Your scar might be red because of newly formed blood vessels that remain after healing.
Understanding Red Scars
A red scar can be concerning, but it is often a normal part of the healing process. When your skin is injured, your body works hard to repair the damage. This repair process includes the formation of new blood vessels to deliver nutrients and support the healing tissue. However, sometimes these blood vessels do not recede as they should, leading to a persistent red color.
Why New Blood Vessels Cause Redness:
- The Healing Process: When you have a wound, your body creates new blood vessels to bring oxygen and nutrients to the area, which aids in healing.
- Unresolved Vessels: According to medical information, sometimes the new blood vessels that developed to heal the wound never recede once their job is done, causing the scar to remain red. This is explained in research from March 15, 2021.
Factors Influencing Scar Redness
Several factors can contribute to how red your scar is:
- Skin Type: Fairer skin tends to show redness more prominently than darker skin tones.
- Scar Age: Newer scars are often redder than older scars, which usually fade to a lighter color over time.
- Scar Depth: Deeper wounds tend to have more prominent redness because they involve more significant tissue repair and blood vessel formation.
- Location: Scars in some parts of the body, like the chest or upper back, may be more prone to redness.
What Can You Do?
Although the redness of scars usually fades over time, here are some ways you might help manage the redness:
- Sun Protection: Protect the scar from the sun to prevent further discoloration. Use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
- Silicone Sheets or Gel: These can help reduce scar redness and thickness when used consistently.
- Topical Creams: Some creams containing ingredients like Vitamin E or onion extract may help fade redness.
- Laser Treatment: For persistent redness, a dermatologist can recommend treatments like laser therapy to target the blood vessels causing the redness.
| Method | Description | Effectiveness |
|---|---|---|
| Sun Protection | Application of sunscreen to the scar to prevent discoloration. | Highly Effective |
| Silicone Sheets/Gel | Use of silicone-based products to reduce redness and thickness. | Generally Effective |
| Topical Creams | Application of creams to help fade redness over time. | Moderately Effective |
| Laser Treatment | Professional treatment targeting blood vessels to reduce redness. | Highly Effective |
While it may be unsettling to see a red scar, it’s often a normal part of healing. If you are concerned about the appearance of your scar, it's best to consult with a dermatologist who can provide specific advice and treatment options.
