Conditions: Scars: Aetiology and Affects on Well-being
At Thames Valley Scar Clinic, as the name suggests, we’re experts in caring for people with scars. There are many reasons somebody may have a scar, and we know the size of the scar doesn’t necessarily correlate with the degree of concern to the patient. We think it’s important that all aspects of your concerns are explored and a multidisciplinary team approach is taken to your treatment. Here are some common categories of scars.
Scars from Trauma and Burn Injuries
What are Scars from Trauma and Burn injuries?
These scars have often healed in an abnormal way either due to secondary healing or because of the depth of the injury.
What are the Key features?
Often thick, inflamed, tight scars that are unsightly and can be unstable (open up). This is caused by prolonged inflammatory phase of wound healing. Depending on skin type and depth of injury there may be hypo or hyperpigmentation.
What are the possible affects on well-being?
These scars can cause physical symptoms including itch, pain, tightness and reduced mobility. The patient may also experience psychological symptoms either due to the memory of the injury itself or alternatively due to the impact of the scar appearance.
What are the Treatment options for trauma and burns scars?
- Pressure garments
- Silicone products
- Steroid injections
- Carbon dioxide Laser
- M22 IPL and NdYAG
- Dermabrasion and RECELL
- Surgical release and reconstruction
- Psychological Therapy
Acne Scars
What are Scars from Acne?
These are scars often seen on the skin after episodes of acute acne.
What are the Key features?
These scars are usually irregular, with small indentations and, at times, deeper pits. They commonly appear on the face, especially on the cheeks, but can also occur elsewhere on the body.
What are the possible affects on well-being?
The acute phase can be distressing causing pain and infection as well as the psychological impact of appearance change. The permanent scarring can be distressing as it is often highly visible.
What are the Treatment options for acne scars?
- IPL M22 can be used both for the acute phase and in combination with Carbon Dioxide Laser for the resultant scars
- Carbon Dioxide Laser
- Please note any retinoid treatments must be stopped at least 6 months before any laser treatment
- Psychological Therapy
Surgical Scars
What are Surgical Scars?
These scars can affect any area of the body and tend to be linear (from the incision made). They are a result of surgery.
What are the Key features?
Most scars after surgery settle down, but some remain inflamed for some time. This may be related to a higher risk skin type, location or delayed healing. Common examples include Scars from Caesarean section, breast surgery, thyroid surgery and joint surgery.
What are the possible affects on well-being?
These scars can often be itchy and painful and hamper the patients rehabilitation as well as the types of clothing that can be worn.
What are the Treatment options for Surgical Scars?
- Silicone products
- Steroid injection and tape
- Carbon Dioxide Laser
- Surgical excision and re-orientation
- Psychological Therapy
Self Harm Scars
What are Self Harm Scars?
These scars are often multiple, linear scars. They can be anywhere but most commonly are on the forearm and legs.
What are the Key features?
These scars can be thin or thick, dark or pale and may be surrounded by other areas of scarred skin. They are often highly visible and have a significant link to people’s mental health.
What are the possible affects on well-being?
It is clear that many people feel concerned and self-conscious about the appearance of these scars. It can lead to anxiety, depression, and withdrawal from some activities due to fear of them being seen.
What are the Treatment options for Self Harm Scars?
- Silicone Products
- Scar Excision and Reorientation
- Carbon Dioxide Laser
- Scar Excision and resurfacing (dermal substitutes and skin graft)
- Psychological Therapy
Keloid Scars
What is a Keloid Scar?
A Keloid Scar is an abnormally thick, raised scar from any injury to the skin. This is due to a problem with the collagen remodelling in the scar.
What are the Key features?
These scars can grow to be very large and will extend past the original wound. They feel hard and are often uncomfortable. Keloids can happen anywhere on the body but are more common on the chest, shoulders, neck, face and ears. These scars are more common if you are young and of South Asian, Chinese, African Caribbean or Black African origin.
What are the possible affects on well-being?
Keloid scars are painful and itchy, which can be distressing. As they are often large, and in visible places, they can cause psychological concerns and anxiety.
What are the Treatment options for Keloid Scars?
- Silicone Products
- Steroid Injections
- Surgical Excision and Steroids
- Cardon Dioxide Laser and Steroids
- Psychological Therapy
“The impact of a scar on a person is unique. It is not for me to decide what that impact is, but for you to tell me, so that I can listen and try to help.”
Alex Atkins-Murray