Scars
A scar is a normal part of the wound healing process. There are several types of scars, depending on the type of injury that caused the wound.
After superficial injuries (small cuts, scrapes), the scar will eventually become nearly invisible. After deeper injuries, as well as after surgical incisions, the resulting scars may be normal or abnormal, with an unsightly appearance.
In addition to their unsightly appearance, scars can cause discomfort, itching, and may restrict certain movements (of the arms, forearms, or neck).
The more severe the injury, the more complicated the healing process.
During the healing process, dead cells are removed, and new cells synthesize collagen, which forms the structural basis of the scar.
In some cases, the body produces too much or too little collagen.
Thus, scars can be:
- atrophic—pale and thin (too little collagen)
- stretched (e.g., stretch marks that appear after childbirth, weight loss, or significant weight gain)
- depressed
- red, raised, extending beyond the boundaries of the original wound—hypertrophic and keloid scars
Keloid scars occur more frequently in certain areas (anterior chest, back, shoulders, earlobes). People with darker skin tones and children are more prone to developing keloid scars. Keloid scars are quite difficult to treat because they have a very high tendency to recur.
Scar treatment methods:
- – Surgical excision involves an operation, usually under local anesthesia, to completely remove the scar and carefully suture the area to promote a better-quality scar
- – periodic injections (once a month) of triamcinolone—recommended for keloid scars to improve their appearance and prevent further growth
- – dermabrasion
For a wound to heal, the body essentially needs protein, vitamins A, C, and E, selenium, and zinc. Proteins are necessary for the basic structure of the scar, while vitamins and minerals are components of enzymes. Therefore, it is recommended that during the healing process, the patient increase their intake of protein, vitamins, and minerals.