Scarring
Scarring, a common aftermath of skin injury or inflammation, can manifest in various forms and requires an in-depth understanding for effective management.
What are the different
forms of scarring?
What is scarring?
Scars are a result of the body’s wound healing process, where an excess or deficiency of collagen production leads to the formation of a scar. This can occur due to a variety of reasons, including injury, surgery, or skin conditions. Scarring can also vary among individuals due to genetic factors, with some people being more prone to developing excessive scarring than others.
Atrophic/Depressed
Scarring
Boxcar
The edges of boxcar scars go down deep into the skin and have sharper edges
Rolling
These indents have sloping edges that make the skin look uneven and wavey
Icepick
Resembling an ice pick tool, these scars are wide at the top and narrow. toa point that goes deeper into the skin. These are some of the most common and can be the most challenging to treat
Hypertrophic/Keloid
Scarring
These scars rise off the skin, caused when fibrous tissue (the collagen) in the area overgrow during the healing phase, they can be itchy, tender or painful.
Post-inflammatory
Pigmentation
Post-inflammatory pigmentation (PIH) is a common result of acne healing, characterised by the appearance of red or pink marks on the skin. Despite its association with scarring, PIH is a form of hyperpigmentation rather than actual scarring. It is particularly prevalent among individuals with lighter skin tones during the acne healing process.
How to manage and reduce scarring
Exfoliation
Regular, gentle exfoliation can help to improve the appearance of superficial scars by removing dead skin cells and promoting new cell growth.
Professional treatments
For deeper scarring, professional treatments may be necessary for optimal results.
