Types of Scars

There are many different types of scars that can result from a given injury, the most common being keloid, contracture, hypertrophic, stretched skin, and acne scars.  The treatments for scars vary and depend upon the type of scar and the person.

Keloid scars result from a healing process that’s overly aggressive.  The keloid scar is serious and may affect your mobility and cause problems beyond the original injury site.  Common treatments of keloid scars often include surgery for removal, steroids, and freeze therapy.  These scars can be prevented by using pressure treatment or gel pads at the time of injury.

Hypertrophic scars are similar to keloids.  They are raised red scars, but unlike keloids they stay within the original site of injury.  Over time, hypertrophic scars decrease in size and intensity.  Common treatments for this type of scar include steroid injections.

Contracture scars are the result of skin that has been burned.  This scar causes a tightening of skin which impairs the ability to move.  A contracture scar is very serious and often goes deeper into the skin affecting nerves and muscles.

Stretched skin scars occur after significant weight loss or gain.  They often result after pregnancy and take the form of thick red lines on the body.  Often times, scars resulting from stretched skin fade over a few years time.

Acnes scars are the result of moderate to serious acne.  They can take the form of pits, waves, or spots.  While the spots fade, the pits, waves, and any other scarring is permanent.  The severity of the scarring depends on the severity of the acne and are often the most distressing since they occur on the face. The treatment for these kinds of scars vary depending on the type of scarring that’s taken place.

The results of any type of scarring can be upsetting, but unfortunately, most insurance companies do not cover their treatment unless it’s medically necessary, such as a burn victim with hypertrophic scars.  Treatments range in both effectiveness and cost and it’s important to understand the implications of all procedures and medications.