Scars

General Information
Scars are a part of the natural healing process after trauma to the skin following surgery, acne, cuts, scrapes, sores or burns. The body forms new collagen fibers to mend the damage, which results in a scar. The formation of the scar depends on a couple of different factors including how deep the wound is, where the wound is located, the length in time it takes the wound to heal, the age of the individual and the inherited tendency to scar. There are several different types of scars including Keloid scars, contracture scars, hypertrophic scars and acne scars. Keloid scars and hypertrophic scars occur when the body produces too much collagen fibers. Scars cannot be completely removed, but certain medications and therapy can improve the appearance of them. Treatment options include topical medications, surgery, steroid injection, radiotherapy, dermabrasion, laser resurfacing and filler injections.

Epidemiology
Common

Etiology
Healing after trauma to the skin

Pathogenesis
Biologic process of wound repair in the skin and other tissues following trauma

Clinical
Typically at first red and thick, then gradually fades

Histology
Prominent dilated vessels oriented perpendicular to the skin surface, an increased number of thin fibrocytes in company with coarse bundles of collagen, both aligned parallel to the skin surface, and a subepidermal cleft.

Bibliography
1. “Skin Conditions: Scars” (Online). March 2007. http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/guide/scars (visited: April 3, 2008) 2. “Scars” (Online). December 2007 http://www.medicinenet.com/scars/article.htm (visited: April 3, 2008)

Download PDF
 Scars