Understand the Different Types of Scars
Scars is an integral part of the healing process when our skin is harmed. However, there can be a few different types of scars that you might have on your legs. Knowing the type of scar on your skin can help you better understand which treatment can be more effective.
In this article, we will discuss the different types of scars and which treatments are best for them:
Atrophic scars
Atrophic scars are flat, often depressed below the level of the surrounding skin. They are typically caused by a loss of tissue due to skin diseases such as acne, chickenpox or other injury resulting in scarring. Depending on the severity, they can have a variety of appearances including ice pick, boxcar and rolling scars.
Severely atrophic scars can appear more like large pits in the skin and may be filled with fibrous or fatty tissue. Treatment usually involves resurfacing techniques such as dermabrasion, laser resurfacing, chemical peels and fillers designed to raise the surface level of the scar and make it less noticeable.
Hypertrophic scars
Hypertrophic scars are raised, red or purple in color, and feel firm and rubbery to the touch. They are similar to keloids in that they are often caused by an overgrowth of tissue due to excessive collagen production; however they do not extend beyond the initial wound site like keloid scars. Hypertrophic scarring can lessen over time but may stay raised for many months or even years.
Treatments for hypertrophic scarring usually involve:
- Topical corticosteroid creams
- Intralesional steroid injections
- Topical silicone gel sheets
- Laser treatments
Keloid scars
Keloid scars are raised areas of skin that form around a wound or area of trauma. These types of scars look like raised bumps and often become larger than the original wound. Keloid scars can vary in color, ranging from light pink to dark red or even purple. They are the result of excessive formation of fibrous tissue, which is triggered by abnormal healing processes following skin damage.
Keloids are more common in people with darker skin tones and generally occur on the chest, back, shoulders, and earlobes. It’s important to be proactive about diagnosis and treatment for this type as keloids can be permanently disfiguring if left untreated. While surgery is an option to remove keloid scars, it’s not always successful and may lead to further scarring in some cases.
Options for treating keloid scars include:
- Corticosteroid injections – (sometimes combined with 5-fluorouracil)
- Surgery – excision or laser ablation
- Cryosurgery – freezing the tissue with liquid nitrogen
- Radiation therapy – very rarely used but sometimes effective in treating severe cases
- Silicone gel sheeting and occlusion therapy – moderately effective
Identify the Type of Scar
Scarring on the legs can be caused by many different types of injury or trauma. The type of scar you have will determine the best approach for getting rid of it. It is important to identify the type of scar you have before you can begin to look for treatment options.
Here, we will look at how to identify the type of scar you have on your legs and what some of the treatment options might be:
Examine the colour and shape of the scar
In general, scars come in a variety of shapes and sizes, along with different colours and texture. It is useful to observe the scar before attempting to treat it, as the type of scar can provide insight into the best way to handle it.
Scars can be categorised into 3 main types; hypertrophic, keloid and atrophic. Observing the colour, shape and texture of the scar will help to identify which type of scarring you are dealing with.
- Hypertrophic Scars: Hypertrophic scars tend to appear around six weeks after injury or surgery. They usually range from pink to purple colouring and appear above or within injured area as a raised lump or ridge. They stay confined within the boundaries of original wound location and do not expand indefinitely like keloid scars do.
- Keloid Scars: Keloids have similar colouring compared to hypertrophic scars but differ in shape and size as they extend beyond the boundaries of original wound site and proliferate indefinitely with no end in sight. Keloids are also tough in texture with well-circumscribed boundariers, without evidence of inflammation.
- Atrophic Scars: Atrophic scars appear sunken below surface skin level often being slighly more depressed than healthy skin tissue around themm due to collagen loss below surface level caused by trauma/injury/disease exacerbation/chronic wounds etc… They tend to be flesh toned or slightly darker than surrounding tissue depending upon background skin’s pigmentaion itself.
See a doctor if unsure
Depending on the type of scar present on your legs, there are a number of treatments available that may reduce the appearance of the scar and provide some degree of relief. When selecting a treatment option, it is important to first identify the type of scar present on your legs. There are several types of scars, including keloid scars, hypertrophic scars, atrophic scars and contracture scars. A doctor or dermatologist can assess the scar and help you determine which type of scar you have in order to select an appropriate treatment option.
Keloid scars form when too much collagen builds up at the site of injury or healing. They can be flesh-colored, red or darker than your skin tone and may feel firm to the touch. Hypertrophic scars are raised lesions that can itch, burn or hurt but remain within their boundaries with no spreading to surrounding tissues. Atrophic scars range from shallow indentations (sometimes called boxcar) to persistent pits (can be classified as ice pick) that appear sunken into your skin’s surface. Contracture scars are those caused by leading process such as burns or scaldings from hot water; they cause tenseness and impair movement around their appearance area due to damage to underlying tendons and soft tissues beneath them.
