Scars are a natural part of the body’s healing process.
Whenever the skin’s dermis is damaged, your body will work to heal the area by producing collagen fibres and increasing blood supply.
Although scars are formed in relatively the same way, each induvial will experience different types of scarring depending upon a number of factors.
Such as, how the scar was caused, the area of which the scar spans, your skin tone, and your body’s unique healing process.
London based laser treatment clinic – The Laser Treatment Clinic, have offered this handy guide, helping to explain scars and the treatments currently available to reduce their appearance.
Different types of scars
Scars can be categorised by their appearance, usually into three different types of scars, these are:
Atrophic Scars – Appearing as sunken scars and are mostly associated with Acne and Chicken Pox. These types of scars are very common, and people usually seek to remove these when they appear on the face.
Hypertrophic Scars – Scarring which is raised in appearance Is known as hypertrophic. This occurs when the skin overproduces collagen to repair the dermis. Most people will recognise a hypertrophic scar, as a ‘typical scar’.
Keloid Scars – Keloid scars are much more enlarged than a typical scar and appear a slightly different colour to the surrounding skin. Often associated with acne spots or piercings, these scars can spread beyond the original area of skin damage. Although keloid scars can affect anyone, they seem to be more common amongst those with darker skin and experts believe they may run in families.
Treatments for Scars
Treatments for scars are often favoured by those who are unhappy with the appearance of their scar, particularly if this is in a very obvious place, or if the scar is causing dis-comfort.
For some people, scarring can become either painful or itchy. In this instance, your GP may refer you to a dermatologist for professional treatments to minimise both the appearance of the scar and to reduce the feelings of dis-comfort.
As scars are so notoriously difficult to treat, thanks to the many types and appearances varying amongst patients, treatments should be tailored to your individual needs.
As opposed to a ‘one size fits all’ approach.
Although scars cannot be removed completely, the following variety of treatments work to reduce the appearance of scars:
Laser therapy for the treatment of scars
Laser therapy using pulses of light is a popular method to reduce the redness of a scar.
Targeting the blood vessels within the scar tissue, redness can be dramatically reduced with this treatment method.
Any type of laser therapy/treatment must always be carried out by an experienced practitioner who has a great understanding of the laser treatment and targeting specific skin concerns.
Pressure garments
Pressure garments are often recommended to those who have suffered scars as a result of an injury such as burns.
These will work by softening the skin and flattening the appearance of the scar.
Usually these are to be worn over the scar throughout the day for a number of months, these can be sourced via a healthcare professional.
Cryotherapy
Cryotherapy translates to ‘treatment using low temperature’. This treatment method is often completed using liquid nitrogen to freeze scars.
Often used to treat keloid scars. The treatment may result in a flattening of the scar, helping to stop the keloid scar from expanding any further.
Steroids
Steroid injections administered by a healthcare professional can work to reduce any raised scar tissue. Helping to reduce the appearance of the scar by flattening the skin.
Dermal fillers
Dermal fillers involve injections to ‘fill’ pitted scars. Often these will be completed by a private healthcare provider, so you may find this is a more costly treatment method.
Dermal fillers are also temporary and will require repeat appointments to see desired results.
Over the counter products for scars
There are many skin creams available to purchase over the counter which may offer some effects on your scars.
However, there is very little evidence that these creams actually work to reduce the appearance of scars.
Most people will use these creams, gels, ointments etc, for relief from itching and to hydrate the scar.
Skin needling
Skin needling consists of a small rolling device covered in small needles being used across the scar tissue to improve the appearance of the scar.
This treatment Is not effective immediately and will require several attempts in order to achieve results. These results will also vary considerably.