Scars

Scars are permanent marks left on the surface of the skin after an injury or wound has healed. As a natural part of the healing process they are not uncommon, with causes including surgery and certain skin conditions such as acne. Despite their commonality, the severity and placement can lead individuals with heavy or visible scarring to feel self-conscious and lacking in confidence. There are however, a range of cosmetic treatments to help reduce the appearance of their scars.

The areas of the body most susceptible to scarring are as follows:

  • Chest
  • Back
  • Ear Lobe
  • Shoulders

If a scar has formed over a joint such as on the shoulder, knee or elbow, it tends to appear larger than if it were situated elsewhere. This occurs because of the constant joint movement, stretching the scar and making it appear larger over time.

NHS Choices

How Scars Form

How Scars Form

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

There are five main types of scars that can appear on the skin:

Keloid Scars – 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 unlike to return to its original state.

Hypertrophic Scars – Typically red in colour and slightly raised, hypertrophic scars 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 in appearance year-by-year.

Pitted Scars – Also known as Ice-Pick Scars or Atrophic scars, these scars have a sunken appearance and are commonly due to acne, chicken pox and/or surgery complications.

Contracture Scars – These are the scars that appear after a second or third degree burn. The contracted appearance occurs due to the connective tissue and muscles beneath the skin pulling together which can lead to restricted motion. This type of scar does not improve with time and if left untreated can get worse.

Flat/Pale Scars – These are the most common type of scar, brought on by the body’s natural healing process. The appearance of these scars is typically a lighter pigment to the individual’s skin hence why they are sometimes named ‘Pale Scars.’ When this type of scar first develops, it may be slightly raised or dipped, however over a short space of time they become the same level as your skin. These scars normally occur due to surgery and/or pregnancy (the latter appear as stretch marks).

Scar Treatments

Scar Treatments

Scar Treatments

As there are a range of different types of scars and their severity, the effects of treatment can vary. The most common treatment types are outlined below:

Gel Sheets/ Skin Peels – Silicone Gel Sheets are ideal for hypertrophic type scars, as when applied to the skin they help to flatten and reduce the appearance of the scar more quickly.

Skin/Chemical Peels – like gel sheets can also be used to reduce the appearance of scars by enhancing and smoothing the surface of the skin by removing dead skin cells. As the peels typically contain alphahydroxy or betahydroxy acid, it helps exfoliate the skin so when the peel is removed smoother skin is left behind. Obagi Blue Peel is a leading product for scar and acne treatment as well as helping address fine line and wrinkles on the face.

Prescription Creams/Ointments/Gels – Products that contain antihistamine can help soothe scars that become itchy. Otherwise products like Bio Oil that contain natural ingredients such as vitamins A and E, Chamomile Oil, and more, are designed to improve the appearance of scars, stretch marks and uneven skin tones while maintaining the elasticity of skin tissue.

Corticosteroid Injections – For the more complicated scars such as hypertrophic and keloid scars, steroid injections to the affected area can help reduce the appearance of the scars considerably by softening the scar. However, before undertaking the procedure, it is advisable to wait until the scar has matured, as undertaking the procedure with a relatively new/young scar can cause disappointing results as it is still developing.

Surgery – There are a range of surgical options for scar removal of any type, including skin grafts, excision, dermabrasion or laser surgery. Surgical options for scar removal is not usually recommended unless the scar is causing mobility or functional problems, or if the scar is due to severe burns to which the skin graft is the most common procedure for.

Non-Surgical – INTRAcel and ULTRAcel treatments are rejuvenation systems that are proven to deliver stunning results, especially for those with scars. Each treatment is individually tailored to the individual, and works by targeting the deeper layers of the dermis, stimulating the collagen to help lift, tighten and plump the skin, reducing the visibility of scars.

How Can We Help?

Healthxchange is a trusted supplier of pharmacy products to healthcare professionals and offer a range of treatments that can be used to help manage the appearance of scars.

Obagi Blue Peel helps reveal younger, healthier-looking skin while reducing the appearance of scars, wrinkles and hyperpigmentation by using trichloroacetic acid mixed with a special Obagi Blue base to monitor and slow penetration.

To find a clinic near you offering Obagi Blue Peel, visit our Clinic Finder here.