Abstract
When a deep wound, burn or sore heals, it often leaves a cutaneous scar. Superficial wounds (i.e. wounds that are confined to the stratum corneum and epidermis and do not reach the reticular dermis) generally do not cause scarring.
While the global incidence is unknown, data shows that across developed countries, approximately 100 million people will acquire a scar in a calendar year. Scars can be the result of a range of cutaneous injuries, such as physical trauma, surgery, burns, vaccinations, cosmetic piercings, folliculitis, insect bites and bacterial and viral infections. The formation of a scar is a part of the body’s normal physiological response to wounding.Genetic predisposition, delayed
wound healing and wound infection (e.g. Staphylococcus aureus or Escherichia coli) are risk factors for excessive scarring.Scars can be classified as normal,
atrophic, contracture, hypertrophic and keloid. An individual may have multiple
scar types in the same anatomical site. While often considered trivial, scars can
cause pain, pruritus, and psychological, functional and/or cosmetic problems for
the individual.
Pharmacists can provide advice on both scar prevention and treatment. This article will cover the different types of scars and treatment options.
While the global incidence is unknown, data shows that across developed countries, approximately 100 million people will acquire a scar in a calendar year. Scars can be the result of a range of cutaneous injuries, such as physical trauma, surgery, burns, vaccinations, cosmetic piercings, folliculitis, insect bites and bacterial and viral infections. The formation of a scar is a part of the body’s normal physiological response to wounding.Genetic predisposition, delayed
wound healing and wound infection (e.g. Staphylococcus aureus or Escherichia coli) are risk factors for excessive scarring.Scars can be classified as normal,
atrophic, contracture, hypertrophic and keloid. An individual may have multiple
scar types in the same anatomical site. While often considered trivial, scars can
cause pain, pruritus, and psychological, functional and/or cosmetic problems for
the individual.
Pharmacists can provide advice on both scar prevention and treatment. This article will cover the different types of scars and treatment options.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages | 60-66 |
| Number of pages | 6 |
| Volume | CPD |
| Specialist publication | Australian Pharmacist |
| Publication status | Published - 1 Mar 2021 |
