“Each of your scars has a story to tell” some might say. This may be true because some people do consider their scars as a symbol of overcoming a tragic moment in their life. Each scar does have a story to tell; however, others are traumatized from the pain of the situation they experienced even from a simple scar.

Scars come in various shapes and sizes. Some of these are small while some are big. Some scars are more subtle than others, and others are more visible and obvious due to its form, shape or size`.

What are Scars and How Do They Form

Scars ultimately format an instance where the skin is wounded to a degree where your tissues get damaged. The damage which took place makes your body produce a particular type of protein that is called collagen. This process is the biological response of your body wherein the wound skin needs to be healed and repaired.

Almost every wound that you obtain may lead to some level of scarring. Needless to say, even some vaccines may form scarring from where it was injected. Scarring is basically the human body’s natural process to recover from various types of skin injury.

Scars aren’t exclusive to humans as most land animals have the same process in scarring, with a few exceptions from animals that have complete regeneration (e.g., starfish, lizards, spiders, etc.). The process that is taking place when the skin heals may leave a mark which may also depend on the skin type of a person.

Kinds of Scars

Scars differ in appearance because of some factors that include:

•    The depth and size of a wound
•    The blood supply in the area of the scar
•    The age of the skin
•    The location of the scar in the body
•    The colour, type, thickness, and sensitivity of one’s skin
•    The medications you are currently taking

With some factors that affect your scars, here are some of the different kinds of scars that may develop:

1. Atrophic Scars

An atrophic scar forms when the skin is unable to regenerate tissue. This type of scar tends to have a serrated, ragged, depressed, or flat appearance. It mostly forms underneath the epidermis. This results to the imbalance in the scarring of the skin. This kind of scar is usually an outcome from a severe case of acne or chickenpox.

2. Hypertrophic Scars

This scar is characterized by excessive amounts of collagen; the protein responsible for the formation of scar tissue. The excess amount of collagen leads the scar to have an elevated appearance in conjunction with the epidermis. A Hypertrophic scar has a similar appearance to that of a keloid scar, but not as severe as the case of the latter. Just like keloids though, they most often form from body piercings, burns, cuts, and pimples.

3. Keloid Scars

A keloid scar, as mentioned, is similar to a hypertrophic scar, but the keloid scar is elevated and more pronounced compared to hypertrophic. This scar usually appears when collagen overgrows within a scar tissue It means that a particular wounded area is experiencing an aggressive healing phase. This, in turn, produces a lump-like surface larger than that of the original scar. The surface of the keloid scar is often a smooth surface, while its colour ranges from pink to red, and sometimes purple.

4. Contracture Scars

This type of scarring regularly occurs when the skin becomes burned. These scars are often spotted and present on areas where there are creases and joints. This kind of scar may lead your skin to have an irreversible appearance.

Skin contracture tightens the area of epidermis that is damaged and can jeopardize the flexibility, movement, and mobility. When the contracture scarring becomes deep enough, it may even disrupt the standard functions of your muscles and nerves.

5. Acne Scars

One of the most noticeable and irritating effects of pimples and acne is scarring. Although acne can be treated in various ways and it heals in time, there is a possibility it might leave a mark. However, if the acne is a severe case, it has a higher chance of leaving a scar behind. There are various kinds of acne scars, depending on their type and depth.

6. Stretch Marks

A stretch mark is a term for the tearing of dermis in relation to a person’s body mass. It is a type of scar that is often experienced by people who suffer an extreme loss of weight, obesity, and pregnancy.

Gaining weight leads to stretch marks due to the rapid stretching of the skin that comes with the weight gain. People undergoing puberty and pregnancy are the ones most likely affected by stretch marks. It initially appears to have red or purple colours, but in time, it lightens up having the same hue of your skin..

7. Ice Pick Scars

Ice pick scars are scars from pores that form when the skin is breached by acne infections; which is the damaging of skin tissues. These usually appear on areas that are more likely to be affected with acne.

Ice pick scars can be classified under atrophic scars. This scar may also arise when blackheads and whiteheads are improperly extracted. It can be hard or soft and are more than often found around the cheek area of the face.

