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CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 · Indian J Plast Surg 2012; 45(02): 403-411
DOI: 10.4103/0970-0358.101328
Review Article
Association of Plastic Surgeons of India

Abnormal pigmentation within cutaneous scars: A complication of wound healing

Sarah Chadwick
Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Manchester, UK
Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, UK
,
Rebecca Heath
Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Manchester, UK
,
Mamta Shah
Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Manchester, UK
Department of Burns and Plastic Surgery, Royal Manchester Children’s Hospital, Central Manchester University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, UK
› Author Affiliations
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Publication History

Publication Date:
27 November 2019 (online)

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ABSTRACT

Abnormally pigmented scars are an undesirable consequence of cutaneous wound healing and are a complication every single individual worldwide is at risk of. They present a challenge for clinicians, as there are currently no definitive treatment options available, and render scars much more noticeable making them highly distressing for patients. Despite extensive research into both wound healing and the pigment cell, there remains a scarcity of knowledge surrounding the repigmentation of cutaneous scars. Pigment production is complex and under the control of many extrinsic and intrinsic factors and patterns of scar repigmentation are unpredictable. This article gives an overview of human skin pigmentation, repigmentation following wounding and current treatment options.

KEY WORDS

Melanin - melanogenesis - pigmentation - scar(s) - wound
 
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