How do scars form?

What are scars?

Scars are marks that are formed especially on our skin due to some accidents or any injuries. When there is a cut on the skin, new collagen fibers are produced in the site resulting in scarring. It is the body’s natural way of healing process. Some scars grow with us and be there forever without we even noticing it.

In what way is it different?

A wounded skin with scar could be differentiated from a normal skin. If examined  under a microscope, it is observed that ECM or Extra Cellular Matrix connects the specially functioning cells. In a wounded skin, it is observed that the arrangement of ECM  is disrupted. A new alignment of ECM occurs in the process of healing reducing the durability and elasticity of the skin. Even the healed tissue have a higher degree of ECM which interrupts the whole functioning of it.

The newly formed scar tissue would have a different composition and quality than the original one. The high deposit of collagen in the healed skin makes changes in functions like producing sweat, controlling body temperature, growing of hair etc. The scared tissue is also sensitive to temperature changes and so it should be protected in moist conditions. The scarred tissue is always inferior to the original tissue it replaces as there is changes in its function.

Treatments

Even though most of the minute scars fade over time, treatments are available. The various methods of treating scars include using silicone gel sheets, steroids, pressure designs, surgery etc.

Disorders

Scars can also be caused genetically. They are –

  1. Cystic fibrosis – It is a genetic disorder that causes damages in the lungs and digestive system. It also causes scarring of the pancreas.
  2. Pulmonary fibrosis – It is the condition in which lungs become scarred with symptoms including dry cough, loss of weight and shortness of breath.
  3. Scarring of the heart can even lead to heart attack and interrupts in its beating.

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