Cicatrices, or scars, are the result of the body's biological process of wound repair. When the skin is injured, fibrous tissue grows over and replaces normal skin. The new skin is not identical to the old skin and is usually weaker or inferior to the original skin. The skin on scars is less resistant to UV rays and hair follicles and sweat glands in the skin do not grow back. Scabs are the term used by laypersons when discussing the temporary skin formed as the healing process occurs.

Every Scar Is Different

A scar, or permanent patch of skin that grows to cover a wound, forms when the body heals after a sore, scrape, cut or burn. Surgery that cuts through the skin also forms scars as does infections from chickenpox or skin conditions such as acne or eczema.

Every scar is different, depending on the location and severity of the wound. The American Academy of Dermatology explains, "The way a scar forms is affected by an individual's age and the location on the body or face. Younger skin makes strong repairs and tends to over heal resulting in larger, thicker scars. Skin over a jawbone is tighter than skin on the cheek and will make a scar easier to see. If a scar is indented or raised, irregular shadows will be seen, giving the skin an uneven appearance. A scar that crosses natural expression lines or is wider than a wrinkle, will be more apparent because it will not follow a natural pattern, nor look like a naturally occurring line."

The amount of accumulated sun damage, the color of the skin and the general health of the patient also affects how skin heals. Overly obese people, whose skin has been previously stretched, have a tendency to scar more than others.

Acne

Acne lesions or pimples occur when the hair follicles or pores of the skin become plugged with dead skin and oil. Mild acne refers to blackheads or whiteheads that commonly appear on normal skin. Moderate acne involves red inflamed pimples with white pustules. Severe acne includes painful, pus-filled lumps or cysts that appear under the skin. Severe acne which involves these painful cysts is likely to leave permanent scars. Scratching the scabs that form on acne cysts can lead to infection and severe scarring.

Scabs and Scars Heal Slowly

Scars appear thicker as well as pinker, shinier or redder than the rest of the skin. How a scar forms and appears depends on several factors: where the scar is located on the body, how large or deep the wound is, how long it takes to heal, if infection is present, a person’s age and inherited tendency to scar. Do not scratch, rub or remove scabs that form over a wound. Removing the scab starts the healing process all over again and allows infection an opportunity to enter the wound. The wound should be kept dry and very clean. Change bandages or dressings daily. Apply an antibiotic ointment to help prevent deep scarring.

Scab Formed From Clotting Platelets

When the skin is penetrated as with a cut or scrape, platelets bond together to form a clot to prevent body fluids from flowing out. As this covering clot dries it forms a protective bandage or scab over the wound.

Treatments

Wounds heal and scars may fade over time, however they never go away completely. Scars on the face or visible parts of the body often cause cosmetic concern. If a scar bothers you, consult a dermatologist for advice on scar repair or removal. Several treatment options are available including laser treatments, pulsing light therapy, chemical peels, dermabrasion or cosmetic surgery.

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