Scar is nothing but tainted skin. They develop due to injuries, burns, and infections. Most of the skin treatments aim at treating the infection but do not concentrate much on the scar that is left behind. This article makes a note of the various forms of scar and various methods available for treating them.

The extent of scar formation depends on various factors like age, sex, hereditary, finally the nature and depth of the wound. There are different categories of scars. Following are the list of scars and available treatment methods.

• Keloid scars: These are the scars with a leathery appearance and even impair movement in more severe cases. These scars are not just restricted to the wounded area but surpass the region very easily.

• Contracture scars: These are formed as a result of burns. As the term indicates the skin gets contracted during the healing phase of the burnt injuries. Skin contraction reduces or impairs movement in worst cases where the underlying muscles and nerves are affected.

• Hypertrophic scars: These are red superficial scars and look like keloids but do not cross the injured area.

• Acne scars: Caused due to acne or popping pimples. These mainly manifest as a result of hormonal changes. Some try to pop the pimples with an intention to cure them fast, but the result is a scar or may even result in small pits in worst cases.

Treatment: One note before you read further is to wait for at least a year or so before starting a scar treatment as most of the scars take very long to disappear. Some of the specialists in herbal medicine claim that herbal medicines are good at treating keloid scars compared to other types of medicine. Other treatments generally practiced for keloid treatment are cryotherapy, pressure treatment, or the surgical removal as the least option. Cryotherapy as the term implies, a coolant like liquid nitrogen is used in the treatment. In case of pressure treatment, gel pads that are filled with silicone are used after the injury sustains. In conditions where the above treatments fail, keloids are removed either by surgery which again leaves a scar or by injecting steroids at the site of the scar.

Coming to other less severe scar types, they can be easily cured by topical application of specific creams or by intake of appropriate supplements like zinc supplements in case of acne. Scars caused by simple injuries can be well treated by over the counter creams. Much of a response cannot be seen in case of scars developed as a result of surgery or due to small incisions made at the time of plastic surgery by using the over-counter creams. Prescription drugs suggested by either skin specialists or plastic surgeon give promising results. Creams based on either corticosteroids or antihistamines are used to cure highly itchy and sensitive scars. However, some surgeons suggest pressure treatment as a precautionary measure to prevent scars after injuries.

Scars that extend deep in to the skin cannot be treated by the above simple treatments. They can be cured by various surgical procedures like skin grafts, excision, or laser surgery. These procedures are most commonly used in case of burnt injuries. In such wounds the skin contracts and reduces the movement. To overcome these, skin grafts taken from other parts of the body are grafted at the injury area.

Mark Perry

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