Description: A scar is defined as the residual visible mark of a wound. Almost all the wounds result in scars.a wound becomes a scar at the time that it is epithelialised. In the early stage, the epithelium is thin and easily damaged by accidental abrasion. As time advance the scar remains red for some months until it gradually pales; a process clinically described as maturation.
Linear Scars: linear wound give rise at best to thin linear scars. There are a number of unfortunate complications. These are:
• Stretching – the scar may widen.
• Hypertrophy – the scar is raised above the surface and therefore palpable. Certain sites are common, including presternal area and shoulder.
• Keloid formation – this is an extreme overgrowth of scar tissue that may represent the most extreme form of Hypertrophy.
• Contraction: scars crossing a concavity, e.g. axilla or antecubital fossa, may tighten to form a bridle.
Area Scars: Burns, deep abrasion or skin loss may result in an area of scar tissue following healing by contraction and epithelialisation. Such an area has a different texture from surrounding skin with a thickened fibrotic neodermis and a thin epithelium with no adnexal structure and different skin coloration. Contraction may occur in every dimension with puckering of surrounding skin and limitation of underlying joint movement.