If unsure about which type of scar is present on your legs, make sure you see a doctor for an accurate diagnosis before attempting any at-home treatments or self-treatment plans; this will ensure that you receive an appropriate treatment plan tailored specifically for you and your unique situation.
Treatments
There are numerous treatments available for reducing or removing scars on the legs. Some options are more invasive, like laser treatments or dermabrasion, while others are more natural and non-invasive like exfoliation, moisturiser, and herbal remedies.
In this article, we will discuss several treatments to get rid of scars, including their advantages and disadvantages:
Topical Treatments
Topical treatments are a common way to address scarring on the legs, as they are applied directly to the affected area. There are several popular medications and techniques that can used for this purpose.
- Topical corticosteroids help reduce the appearance of scars by decreasing inflammation and helping the skin heal faster.
- Moisturizers such as shea butter and aloe vera help keep skin hydrated and soft.
- The application of topical retinoid products can also help to reduce scarring. Retinoid products are derived from vitamin A, specifically for their ability to promote cell turnover and improve skin texture. They work best when used regularly over a long period of time.
- Silicone gel sheets adhere to the skin and act as a protective layer between your scarred skin and clothing or other materials that may irritate it further, while also aiding in the healing process.
- Massaging or gently rolling your scars with a roller or plant-based oils encourages collagen production which helps reduce the appearance of raised scars.
- Finally, laser treatments have been referred to have significant effects on both hypertrophic (raised) and atrophic (flat) scarring.
Retinoids
Retinoids are functions that are derived from Vitamin A, used topically to improve the appearance of scars. Research has shown that Retin A may stimulate collagen production, thereby increasing the thickness of atrophic (thin) scar tissue and reducing its visibility. Retinoids have anti-inflammatory properties and can help reduce redness in more recent scars. They also promote natural exfoliation to get rid of old skin cells and bring on new cell growth, thus reducing the appearance older scars.
Retinoids come in different concentrations – be sure to check with a qualified physician or pharmacist before starting a course of retinoid treatment as the absorbed amount is determined by your skin type – too much or too little can lead to adverse effects. Common retinoid medications include:
- Isotretinoin
- Tretinoin
- Adapalene
- Tazarotene
These medicines should be taken strictly as per doctor’s directions as they will give varying results depending on duration and concentration used.
Corticosteroids
Corticosteroids are a type of steroid medicine used to reduce inflammation. They can be applied directly to the skin in form of creams, ointments, or injections. When injected, they can help minimize the appearance of scars caused by injury, acne, or surgery.
To reduce scarring from acne or other types of lesions on the skin, corticosteroids are usually prescribed for a few weeks to decrease the size and redness of the affected area. Corticosteroid injections can also be useful in flattening raised scars before laser treatment or surgery is performed.
Although corticosteroids work quickly and effectively, they come with certain risks. Long-term use can cause skin thinning and discoloration as well as other adverse side effects such as allergic reactions, stretch marks and increased risk of infection. Therefore you should always consult with your physician regarding appropriate dosage for your particular situation.
Additionally, you should not apply corticosteroid treatments over large areas of your skin or at very high doses unless specifically instructed by your doctor to do so.
Laser Treatments
Laser treatments are an effective way to reduce the appearance of and eliminate scars on the legs. The lasers stimulate collagen production and help to break down existing scar tissue. Depending on the type of laser used and depth of scarring, several treatments may be needed for successful scar removal.
Typically, a topical anesthetic will be applied to the area prior to treatment. Then, pulses from the laser reach beneath the surface of the skin to break up scars or other marks. Patients may experience some redness and swelling afterwards, but it should dissipate quickly. Although results can vary, they can often times be seen after just a few sessions.
It is important to note that laser treatments carry risks such as infection and pigment changes in skin in rare cases. In order to minimize risks and maximize outcomes, it is always best to consult with a board-certified dermatologist prior to any procedure.
Laser resurfacing
Laser resurfacing is a treatment option for those looking to get rid of superficial and deep scars on the legs. This procedure removes layers of skin tissue with a laser and encourages new skin cells to form. It has been used safely since 1996 and can be performed in light to medium depths depending on the treatment goals.
The benefit of laser resurfacing over traditional scar removal surgery is that there is minimal downtime and discomfort, with improved results over time compared to topical treatments such as creams or gels. During the procedure, a trained medical professional will target specific areas of the skin using pulses of laser light which travels through an applicator. This ablative treatment destroys damaged tissue while energizing collagen production in order to promote healthier, younger looking skin.
