Cicatrice

Cicatrice

A cicatrice is a medical term referring to a scar that forms on the skin after a wound or injury has healed. The formation of a cicatrice is a natural part of the healing process, where the body repairs damaged tissue by producing new collagen fibers. The appearance and characteristics of a cicatrice can vary depending on several factors, including the depth and size of the wound, the location on the body, and the individual's skin type and healing process.

Formation of Cicatrice

The formation of a cicatrice occurs in several stages:

1. Hemostasis: Immediately after an injury, the body works to stop bleeding through blood clotting.
2. Inflammation: The area around the wound becomes inflamed as the body sends white blood cells to fight infection and begin the healing process.
3. Proliferation: New tissue and blood vessels form, and the wound begins to close.
4. Maturation: The new tissue strengthens and matures, forming a cicatrice.

Types of Cicatrices

Cicatrices can be classified into several types based on their appearance and characteristics:

• Hypertrophic scars: Raised, red scars that do not extend beyond the original wound boundary.
• Keloid scars: Raised scars that grow beyond the original wound boundary and can become large and unsightly.
• Atrophic scars: Sunken scars that result from the loss of underlying tissue, commonly seen in conditions like acne or chickenpox.
• Contracture scars: Scars that cause the skin to tighten and can restrict movement, often resulting from burns.

Treatment of Cicatrices

Various treatments are available to improve the appearance of cicatrices, including:

• Topical treatments: Creams, gels, and ointments that can help reduce the appearance of scars.
• Surgical options: Procedures such as scar revision surgery, skin grafts, and laser therapy.
• Injections: Steroid injections or other medications to reduce inflammation and flatten raised scars.

Prevention of Cicatrices

Preventing the formation of severe cicatrices involves proper wound care, including:

• Keeping the wound clean and covered.
• Using appropriate dressings and ointments.
• Avoiding sun exposure to the healing wound.

Related Pages

• Scar
• Wound healing
• Keloid
• Hypertrophic scar
• Atrophic scar
• Contracture scar
• Collagen

Resources

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Source: Data courtesy of the U.S. National Library of Medicine. Since the data might have changed, please query MeSH on Cicatrice for any updates.

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