What is scar tissue?

Question

Are scar tissues same as dead skin...

Answer 1

 Scar tissues are tougher as compared to the normal skin tissues, but they cannot be termed as dead tissues. They are made of the same protein of which the skin tissues are made. The only difference comes in the form of orientation of the tissues – unidirectional in scar tissues and multidirectional in normal ones. These scars are natural skin byproducts, whenever it is penetrated to a certain depth – the rule of thumb says they are produced whenever the wound or infection reaches the dermis.  

There are quite a number of scar types. Some of them are as under;

Atrophic scars: Scars that sink into the skin.

Hypertrophic scars: Scars which are slightly raised above the skin.

Contracture scars:  Due to burns.

Once formed, they can’t be completely removed, but steps can be taken to gradually remove these tissues of the skin and enhance the appearance.

Answer 2

 Scar tissues are not different from the normal skin tissues; the only factor which makes them appear different is the orientation of the fibers – microscopically the difference can be explained as the difference in the orientation of collagen, a protein which constitutes of the skin tissue. In regular skin tissue, collagen has different orientation, but in case of scar tissue the collage is arranged uni-directionally.

These tissues are formed whenever the skin is cut beyond its first layer, the epidermis – in case of a cut, burn, or a skin condition like acne or a fungal infection.

Although the best way to counter these scars is prevention, once formed, there are some ways to overcome. The process however is quite slow and need a lot of consistency.

One of the best ways to minimize a scar after it is formed is to massage its surface gently with a lotion or petroleum jelly. This process can gradually decrease the firmness of the scar tissue.

Laser treatment and steroid injection are also common commercial methods of reducing the scar tissues on the skin.