Some people are proud of their scars and consider them to be almost like battle scars: a reminder of what has been overcome. For others, however, scarring can be a permanent reminder of a traumatic event that can prevent them from moving on with their lives.
Scars form when skin is damaged, whether by cuts, scratches, burns or as a result of inflammation and infection. The body repairs skin lesions by producing fibrous skin cells to bind the skin together.
The resulting tissue is unlike the surrounding skin tissue; it looks fibrous and is devoid of hair follicles. It can also differ in colour to the surrounding skin, and does not change colour in reaction to sunlight, which can make it more noticeable.
If tissue loss has occurred during the injury or infection, the scar can assume a pitted or sunken appearance. Other scars, known as keloid scars can produce abnormal amounts of scar tissue, causing it to grow beyond the original site of injury. These scars can also be raised and lumpy.
Depending on the site and size of a scar, it can cause problems for an individual. Luckily, scar treatment can help enormously in helping to reduce the appearance of old injuries.
