, or light in color. The seriousness of the wound will affect how noticeable the scar is.

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. You may be referred to a skin specialist.

Most scars will fade over time, although they rarely go away completely. Some types of scars do not fade at all.

There are many treatments that can improve the appearance of a scar. Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you:

If you have a wound, follow your doctor’s wound care instructions. Proper care may reduce the appearance of a scar. To help minimize scarring, take the following steps:

To minimize scarring from acne:

• Work with your doctor to create a plan to properly treat and care for your skin.
• Avoid the temptation to pick or pop an acne pimple, since this can cause scarring and infection.
• Protect your skin from the sun .

To minimize contracture scarring (after injuries like burns):

• Wear pressure garments. Pressure garments are tight-fitting clothes that are worn over a burn. These garments can reduce scarring.
• Wear a splint will keep a joint straight.
• Practice range of motion exercises to keep muscles and joints flexible.
• Keep active. This will keep the scar stretched and prevent it from tightening.

If you are prone to keloid scars, pressure treatment and silicone gel sheeting may help prevent them.