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Find a Scar
Removal Specialist
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Patient Education
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 | | The Patient’s Guide is the most respected online publication providing information about scar removal. Our mission is to provide you, our reader, with unbiased, scientifically accurate information about scars, as well as potential treatments. | | >>More About the Patient's Guide | |
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| What Is a Scar? A scar is really nature’s way of healing the skin after its been injured in some way. Most wounds—whether caused by an accident, surgery, or disease (such as acne)—are likely to leave some type of scar behind. Scars can take many forms. They can be sunken, raised, or flat. They can be paler or darker than the surrounding skin. A variety of factors, such as your age and skin type and the location of the skin injury, will determine the type of scar that forms. | | What Causes a Scar? A scar is created when the deep, thick, underlying layer of skin known as the dermis becomes damaged. To heal the wound, the skin produces new protein fibers, called collagen, which set to work to mend the damaged skin. But this collagen is not the same as the skin tissue that was there before the injury. So, although it does the work of healing and protecting the wounded area of skin, it can’t re-create the healthy normal skin that was once there. The skin of the scar will lack sweat glands and hair follicles, for example. And it will look and feel different. Are Scars Painful? They shouldn’t be. Sometimes, though, a scar may be located on a patch of skin susceptible to irritation from repeated physical movement or the rubbing of clothing. And during the wound-healing process, hypertrophic scars or keloids can itch and even hurt. If a scar causes significant pain, it may be infected. If you have a scar that is swollen and/or painful, be sure to seek advice and treatment from your physician. Standard treatment involves antibiotics. Can Scars Be Removed? Scars can’t be removed, but their appearance can be improved, and sometimes significantly so. Techniques for improving the appearance of scars include laser resurfacing, surgery, steroid injections, and dermabrasion. Topical medications may help encourage skin to heal, but they are ineffective at reducing the appearance of any resulting scar tissue. When Should I See a Doctor? You should, of course, see your doctor if a scar is causing pain or swelling. But you can also seek medical care for minimizing the appearance of an established scar. New technologies—particularly new laser devices—have made it safer and easier to reduce scar tissue. Deciding which treatment is right for you will depend on many factors. Be sure to seek care from a physician who specializes in the skin and who is skilled and experienced in treating scars. |
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Ask The Doctor
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