In general, patients may experience some redness or swelling around the treated area that should fade in a few days. Also, it’s important to avoid direct sun exposure while undergoing the treatment as this could lead to further scarring or pigmentation changes. But overall, laser resurfacing is an effective treatment for getting rid of scarring on legs and gives patients increased confidence in their appearance.*
Fractional laser
Fractional laser is a type of resurfacing treatment used to reduce the appearance of scars on the legs. This procedure uses a laser beam to fragment skin into tiny columns which create microscopic wounds. As the wound columns heal, they are replaced with fresh tissue, reducing many scarring concerns. The fractional laser is extremely precise due to its minute targeted beams, allowing for maximum effectiveness with minimal collateral damage.
Many commonly treated skin issues include:
- Scars from acne or surgery.
- Wrinkles and fine lines.
- Hyperpigmentation or sun damage.
- Age spots.
Fractional laser treatments can be done on both the face and body to improve overall skin tone, texture, and clarity. The procedure typically takes 30 minutes or less depending on the size of area being treated for scarring on the legs. For best results, a series of four treatments spaced apart every three weeks is recommended for optimal outcomes. Post-treatment results vary from person to person, but may take up to 8 weeks before full effect can be seen after any single session. Common temporary side effects may include minor discomfort, redness or swelling which will dissipate within 24-48 hours after treatment.
While side effects are generally mild compared to other resurfacing techniques such as ablative methods involving removal of outer layers of skin tissue – hyper-pigmentation is still possible so specialized care should always be taken when adding this treatment into your skincare regimen.
Surgery
Surgery is a more permanent option for eliminating scars. Surgical scar revision involves removing the entire scar and then repairing the area where the scar was, with stitches to close the area. Before resorting to this, however, it’s important to consider if this is a route you’re comfortable taking since surgery does have its risks such as pain, disfigurement or changes in skin sensation that can occur.
Additionally, not all doctors may be comfortable taking on scar revision surgeries due to their complexity. And finally, there is no guarantee that any surgery will resolve your scars completely – in some cases they may even become more prominent after surgery.
Scar excision
Scar excision is a surgical procedure that involves removing the scar and the surrounding tissue. The area will then be closed with stitches which leave a smaller, less noticeable scar. This can be done for any size, shape or type of scar, including hypertrophic and keloid scars. Scar excision is best for raised and thickened scars as it removes them completely from the skin surface.
The surgery requires an anesthetic, depending on the size of your scar. The procedure can generally be performed on an outpatient basis in less than an hour.
It may take several weeks to heal after scar excision and you should expect some residual redness near the wound closure site that may take several months to fade away completely. You may also experience some changes in skin texture or skin pigmentation near the area of incision. After healing has taken place, you can camouflage this area with foundation or other products made specifically for covering up scars if desired.
Skin grafting
Skin grafting is a surgical method to treat major skin trauma, scars, burns and other areas where tissue may be damaged or missing. During skin grafting, healthy pieces of skin are taken from an area of the body that won’t be noticed (often called donor sites) and used to replace the area needing coverage.
There are two main types of skin grafts: split-thickness skin grafts and full-thickness or composite skin grafts. A split-thickness or partial thickness skin graft involves taking only the top layers of healthy skin from the donor site and transplanting it onto the target area. This will allow new blood vessels to grow into both layers providing a much better chance for permanent healing. A full-thickness or composite skin graft takes thicker pieces of healthy tissue with its own attached blood supply and transplants it onto the needy area.
The surgery process begins by numbing the area requiring treatment with a local anesthetic. The surgeon then removes a piece of healthy donor tissue without damaging it for transplantation along with any necessary trimming of damaged tissue in order to make room for up to two new layers beneath. All that remains at this point is stitching up both wound sites (the donor site and recipient site), which helps minimize scarring as much as possible afterwards.
Skin grafts must be monitored carefully following surgery for signs of infection, dryness, weeping and redness; however, when successful this type of treatment offers amazing results in replacing large areas of missing or damaged tissues with very little scarring remaining when all is said and done.
Home Remedies
Home remedies can be an effective way to eliminate scars on your legs. Natural products can work to moisturize and stimulate skin tissues in order to reduce the appearance of scarring. In this section, we will discuss some simple home remedies that you can do to reduce the appearance of scars on your legs:
- Remedy 1
- Remedy 2
- Remedy 3
- Remedy 4
- Remedy 5
Aloe vera
Aloe vera is a popular home remedy for many skin conditions because of its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Aloe vera gel, which is derived from the Aloe barbadensis plant, has been used to treat wounds, burns and other skin ailments for centuries.
To use aloe vera to get rid of scars on the legs:
- Firstly cleanse the affected area with warm water and a mild cleanser. Pat dry.
- Cut an aloe vera leaf and squeeze out the gel directly onto the scarred skin and massage it into your skin until it is absorbed; or, you can apply commercially prepared aloe vera gel or cream using gentle massaging motions.
- Leave it on for 15 – 20 minutes then rinse off with warm water. Do this once o twice daily for optimum results.
