

They're often caused by hormonal changes during pregnancy or puberty, or as a result of bodybuilding or hormone replacement therapy.A 56-year-old female presented with a 65 × 30 mm lesion in the right axilla in the scar of a flame injury that had occurred 48 years earlier.
#Old burn scars skin#
Stretch marks are narrow streaks or lines that appear on the skin's surface when the deeper layer of skin (dermis) tears. It's unlikely they'll fade any more after this time. The scar gradually becomes smoother and softer.Īlthough scars are permanent, they can fade over a period of up to 2 years. In time, some collagen breaks down at the site of the wound and the blood supply reduces. New collagen continues forming for several months and the blood supply increases, causing the scar to become raised and lumpy. Collagen builds up where the tissue is damaged, helping to heal and strengthen the wound. When the skin is wounded, the tissues break, which causes a protein called collagen to be released. Scarring is part of the body's natural healing process after tissue is damaged. Help and supportĪ number of support groups and organisations provide help and advice for people living with scarring. Read more about living with facial disfigurement and improving self-esteem. See a GP if you feel your scars are making you depressed, or if they're affecting your daily activities. If you avoid meeting people because of your appearance, it's easy to become socially isolated.

The situation can be made worse if you feel you're being stared at. Scarring can affect you both physically and psychologically.Ī scar, particularly if it's on your face, can be very distressing. Read more about treating scars Emotional effects of scarring topical silicone gel or silicone gel sheetsĪ combination of treatments can often be used.If scarring is unsightly, uncomfortable or restrictive, treatment options may include: Treating scarsĬomplete scar removal is not possible, but most scars will gradually fade over time.Ī number of treatments are available that may improve a scar's appearance and help make it less visible. They happen when the skin "shrinks", leading to tightness and a restriction in movement. Scar contractures are often caused by burns. Pitted scars, also known as atrophic or "ice-pick" scars, can also develop as a result of an injury that causes a loss of underlying fat. Some scars caused by skin conditions, such as acne and chickenpox, can have a sunken or pitted appearance. They may continue to thicken for up to 6 months before gradually improving over a few years. Unlike keloid scars, hypertrophic scars do not extend beyond the boundary of the original wound. Like keloid scars, hypertrophic scars are the result of excess collagen being produced at the site of a wound. They're often itchy or painful, and can restrict movement if they're tight and near a joint. Keloid scars are raised above the skin and can be pink, red, the same colour or darker than surrounding skin. The scar keeps growing, even after the wound has healed. Keloid scarsĪ keloid scar is an overgrowth of tissue that happens when too much collagen is produced at the site of a wound. They are not usually painful, but they may be itchy for a few months. The scar will not disappear completely and you'll be left with a visible mark or line.įine-line scars are common following a wound or after surgery. Normal fine-line scarsĪ minor wound like a cut will usually heal to leave a raised line, which will gradually fade and flatten over time. Types of scarsĪ scar can be a fine line or a pitted hole on the skin, or an abnormal overgrowth of tissue. Most will fade although they never completely disappear. Scars are a natural part of the healing process. A scar is a mark left on the skin after a wound or injury has healed.
