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How Scars Form
When the skin is injured and there is a break in the tissue, the body begins to produce more collagen to heal the affected area. The collagen then builds up in the area where the skin tissue has been damaged to help heal and strengthen it.
After approximately three months, the collagen continues to form around the affected area causing the blood supply to increase, which in turn causes the scar to become raised, coarse and red in colour.
For common flat/pale scars the collagen then starts to break down, reducing the increased blood supply leading to the scar becoming smoother, softer and paler. Other scars can keep producing collagen leading to a worse appearance over time until medical treatment is sought.
Types of scars
These are characterised by a raised and lumpy appearance with a purple colouring. Keloid scars are typically irregular in shape and can continue to increase in size over time. Skin affected by keloid scars is unlikely to return to its original state.
Typically red in colour and slightly raised, they can become itchy and some individuals can experience pain from this type of scar. Unlike keloid scars, hypertrophic scars do not spread away from the area of injury and can improve by appearance.
These have a sunken appearance and acre commonly due to acne, chicken pox and/or surgery complications.
These are brought on by the body’s natural healing process. They can appear red and slightly raised or dipped to begin, however after a short space of time, they do become the same level as your skin and may change in appearance to a whiter colouring.
