A scar is an area of fibrous tissue that forms as the body’s response to a cut or open wound in the skin, due to injury or surgery. The skin immediately forms a barrier that protects the body from contamination and exposure. In most cases, wounds heal by themselves, but in some cases they require sutures or staples to close the wound. For example, most doctors who make an incision try to repair their work and make scars as minimal as possible.
The Healing Process
The presence of a scar indicates an initial wound to the underlying tissue. When a wound heals, it typically turns a reddish color, and a scab forms over the cut due to natural blood-borne coagulants. There are three distinct stages of wound healing: inflammation, proliferation, and maturation. These are marked by certain events that take place during the healing of a wound.
Inflammation
The inflammation stage occurs immediately after the wound forms. The blood vessels near and in the wound contract and form a clot to staunch the bleeding. Once the bleeding stops, a scab forms within the first few days.
Proliferation
The second stage of healing, known as or proliferation, marks an increased collagen flow to the wound and the arrival of fibroblasts, the active cells that produce collagen and fibers to provide strength and structure to the damaged tissue. The skin begins to knit itself back together and the dermis layer of the skin begins to close, forming the scar.
Maturation
Finally, maturation of the scar is the longest stage of wound healing and scarring. The collagen formed during the proliferation phase is replaced by a stronger type of collagen, and the size of the wound continues to contract and shrink to seal itself shut.
Complications in Wound Healing
Complications in wound healing abound for people who suffer from blood disorders (such as hemophilia or antiphospholipid syndrome), for anyone who takes blood thinners, or for people with lowered immune response in general. These clients need to take additional precautions if they ever experience a wound of any kind.
Types of Scars
Scars can be soft, small, and flexible, but some scars can cross large areas of skin and tighten up with time, making their presence unsightly or even painful. The problem is that scar tissue is fundamentally different from regular skin – and the damage, if large enough, can leave a painful reminder.
Burn scars are some of the most painful to occur. A burn presents a problem once healed as the follicles are gone and cannot take part in regulating body temperature any longer. Other types of deep scarring are keloids. Keloids can grow into large abnormal growths and tumors called neoplasms.
Scar Treatment
Even though scars cannot be removed completely, many methods can treat scars so that they fade. More serious scars can be helped with plastic surgery, skin grafts, or scar revision treatment. But what about your average scar?
Home remedies can help soften and fade your scars, including: aloe vera gel, tea tree oil, vitamin C, coconut oil, baking soda, shea butter, lemon, turmeric, and many other substances.
Scar Treatment in Fort Worth
If you have a scar that you wish you didn’t and need professional guidance, then contact AlphaCare Wellness Center and ask us about our new Alpha Soothing Skin Therapy, which is scientifically proven to diminish the appearance of scars.
To make an appointment with functional medicine expert Dr. Catherine Oseni, please call (817) 550-6332 or request a consultation using our online form. We’re committed to helping you improve the health of your skin and your overall well-being.