About Us
Scar Release Therapy at the Well Life Centre
The Well Life Centre, located in Oakville, Ontario, provides Scar Release Therapy to a wide variety of people and scars. Over the years we have seen some pretty remarkable results. But we have also seen a complete lack of information about scars, their impact on our health, and how to manage them.
As a result, Scars Matter was born to try to fill the gap and provide valuable information to help you navigate your health. We want to help you understand the importance of managing your scars as soon as possible to reduce that impact. We also want to empower you to manage your scars regardless of how long you have had them.
So PLEASE, think about showing your scars some love!
Please note: This information is intended to help inform and increase your awareness, however, it is not designed to replace an individualized assessment from your chosen health care professional to ensure you get the correct information for you.
ABOUT SCARS
Scars Can Be Small Enough To Forget About Or They Can Seriously Impact Your Life
You might think of scars as harmless cosmetic flaws but scars can be painful, itchy, sore, and even cause long term problems like insomnia, anxiety, and depression. Scars are made of collagen, the same fibres that hold together normal skin cells, and fibrin, fibres that link together like mesh. In scar tissue, the collagen fibres align in the same direction, which makes a much less flexible adhesion when cross-linked with fibrin protein fibres. The result: the colour is different, the texture isn’t as flexible and is sometimes itchy or painful, pores, and hair follicles do not return. Scar tissue is inferior to skin in more ways than you can count.
Scars are Part of Everyone’s Life
Year after year, millions of new scars are formed. Wounds to the skin and tissue can heal on their own over time. But scars will remain after those wounds heal.
To date, scars cannot be removed completely, but with effective treatment and good management, the appearance and side effects of a scar can be improved significantly in most cases. In addition, the likelihood of developing abnormal scars can be reduced effectively if treatment starts shortly after wound closure.
PHYSICAL SYMPTOMS
Itching, tenderness or pain are well-known physical symptoms of scars which can impact the quality of life significantly. Scars that continue to grow can limit movement and may be functionally disabling. Some abnormal scars may take many years to soften and fade. (Deflorin et al., 2020).
PSYCHOLOGICAL IMPACT
The psychological impact of scars must not be ignored as they can affect a person’s life and sometimes outweigh the physical symptoms. Some scars are highly prominent and constantly visible. This may lead to feeling stigmatized by the reaction of others which can then result in an low self-esteem. For some people, a scar can be a constant reminder of the event that caused it. If it was a traumatic event it may even result in distress and difficulties in social situations. All this may lead to a diminished quality of life and isolation. (Ziolkowski et al., 2019).
All About Skin & Scars
All information is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to be a replacement for professional medical advice. You should seek professional medical care if you have any concerns about your skin.
To learn more about any of the topics below, click the title.
Understand How Scars Form
Understanding the structure of the skin and the pathology of scars is essential to know what scars are and how they develop.
How Scars Affect Your Health
Scars are more than just a cosmetic problem. Left untreated, scars can cause sensitivity, pain and reduced range of motion.
Easy Self-Care for Your Scars
Proper care can help wounds heal with less scarring and once the wound has closed, you can take steps to help improve how a scar looks or feels.
The Best At-Home Products
Our best recommendations of home products to help you heal as well as possible. Different products can help manage different concerns.
The Best In-Office Scar Therapy
For scars that cause pain, discomfort or limit your ability to move easily, there are several options of care for you.