Scarring is caused by the natural healing process when tissue in the body is broken. Breaks in the skin can be made in a number of ways, including:
- accidental injuries, such as cuts from falling off a bicycle
- deliberate harm from a weapon or from self-harm
- cuts made during surgery, such as a Caesarean section birth
- bites and scratches from animals or people
- burns and scalds from hot objects or liquids
- piercings, such as ear or nose piercings
Scarring can also be a symptom of certain health conditions, such as scleroderma, which affects the connective tissue and causes hardening of the skin. Connective tissue provides support and structure to other tissues and organs.
Scarring can also be a side effect or a complication of other conditions. For example, if you have a condition that causes a rash, such as chickenpox or acne, and you scratch the rash, you may be left with scars where the rash was.
It is thought that you have an increased risk of developing keloid scarring or hypertrophic scarring if a member of your family has previously had these types of scars. This is because this type of scarring appears to run in families.
Internal scarring can be caused by injuries or surgery.