8. Boxcar Scars

A boxcar scar is typically more extensive than an ice pick scar but is also considered as an atrophic scar. These scars occur when the skin is afflicted with a severe case of acne inflammation and breakout. The rough appearance of this scar is caused by the damage that happened to the skin.

9. Rolling Scars

A rolling scar is a kind of scar that is classified under hypertrophic scars. It generally has a wave-like appearance. Wide rows of scars roll over the skin to form this particular kind of scar.

During the infection of the skin the hypodermis (the lowermost layer of skin) form brands of tissues which twists down the skin’s outer layer. This leads to the epidermis forming grooves that makes the skin look like it is rolling.

Effects of Having Scars

Although there are many kinds of scars, all of these have similar results. Having the scar itself is a pronounced effect yet, it can also affect you in many ways. Dealing with scars that are distinct due to traumatizing events in life may inflict a person’s confidence and self-worth.

Scarring is physical evidence of trauma on the skin, however, there are scars that are not only skin-deep. The most significant implication of scarring is the emotional flak it leaves in an individual. Some people consider scars as traumatic marks of their life which might lead to depression and even cause the disruption of daily activities.

The physical effects of scars, however, are the scars themselves. Scarring leaves behind a visible blemish on your skin. It might not be a comfortable feeling when people stare or even ask about the scarring. It could even bring back painful memories of the past which has a deep emotional significance. In turn, the side effect of such scars may lower self-esteem and confidence.

Different Causes of Scars

Due to scars having different classifications and nature, there are a number of ways that someone can get a scar. Here are a few reasons:

•    Aggressive scratching
•    Wounds
•    Cuts
•    Body Piercings
•    Tattoos
•    Injections from vaccines
•    Weight gain/loss
•    Acne
•    Physical abuse

Scar Prevention

As mentioned, scars can be quite troublesome for a number of people. Though some scars are unavoidable, there are still ways to prevent other types of scars from happening or worsening such as:

•    Keeping your skin safe from wounds
•    Not vigorously scratching your skin
•    Patience
•    Not applying too much pressure on your wounds
•    Cleaning your wound to avoid infections; and
•    Using a proper skin/scar ointment

When people mention scarring or scars in general, the first thing that comes most of the time is that they are permanent. However, scars actually may fade over time; 2 years to be exact. Though if those 2 years have already passed and the scar is still visible, it only means that it is unlikely to fade away and it is there to stay.

Although, if the scar is still within that 2-year period, there are scar creams available that can bring healing. One cream that is of its kind is Mederma. This scar cream is considered as one of the best options for scar treatment.

Mederma’s Role in Treating Your Scar

What is Mederma anyway? Mederma is a popular product that is often used to treat scars on the skin. It diminishes the scar’s appearance. It’s selling statement claims that the cream can make scars “softer, smoother and less noticeable.” 

Studies from The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) suggest that Mederma is an effective way of treating your scars, whether they are old or new. The Mederma cream is also stated to be the top cream recommended by various doctors if you are in need of a way to treat a scar.

Mederma’s ingredients include:

•    Purified water
•    PEG-4
•    Aloe barbadensis leaf juice
•    Allium cepa (onion) bulb extract
•    Xanthan gum
•    Allantoin
•    Methylparaben
•    Sorbic acid
•    Fragrance

To maximize the effect of Mederma cream, it must be applied to the affected area about three times a day for eight weeks straight. The scar must either be fresh or new. Old scars, however, need more time which may take at approximately three to six months of application. Improvement is said to become noticeable after about a month of use of the said cream.

Mederma cream is a very cost-effective scar cream treatment. It not only helps you in healing scars but it is also an inexpensive and effective way of getting rid of it. To obtain its efficiency, strictly follow the instructions given and patiently apply it as often as possible.

Having sufficient information about scars (i.e., variety, causes and effects) is key on how to help diminish this mark. Equipping yourself with the right product, such as Mederma, will not just give your skin opportunity to look better but it can also bring back the confidence that you once had.

Just keep in mind: having scars doesn’t make you less of a person, and there are ways to treat and prevent them, so don’t worry.