Can Scars Go Bad?
Yes, scars can develop problems later. While most scars fade over time, they never completely disappear. Several issues can arise:
- Pain and Itchiness: As nerve endings regenerate, scars may become painful or itchy months or even years after the initial injury.
- Skin Cancer: Skin cancer can develop within a scar, particularly in burn scars. This is a serious complication requiring prompt medical attention.
- Scar Tissue Tightening: Some scars tighten the skin, limiting movement and potentially causing functional impairment. This is especially relevant for scars resulting from burns or certain surgical procedures.
- Keloids and Depressed Scars: Certain scar types, like keloids (raised, overgrown scars) and depressed (sunken) acne scars, may not fade significantly and might require specific treatments.
While you can't eliminate a scar, many treatments can minimize their appearance or address associated problems. These treatments vary depending on the type and severity of the scar. For example, makeup can cover scars during healing, and dermatological techniques can minimize some scars' appearance.
The information provided by various sources, including the NHS (https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/scars/), Cleveland Clinic (https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/11030-scars), and the American Academy of Dermatology (https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/a-z/scars-go-away), supports the notion that scars, while fading, can present complications requiring medical attention.
