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Scars are areas of fibrous tissue (fibrosis) that replace normal skin after injury. A scar results from the biological process of wound repair in the skin and other tissues of the body. Thus, scarring is a natural part of the healing process. With the exception of very minor lesions, every wound (e.g., after accident, disease, or surgery) results in some degree of scarring. An exception to this are animals with complete regeneration, which regrow tissue without scars formation.
Scar tissue is composed of the same protein (collagen) as the tissue that it replaces, but the fiber composition of the protein is different; instead of a random basketweave formation of the collagen fibers found in normal tissue,in fibrosis the collagen cross-links and forms a pronounced alignment in a single direction. This collagen scar tissue alignment is usually of inferior functional quality to the normal collagen randomised alignment. For example, scars in the skin are less resistant to ultraviolet radiation, and sweat glands and hair follicles do not grow back within scar tissues.
Etymology
First attested in English in the late 14th century CE, the word scar derives from Old French escharre, from Late Latin eschara, which is the latinisation of the Greek(eskhara), meaning "hearth, fireplace", but in medicine "scab, eschar on a wound caused by burning or otherwise".
Types
All scarring is composed of the same collagen as the tissue it has replaced, but the composition of the scar tissue, compared to the normal tissue, is different.Scars differ from other scars in the amounts of collagen overexpressed. Labels have been applied to the differences in overexpression. Two of the most common types are hypertrophic and keloid scarring,both of which experience excessive stiff collagen bundled growth overextending the tissue, blocking off regeneration of tissues. Another form is atrophic scarring (sunken scarring), which also has an overexpression of collagen blocking regeneration. This scar type is sunken, because the collagen bundles do not overextend the tissue. Stretch marks (striae) are regarded as scars by some.
Hypertrophic
Hypertrophic scars occur when the body overproduces collagen, which causes the scar to be raised above the surrounding skin. Hypertrophic scars take the form of a red raised lump on the skin. They usually occur within 4 to 8 weeks following wound infection or wound closure with excess tension and/or other traumatic skin injuries.
Atrophic
An atrophic scar takes the form of a sunken recess in the skin, which has a pitted appearance. These are caused when underlying structures supporting the skin, such as fat or muscle, are lost. This type of scarring is often associated with acne,chickenpox, other diseases [especially Staphylococcus (or MRSA) infection], surgery, or accidents.
Stretch marks
Stretch marks (technically called striae) are also a form of scarring. These are caused when the skin is stretched rapidly (for instance during pregnancy,significant weight gain, or adolescent growth spurts), or when skin is put under tension during the healing process, (usually near joints). This type of scar usually improves in appearance after a few years.
Elevated corticosteroid levels are implicated in striae development.
Treatments
Early and effective treatment of acne scarring can prevent severe acne and the scarring that often follows. High melanin levels and either African or Asian ancestry may make adverse scarring more noticeable. As of 2014 no prescription drugs for the treatment or prevention of scars were available.
Collagen induction therapy
Collagen induction therapy (CIT) is an aesthetic medical procedure that involves repeatedly puncturing the skin with tiny, sterile needles. Typically, this is done with a specialized device called a microneedling device. CIT is often referred to as "microneedling" or "skin needling" in media and literature.
Chemical peels
Chemical peels are chemicals which destroy the epidermis in a controlled manner, leading to exfoliation and the alleviation of certain skin conditions, including superficial acne scars. Various chemicals can be used depending upon the depth of the peel, and caution should be used, particularly for dark-skinned individuals and those individuals susceptible to keloid formation or with active infections.
Filler injections
Filler injections of collagen or Artefill can be used to raise atrophic scars to the level of surrounding skin. Risks vary based upon the filler used, and can include further disfigurement and allergic reaction.
If you are allergic to tartrazine, talk with healthcare provider. Some products contain tartrazine.
If you have an allergy to any type of nuts or seeds, talk with healthcare provider. Some products contain nuts.
Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.
What are some possible side effects of this medicine?
Skin irritation.
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center or emergency department immediately.
Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Severe skin irritation.
Any rash.
No improvement in condition or feeling worse.
Trolamine salicylate is used to treat minor aches and pains of the muscles/joints (such as arthritis, backache, sprains). It belongs to a class of drugs known as salicylates.
How to use Exoten-C topical
Follow all directions on the product package. If you are uncertain about any of the information, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
This medication is for use on the skin only. Do not get this medication in your eyes, inside your nose or mouth, or inside the vagina. If you do get the medication in those areas, flush with plenty of water.
Apply the medication to the affected area no more than 3 to 4 times a day. Rub in gently and thoroughly. After applying the medication, wash your hands unless you are using this medication to treat the hands.
Do not apply this medication on broken or irritated skin. Do not bandage or tightly wrap the affected area or apply heat to the area (such as using a heating pad). Doing so may increase the risk of side effects. Ask your pharmacist for more details.
Tell your doctor if your condition persists for more than 7 days, if it worsens, or if it keeps returning. If you think you may have a serious medical problem, get medical help right away.
If your doctor has directed you to use this medication, remember that he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Stop using this medication and tell your doctor right away if any serious side effects occur, including: blistering/peeling/redness/irritation at the application site, nausea/vomiting, ringing in the ears.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Before using trolamine salicylate, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to aspirin or other salicylates (such as salsalate); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: asthma, growths in the nose (nasal polyps).
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
This drug is similar to aspirin. Children and teenagers should not use this drug if they have chickenpox, flu, or any undiagnosed illness or if they have recently received a vaccine. In these cases, this drug may increase the risk of Reye's syndrome, a rare but serious illness.
During the first 6 months of pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. It is not recommended for use during the last 3 months of pregnancy due to possible harm to the unborn baby and problems with normal labor/delivery. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
It is unknown if this product passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
This medicine may be harmful if swallowed. If swallowing or overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately.
Notes
Keep all regular medical and laboratory appointments.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
Storage
Store at room temperature away from heat, light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
Information last revised September 2013. Copyright(c) 2013 First Databank, Inc.
