Scarring is the process where the skin heals after an injury, surgery, or infection. When the skin is damaged, the body produces collagen to repair the area, which can result in a different texture or color compared to the surrounding skin. Scars can vary in appearance, from flat and pale to raised and red, depending on factors like the type of injury and individual healing processes.
There are different types of scars, including hypertrophic scars, which are raised and often red, and keloid scars, which extend beyond the original injury site. Other types include atrophic scars, which are indented, and contracture scars, which can tighten the skin. Understanding these types can help in choosing appropriate treatments.