What makes cuts scar

Khetarpal says. In summary, Dr. Silicone scar sheets might help improve prevent new scars, but only if you use them in the first few weeks after an injury. The full scar remodeling process takes a year, during which time your scar may go through different phases of appearance: redder or darker, thicker or more textured. But once you hit the one-year mark, your scar is unlikely to change much on its own. Khetarpal warns. But Dr.

You can explore scar-minimization options as early as a week after your injury or as soon as your stitches are removed, if you have them.

Hypertrophic scars raise above your skin. Keloid scars. Keloid scars jut out from your skin and extend beyond your original injury. Acne scars. All types of acne have the potential to leave either shallow or deep scars. Contracture scars. This type of scar is usually caused by a burn. Contracture scars lead to tightening of your skin that may restrict joint movement.

Keep reading to find out how you can lower your chances of developing a scar after an injury. Damage to your skin caused by burns , acne, scrapes and cuts, or surgery can lead to scarring.

It may be impossible to avoid scarring completely if your injury is severe. However, following good first aid habits such as the following minimizes your chances of developing a scar. Treating burn injuries with the following protocol may also help prevent scarring:. Cuts and scrapes take longer to heal if they develop a scab. Try to avoid touching the pink wound beneath your scab and keep it bandaged to avoid irritation and infection.

The presence of debris, bacteria or other impurities in open skin can trigger infection and extend the inflammation period. Hultman says prolonged inflammation enhances scar formation. Healing wounds may itch, but you should avoid the temptation to scratch them.

He says you should check in with urgent care for these types of skin injuries:. Deep puncture wounds. Animal and human bites can carry some nasty kinds of bacteria.

Bite wounds that break the skin should be washed out and treated by a professional. While first-degree burns usually heal on their own, second- and third-degree burns can become infected.

Skin wounds with extreme pain and fever. These symptoms can indicate a dangerous infection that could spread quickly. You should go to an emergency room without delay.

Once as scar has formed, are you stuck with it? Not necessarily. Health Topics. Health Tools. Reviewed: October 26, Medically Reviewed. Scar Treatment: The About Scars The first thing to know is that scar formation is a totally normal part of the healing process. Cuts that are spread apart or are deep often heal better when they are stitched by a medical professional.

Keep in mind that stitches must be sewn as soon as possible, while the injury is fresh. If too much time elapses, the wound may become contaminated with germs or bacteria, and a doctor may not want to stitch it closed because of the threat of infection. Also, the wound may start to partially heal, which can hinder successful suturing.