Scar tissue is the layer of tissue that forms over a wound during the healing process. It can also develop over areas of skin that were damaged during surgery. The tissue is harmless and is said to be made of a protein called collagen. While it becomes softer and smoother with time, it does not go away. Keep reading to know what causes scar tissues and how you can manage them.

Causes
Scar tissues are majorly formed during wound healing, as the body produces cells to cover the injury site. Here are some instances when this kind of tissue might form over the skin:

• If a body part has suffered an injury, cut, burn, or abrasion, scar tissue forms as part of the natural healing process.
• Acne, dermatitis, and other skin conditions trigger inflammation, damaging the skin. Consequently, scar tissue forms in the affected areas.
• One may develop scar tissue as an immune response to severe skin infections.

Individuals should see a health expert immediately if they do not develop scar tissue after an injury or if the wound does not show improvement.

Symptoms
Scar tissues are usually visible to the naked eye during external injuries. Here are some potential symptoms one might notice in the affected region:

• Scars near the joints, muscles, and tendons can limit one’s range of motion and make movements uncomfortable.
• The skin around the scar might feel stiff when touched.
• The scars themselves can occasionally itch.
• Touching or pressing the tissue may sometimes cause it to hurt or irritate, mainly if it contains entrapped nerve endings.

Some scars, called hypertrophic or keloid scars, are thicker, raised, and more prominent than others. A scar’s appearance and extent depend on the individual’s genetics, the place of the damage, and the location’s weather.

Management options
Most scar tissues are a harmless side-effect of an injury and do not require treatment. In rare cases, doctors may recommend the following:

• Applying onion extract or anti-scarring creams to reduce inflammation and the risk of infection.
• Surgically removing severe keloids and hypertrophic scars.
• Undergoing laser therapy that uses a pulsed dye laser to treat scars (performed over multiple sessions).

Home remedies
One can often manage scar tissue at home without expert intervention. Here are a few easy remedies to follow:

• Keep the wound area clean by changing the dressing regularly.
• Minimize unnecessary movements and rest the injured area.
• Massage the scar area regularly to improve its flexibility and lighten the scar’s appearance.
• Use sheets and gel containing silicone to soften and flatten scar tissue.

There is no one-size-fits-all approach to treating scar tissue since every individual’s response may differ. Scars formed due to minor cuts and bruises mature over time and improve on their own. Individuals should avoid unnecessary mobility and keep the area dry for a speedy recovery. One must be patient and consistent when following home remedies. If the symptoms aggravate or a wound does not heal, one should visit a doctor for guidance and avoid experimenting at home.