A scar may be defined as a patch of fibrous tissue with a different alignment developing on the skin that replaces a wound. It is a part of the natural repairing process of injured skin or wound healing process. It is resistant to UV rays and are devoid of once existing hair follicles and sweat glands. The degree of scarring depends on the depth and width of the wound or incision and the location. Mild scars may disappear with time; but severe scarring makes one look ugly and may be a cause of embarrassment. A skin graft may be required to deal with stubborn, bad scars. Radiotherapy and laser therapy are modern but quite costly ways to treat bad scars. It may be of the following types:
1. Keloid - They are blackish and are caused due to an overly aggressive healing process. The scar stretches beyond the area covered by the original wound.
2. Contracture - They are burn scars that are characterized by the tightening of skin. The scarring process may penetrate the skin and affect muscles and nerves.
3. Hypertrophic - They are raised and reddish in color. Unlike keloid scars, their extension is limited within the length and breadth of the original wound.
4. Acne - Acne leads to acne scars which may consist of deep pinholes, mounds, wavy lines, angular patches etc.
5. Stretch marks - They are formed when body gains in weight and the skin is pulled or stretched rapidly to cope with the weight gain.
The causes of scarring may be listed as follows:
1. Accident
2. Surgery
3. Acne/pimples
4. Burns
5. Chicken pox
6. Weight gain
7. Stress
8. Malnutrition
9. Sun exposure
10. Hormonal changes
Home Remedies
1. Apply lavender essential oil on scars 2 times daily to lighten them.
2. Apply cucumber juice on scars and keep for 15 minutes. Then wash off with cold water. This is a useful remedy.
3. Lemon juice application is a popular remedy. Lemon naturally bleaches and lightens scars.
4. Application of Aloe Vera gel on fresh wounds restricts scar formation.
5. Boil 1 teaspoon fenugreek seeds in 1 liter water for few minutes. Strain and wash with the decoction. This is beneficial in treating scars.
6. Apply ripe banana pulp on scars. Leave for 10 minutes and then wash off. This is a good way to deal with scars.
7. Application of mint leaf juice helps to do away with scars.
8. Tomato pulp works wonders in erasing scars.
9. Rubbing coconut oil on scars lightens them.
10. Application of honey several times daily removes scars.
11. Apply a paste made out of sandalwood powder and rose water. Leave overnight. In the morning, wash with cold water. This certainly diminishes scars.
12. Make a paste out of 1 tablespoon yoghurt, 1 tablespoon oatmeal powder and lime juice. Apply the paste and leave for 10 minutes. Then wash off. This helps to get rid of scars.
13. Rub olive oil on scars to remove them.
14. Tea tree oil application erases this marks.
15. Dab scars with a cotton ball soaked in blanched green tea. This will make scars disappear.
Read about effective Home Remedies for Scars. Also know about Home Remedies for Sinusitis.
