Scars

Scarring is the result of deep injury to the skin. In response to injury, special cells called fibroblasts secrete collagen to repair the damage. Many factors influence the extent of repair and the final appearance of the scar. Location, size, and depth of the injury are important as some areas of the body have a predisposition for excessive scarring. Susceptible areas include the ears, upper chest, outer arms, and back. Healing is a complex process that generally occurs over one year's time. Prevention of wound infections and maintaining an overall state of good health and nutrition are important to the healing process.

Some individuals actually have a genetic predisposition for excessive scarring. Scars that are enlarged with a "heaped up" appearance are called keloids. Keloids result from fibroblast overactivity. It is unclear why some people produce keloids and others do not. Scars that are elevated above the surface but are confined within wound boundaries are called hypertrophic.