Two types of scars are due to the body's over production of the protein collagen. The effect of scars being raised above the skin is caused by this process. Hypertrophic scars take the shape of a reddish raised lump on the skin, but do not grow beyond the limits of the original lesion, and they often improve in look after a few years. The keloid scar, on the other hand, grows without stopping and can become a large benign tumor.

Hypertrophic and keloid scars are both common on young and darker skinned persons. Some have a genetic predisposition to these scars, but anyone can get them. They can be caused by surgery, an accident, or sometimes by acne. In some patients, keloid scars form spontaneously.

Being accumulations of collagen, keloid scars are not harmful or contagious, but still un-attractive. The chest and shoulder area is the most common place for this scar. They are also common on people of Asian and African heritage.

Pitted scars occur when the scar sinks into the skin's surface. When fat or muscle under the skin decreases beneath a scar, it becomes sunken. Acne can leave these types of scars, but so can an accident or surgery. A strong acne treatment gel with regenerative effects can be used to treat this type of acne scar.

Scars can also take the shape of stretched skin. These are made when the skin is stretched quickly (for example during pregnancy, or teenage growth spurts), or when skin is put under tension during the healing process (commonly near joints). This type of scar commonly improves in appearance after a few years.

Treatments for Scars

No scar can ever be completely eliminated. It will always leave a mark, but the scar can be improved cosmetically.

Simple Treatments

Vitamin E has been suggested for reducing scars, through topical use, supplements and consumption in foods. Sources of vitamin E include nuts, eggs, wheat germ, vegetable oils and green vegetables.

However, some people have found themselves to be allergic to vitamin E, and one study stated that vitamin E did not reduce the size, color or shape of scars in its research. (Source: Baumann, Dermatologic Surgery, 1999).

Surgery

Attempting to reduce a scar with surgery yields a new scar that can take up to two years to stabilize. Surgery can never eliminate a scar, but it can be used to change its alignment or shape to make it less evident.

Surgery can sometimes make the scar larger, but improve its overall look. At times when a scar restricts movement on a joint, surgery can be performed but it will yield a new scar.

Hypertrophic scars and keloid scars are not recommended for surgery because more severe scarring can occur.

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