What is a scar?

1- Our skin

The skin is made up of :

  • Epidermis : no blood vessels
  • From the dermal-epidermal junction
  • From the dermis (UVA) : blood vessels! as soon as there is blood, we are in the dermis.
  • From the hypodermis

Sun point : when we talk about tanning, it is generally UVB rays that attack the skin on which we have applied sun protection. UVA rays, on the other hand, attack the dermis (deeper layer). In order to protect the skin, it is important to have sun protection against both UVB and UVA rays.

Remember to check that UVA protection is indicated on your sunscreens.

The epidermis is made up of 4 layers, from the surface to the depth:
  • the cornea
  • grainy layer
  • prickly layer
  • basal layer

2 - The scar

The scar is a more or less deep lesion of the dermis. Many layers have therefore been severed.

Healing :

In general, healthcare professionals indicate that healing is complete after 24 months. That is to say that the healing process is complete.

On the other hand, exposure to the sun (and therefore to UVA and UVB) should be avoided even after 2 years. The scar then evolves throughout life and caution remains in order to preserve the skin (see point above).

3 phases of healing:

  • Section-J3: inflammatory phase : First is the blood clotting phase to temporarily close the wound, then the exudation process (closing process) with inflammation + edema to ensure wound debridement.
  • D-4: proliferation phase : Establishment of repair cells then development of granulation tissue
  • 3 weeks : phase of remodeling and maturation towards its initial properties. Slow process up to 2 years.

A wound is healed after about the 10th day.

There is a normal inflammatory flare-up around the 20th day which reaches its peak between the 40th and 60th day : the scar goes through a physiological hypertrophic phase which can then fade. Up to 6 months-1 year the scar will evolve a lot.

Then the characteristics of the scar are similar to those of normal skin.

The scar will evolve throughout life and may require massage, lifelong care depending on its location on the body.

Do not hesitate to get closer to your doctor, physiotherapist, midwife etc...

I thank Jessica, Physio specialist in the treatment of scars, member of our health board who wrote these lines.

To find the "toolbox" video that we made together, it's HERE.

The origins of Wounded Women

The mission of Wounded Women was born from my own suffering during my caesarean section and other surgeries, which we are hundreds of thousands to experience each year in France and millions in the world.

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