10 Things That Can Lead To Scar Tissue Formation

Types of Scars

Scars are a natural part of the healing process. Scars can happen in the internal site or outside the body. Scar tissue formation is usually classified as

1. Keloid scars

2. Hypertrophic Scar

3. Contracture scar

4. 
   

KeloidScars

A keloid is usually formed on the tissues after an injury. It is a red-skin colored plaque of scar tissue. Keloids are usually seen on the upper chest, shoulders, breastbone, earlobes, and upper back. Keloids are sometimes painful and require appropriate treatment.

Hypertrophic Scar

This is the most common form of scar tissue and usually fades over time. Hypertrophic scars are usually red, raised scars that form along a wound and can remain for up to five years.

Contracture Scar

This type of scar happens in tissues that had a burn injury. They happen because of the skin tightening and shrinking and these scars usually impair the movement of the affected area.

How Do Scars Form?

When the skin is wounded, there is a disruption in the body tissues. The body produces a protein called collagen as a part of the healing process. Collagen accumulates in the area where there is tissue damage and this helps and strengthens the wound.

For approximately three months, collagen production continues to form and the production of blood supply increases, which causes the scar to become raised, lumpy, and red. After some point in time, collagen breaks down, the supply of blood reduces and the scar may turn out to be smoother, softer, and paler.

10 Causes of Scar Tissue

Acne scars, Credits: pixabay

The exact causes of scar tissue formation remain unknown. However, hypertrophic scars and keloids usually result from burns, insect bites, acne, chickenpox, piercings, tattoos, and surgery.

Keloids develop more often in people with darker skin. Keloids and hypertrophic scars occur more frequently in younger people between 10 and 30 years old.

Scars happen after there is tissue damage. The reasons for the tissue damage are as follows.

1. Accidental injuries (falling off)

2. Deliberate harm from a weapon or self-harm

3. Cuts following a surgery, like a Caesarean section birth

4. Bites and scratches from animals or people

5. Burns and scalds that results from hot objects or liquids

6. Body piercings like ear or nose piercings

7. BCG vaccination

8. Tattoos

9. Acne scars

10. Keloid and hypertrophic scars may run in families.

Ways to Treat Scars

Lasers, Credits: pixabay

Scars are treated in the following ways.

1. Applying vitamin E lotion to the scar

2. Massage therapy

3. Over-the-counter medicines

4. Laser surgery

5. Corticosteroid creams

6. Compression techniques