How Does a Scar Form?
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Causes of scars
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As your skin repairs deep or traumatic wounds, you may develop a scar. Scars are formed of a net of protein-based collagen fibers which mends the damage and replaces the skin. It is usually less flexible than skin and any sweat glands or hair follicles do not usually penetrate the scar tissue as they did with skin.
A scar doesn't usually form until the wound is completely healed, and can appear up to a year after the injury. The type of scar formed depends on the person's age, heredity, sex, nutrition, and the severity of the wound. Most normal scars are flat and become less noticeable with age.
Types of scars
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Scars can be caused by injury, surgery, skin stretching, or other types of damage. There are numerous classifications of scars by appearance and cause. Some of the most common types of scars are hypertrophic scars (raised and often red), keloidal scars (much like hypertrophic, but spread far beyond the boundaries of the original injury), atrophic scars (which, opposite of hypertrophic and kelodial scars, leave depressions in the skin), contracture scars (flat, tight scars that constrict movement, often caused by burns), and acne scars (pitting caused by the stretching of pores).
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Treating scars
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While most normal scars will decrease in visibility naturally, over time, there are treatments that a physician or dermatologist can use to help minimize the appearance of more severe scarring (called scar revision).
The types and success of the treatment depend, again, on the individual and the type of scar being treated. Common treatments include: the injection of addition collagen beneath the scar to "fill it out"; dermabrasion techniques that polish off the top layers of skin and wear down a raised scar; or laser treatments that remove layers of the scar tissue.
For less severe scars, however, many doctors recommend the individual use less invasive, natural treatments such as Vitamin E applied to the scar which help keep it supple and speed healing (there is also anecdotal evidence that Vitamin E promotes circulation in the small blood vessels, which also speeds the healing process).
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