Scars are the result of a complex and dynamic wound healing process that follows four distinct stages: hemostasis, inflammatory, proliferative, and maturation. In most cases, if a wound has to go through each of these stages, it will eventually form into a scar. Major wounds from an injury or surgery will always become scars. However, there are some cases in which a wound will not become a scar, and we will explore these in this article. If you are certain that you will have scar tissue in the near future, it’s good to know that there are safe and effective scar treatment options available to you.
Wounds and scarring
A wound will always become a scar if the trauma goes deep enough to penetrate the dermis (middle) layer of skin. Damage to the dermis will trigger the wound healing response described above. During the wound healing process, collagen fibers and other connective tissues come together to repair the damaged skin. The resulting scar may appear raised or discolored, which describes keloids and hypertrophic scars. These scar types are the product of an overproduction of collagen that occurs in response to injury. The collagen builds up and forms a scar that differs in texture, height, and appearance from the surrounding skin. These types of scars are often due to genetics, but environmental factors may play a role too. If the wound becomes infected or reinjured during the healing process, there is a greater chance that the scar that follows will be abnormal in appearance. Other factors, such as smoking and drinking can also have a negative impact on wound healing and scarring.
Not all wounds will become scars. Injuries that only damage the epidermis (top) layer of skin will likely not result in the formation of scar tissue. Paper cuts, scratches, and minor pimples are all examples of surface injuries that will generally not become scars. Some common ways to minimize the risk of scarring include cleaning your wound with soap and running water, covering it with a bandage, and eliminating smoking and drinking during the healing process. Furthermore, as we get older, the event of significant scarring becomes less likely.
Clinically-proven scar treatment
Medical grade silicone gel for scars is the only clinically-proven topical treatment on the market for the prevention and reduction of keloids and hypertrophic scars. Silicone gel works simply and effectively by inducing moisture to the scar bed while allowing oxygen to pass through its semi-permeable layer. This optimal balance (homeostasis) of moisture and oxygen signals fibroblasts in the skin to scale back collagen production at the scar site. Once collagen production returns to a normal level, the effect will be a flatter and smoother scar. Silicone gel is safe for adults and children of all ages, and can be used on old and new scars. Because silicone is hypoallergenic and non-comedogenic, it’s safe to use on the face and body. Ask your physician if silicone gel is right for you or purchase products for yourself at biodermis.com.
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PHYSICIANS AND MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS: REFER OR RESELL?
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FAQs
With the exception of very superficial injuries, such as a shallow paper cut, all skin wounds result in some type of scar. However, not every person's skin forms scar tissue in the same way.
Do deep wounds always scar? ›
A scar can form from almost any kind of cut, scratch, burn, disease, skin condition or surgery. Only very minor incidents will not cause scarring. If the dermis, or deep layer of skin, has been damaged, new collagen fibers will begin to form. Think of it as the skin stitching itself back together.
Will my wound become a scar? ›
Fisher says, “Scarring can come from cuts — these are the most common injuries. But scrapes and burns can leave scars as well. Scars are more likely in injuries where the skin is not just cut but also crushed or otherwise damaged. Clean cuts can heal very well if they're washed out and treated to avoid infection.”
Can wounds leave scars? ›
Whenever your skin is injured—whether by accident or from surgery—your body works to repair the wound. As your skin heals, a scar may form, as this is a natural part of the healing process.
What turns a cut into a scar? ›
Scars form as part of the healing process after your skin has been cut or damaged. The skin repairs itself by growing new tissue to pull together the wound and fill in any gaps caused by the injury. Scar tissue is made primarily of a protein called collagen. Scars develop in all shapes and sizes.
How do you tell if a cut is turning into a scar? ›
What it looks like: While you will eventually see a flat scar, when this scar first appears it tends to be pink to reddish in color and slightly raised. It may also be itchy or painful. As your skin continues to heal, the scar will flatten and change color.
How do I make sure my deep cut doesn't scar? ›
Keep it moist and covered.
You might've grown up learning to keep cuts dry, but the opposite is true. “Keeping it moist is best to prevent a scar,” Dr. Khetarpal says. Use petroleum jelly on your wound, and bandage it up to let it heal.
How do I make sure my scab doesn't scar? ›
Keep your wound clean and moist by washing it with warm, soapy water and using wound dressings like gauze. Once the broken skin has healed, swap out dressings for silicone gel scar sheets, which are the gold standard for minimizing fresh scars.
Do shallow wounds leave scars? ›
Shallow cuts and wounds that only affect your top layer of skin usually don't scar at all. Some scars fade over time even without treatment, but they don't disappear completely. After your injury, cells called fibroblasts respond to your wounds by laying a thick, fibrous tissue.
Does Vaseline help scars fade? ›
Cocoa butter cream and Vaseline are most often used to help reduce the appearance of scars. Applying the ointment daily will help heal scars but will not make them invisible. Another tip for caring for your scars includes surgery. Surgery will not eliminate the scar but can change its shape or make it less noticeable.
After around 21 days, the deeper structures begin to form, giving the wound tensile strength. This process can continue for around two years. It's during this time that problems with the scar can occur and leave you with more severe scarring in the longer term.
Does putting Vaseline on scabs help? ›
Moisturize the scab
The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends keeping the wound moist to help damaged skin heal. They suggest using petroleum jelly to prevent the skin from drying out, as well as to encourage healing and reduce scar formation.
Will Neosporin prevent scarring? ›
Keep the wound covered and use ointment
You should also keep the area moist to help prevent scarring. Applying NEOSPORIN® + Pain, Itch, Scar Open link in new window helps minimize the appearance of scars, prevent infection, and relieve itching and pain.
What makes a scar permanent? ›
Scars are reminders of past injuries, surgeries, or other traumatic experiences, and often we just want them to go away completely. But because scar tissue is different from the surrounding tissues, it is generally permanent.
What color should a healing wound be? ›
Healthy granulation tissue is pink in colour and is an indicator of healing. Unhealthy granulation is dark red in colour, often bleeds on contact, and may indicate the presence of wound infection. Such wounds should be cultured and treated in the light of microbiological results.
How do you prevent a cut from scarring? ›
As soon as you're injured, clean the affected area with soap and water to get rid of any bacteria and prevent infection. Keep it moist and covered. You might've grown up learning to keep cuts dry, but the opposite is true. “Keeping it moist is best to prevent a scar,” Dr.
Do you always get a scar after stitches? ›
All sutures (stitches) will heal with a scar, however the scar will be less noticeable if good care is given to the wound when it is healing. Keep the wound clean and dry, and follow your doctor or nurse's care instructions. See your GP to get the stitches removed at the right time and for follow-up care.