You may find that improving the circulation to the leg may also help diminish scarred areas; try wrapping your leg tightly in an elastic bandage or doing regular exercises such as walking or running that can help boost circulation this way as well.
Honey
Honey has been known to be beneficial for a variety of skincare remedies, including on scars. Its natural antibacterial and antioxidant properties can help reduce inflammation and repair damaged skin. Additionally, it can hydrate dry skin and act as a sealant which can protect the affected area from further harm.
To use honey for scar removal, you will need manuka or raw honey. Start by washing the affected area with mild soap and warm water then drying it gently with a towel. Next, apply the honey directly to the scar using your fingers or a clean cotton swab and gently rub it in until it’s absorbed by the skin. Allow the honey to remain on your skin for up to 30 minutes before washing off with warm water and gently patting dry again. Depending on how severe your scars are, repeating this routine two or three times a day can help reduce the appearance of scars over time.
Coconut oil
Coconut oil is widely used for its natural moisturizing, anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties. Applying a few drops of coconut oil to the affected area several times per day may help reduce the appearance of scars on your legs. Coconut oil helps to form a layer over the scarred skin, trapping in moisture, reducing itchiness and promoting collagen formation with regular use.
You can also use coconut oil as part of a DIY scrub by combining equal parts sugar and coconut oil and gently massaging it over the scar. This stimulating scrub will help increase the blood circulation in your skin which may help reduce the appearance of scars over time.
Additionally, you could combine the following ingredients to create a paste and use this homemade remedy once or twice a week on your scarred skin:
- 1 teaspoon of olive oil or almond oil
- 2 teaspoons of baking soda
Apple cider vinegar
Apple cider vinegar has been used as a home remedy to treat a variety of ailments for centuries. Specifically, apple cider vinegar can be used to help diminish the appearance of scars on your legs. Along with other natural remedies such as coconut oil and aloe vera, it is believed that applying apple cider vinegar can help fade the appearance of scars by exfoliating, promoting healing and balancing pH levels.
To use this method:
- Mix a tablespoon of apple cider vinegar with two teaspoons of water or coconut oil.
- Apply gently to the affected area with a paper towel or cotton ball.
- After a few minutes, rinse the area off with lukewarm water.
This solution can be applied up to three times each day but should not be left on overnight or overdone as it could cause skin irritation. In order to reduce scarring and prevent future outbreaks, maintaining proper hygiene is also recommended.
Prevention
The best way to get rid of scars on your legs is to prevent them from occurring in the first place. This can be done by taking steps to protect your skin from any potential harm. Examples include:
- Wearing protective clothing when outdoors.
- Using sunscreen to protect your skin from UV rays.
- Avoiding activities that might lead to cuts or lacerations.
Taking these preventive measures can help you reduce your chances of getting scars in the first place.
Avoiding sun exposure
When considering how to get rid of scars on your legs, one important step is to avoid sun exposure. Sun damage can make existing scars darker or even cause new ones. Therefore, avoiding sun exposure is the first line of defense when it comes to preventing scarring or minimizing its effects.
It’s important to wear sunscreen with broad-spectrum SPF 30 on your legs whenever you go outdoors and cover up with pants, long skirts and loose-fitting clothing when possible. It’s also a good idea to take extra precautions by using an umbrella or a hat for further protection from the rays of the sun.
Eating a healthy diet
One of the most important things you can do to reduce, or even get rid of scars on your legs is to maintain a healthy diet. Eating nutritious meals that are rich in vitamins, minerals, and proteins can give the body what it needs to heal itself. Vitamin C is essential for repairing tissue damage, Vitamin E helps boost collagen production which can help heal scars, and protein rich foods aid in cell renewal.
A balanced diet will ensure that you have all the nutrients necessary for healing old scar tissue and preventing new ones from forming. Eating a variety of foods from each food group such as fruits, vegetables, wholegrains, dairy and lean proteins will guarantee that you get all the micro-nutrients and macronutrients required for healthy skin. Consuming enough water every day is also key for adequate hydration which helps with skin healing and regeneration.
It is also important to minimize or avoid unhealthy substances such as alcohol or processed foods which can impede the healing process of scars by impairing cell synthesis or increasing inflammation in the body. Additionally, making sure you get enough sleep each night will ensure your body has time to rest and repair any damaged cells on its own while remaining protected from future injury.
Keeping skin hydrated
Keeping your skin hydrated is an important part of scar prevention and management. Increasing the moisture level in your skin will help it heal faster, reduce damage, and promote healthy cell growth which can reduce visiblity of scars . Make sure to drink lots of water daily and apply a moisturizer regularly.
Further, you can use natural oils like almond oil, coconut oil or jojoba oil on the affected area to reduce inflammation while providing more hydration. Additionally, experts suggest that avoiding extremely hot water while showers or baths may help keep skin hydrated as well.