Scars

Scarring is the result of the body's natural healing process and it occurs when the dermis of the skin is damaged and the body forms new collagen fibres to help repair the damage. The scar tissue has a different texture and quality to the surrounding tissue. Scars can occur for a myriad of reasons ranging from surgery, accidents and skin conditions through to injections bites, burns and scratches.

Many scars fade over time but will never completely disappear and there are various types which affect different people:

• Flat, pale scars are the most common form of scar, they may be red, dark and slightly raised but will become pale and fade naturally as the healing process progresses
• Keyloid scars are irregular shaped and are raised well above the surface and continue to grow beyond the wound
• Hypertrophic scares are red, raised scars similar to Keyloid scars but do not go beyond the injury
• Contracture scars tighten the skin and may go deeper beneath the skin, affecting nerves and muscles