To Book an Appointment

Scars: Types, Causes, and Treatment Options

Jan 23 , 2025 | 4 min read

Scars are those stubborn marks on the skin that don't fade away naturally. Some scars are barely noticeable. While some can cause discomfort, as they are not very appealing to look at. In such a situation, understanding how to manage scars with the right treatment is your ideal choice.

Types of Scars

Let's look at the common types of scars and their distinct features.

Atrophic Scars

These are shallow depressions in the skin, often linked to acne or chickenpox. They can look like small pits or indentations and are more common on the face.

Hypertrophic Scars

These are thick, raised scars that form due to excess collagen. Unlike keloids, they don’t grow beyond the original wound. They often appear on areas like the chest or shoulders.

Keloid Scars

Keloids are thicker and extend beyond the injury site. They can feel hard and are more likely to develop in people with darker skin tones or a family history of keloids.

Contracture Scars

These scars happen after burns. They can tighten the skin, affecting mobility, especially if they form over joints.

Stretch Marks

Stretch marks, technically scars, occur when the skin stretches rapidly during growth spurts, pregnancy, or weight changes. They often appear on the abdomen, thighs, or arms.

Causes of Scars

A scar can happen due to damaged tissues. How a scar looks depends on factors like the size of the wound, how it was treated, and your skin type.

Common causes of scars include:

Injuries and accidents, like cuts or falls.
Surgeries, which often leave linear scars.
Acne or other skin conditions that damage deeper layers of skin.
Burns can create contracture scars if the skin tightens as it heals.
Infections may lead to deeper scars if not treated in time.

Symptoms of Scarring

Scars can be in different shapes and forms. You might notice raised areas, sunken patches, or changes in skin colour or texture. Some of the most common symptoms include -

Keloid scars are thick and raised, often itchy.
Hypertrophic scars are also raised but stay within the boundary of the injury and may flatten over time.
Atrophic scars are the opposite—sunken areas often caused by acne or chickenpox.
Contracture scars, linked to burns, can tighten the skin and limit movement.

You might feel tightness, itching, or even pain in some scars, especially while they’re still healing.

Scar Treatment Options

Scar treatments vary widely, depending on the type and severity of the scar. From simple topical applications to advanced surgical options, each treatment aims to improve appearance and restore skin texture. Here's a highlight of the most common approaches to managing and reducing scars effectively.

Topical Treatments

Creams, gels, and silicone sheets can improve the appearance of scars. Prescription treatments may work better for deep or older scars, while over-the-counter options are good for mild cases.

Procedural Treatments

Some scars need more targeted solutions. Laser therapy can reduce redness or flatten scars. Dermabrasion smoothens rough textures, while microneedling promotes collagen production to treat sunken scars.

Injections

Steroid injections can help flatten and soften thick scars like keloids or hypertrophic scars. Fillers like collagen can temporarily lift sunken scars, but results need regular upkeep.

Surgical Treatments

Scar revision surgery can improve the appearance of larger or irregular scars. For severe cases, such as large burns, skin grafts may be necessary.

Preventing Scars

Not every wound needs to leave a scar. Proper care can minimise scarring. Here are some practical tips to help you prevent scarring in the first place.

Keep Wounds Clean and Covered: Protecting the wound from bacteria reduces the risk of infection, which can exacerbate scarring.
Use Sunscreen: Applying sunscreen to healing skin can prevent scars from darkening under sunlight exposure.
Avoid Picking at Scabs or Acne: Disturbing scabs or acne can lead to worse scarring as it damages the healing tissue.
Silicone Gel Sheets: Applying these sheets can help flatten and soften scars by hydrating the tissue and reducing collagen buildup.
Maintain Moisture: Keeping the wound area moist with appropriate ointments or creams can facilitate the healing process and reduce the likelihood of a scar forming.
Opt for Pressure Garments: For larger wounds or after surgeries, wearing pressure garments can help prevent hypertrophic scars or keloids, especially in susceptible individuals.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Sometimes scars are more than a cosmetic concern. If a scar is painful, itchy, or limits your movement, it’s worth seeing a dermatologist doctor. Scars that grow uncontrollably need professional evaluation.

Conclusion

Scars may feel like permanent reminders of an injury, but understanding your options can change that. From topical creams to advanced procedures, the right treatment can improve how scars look and feel. At BLK-Max Super Speciality Hospital, we provide personalised solutions for your scar management. If your scars bother you, physically or emotionally, come talk to us. Together, we can find the best way forward.

Explore our Dermatology Services for Skin Health to discover advanced treatments and personalized solutions for your skincare needs.