- Definition- A scar is fibrous tissue covered by epithelium without hair follicles, sweat glands or pigment.
- Injury to dermis produces scar, but not injury to epidermis.
- Faint scars become visible by application of heat, filtered ultraviolent light or surface friction.
- Scars produced in childhood grow in size with development of the person.
- Incised wounds produce linear scars.
- Lacerated wounds produce firmer, irregular, prominent scars attached to deeper tissues.
- Stab wounds produce oval, elliptical, triangular or irregular scars.
- Bullet wounds produce circular scars.
- Corrosive acids and burns cause irregular scars.
- Progression of Scar-
- (A) 5 to 6 days: Firm union producing a reddish or bluish scar
- (B) Two weeks to 2 months: Pale soft and sensitive.
- (C) 2 to 6 months: White, glistening, tough, wrinkled. No further change.
Medico Legal Importance-
- (l) Identification.
- (2) Shape may indicate nature of weapon or agent that caused injury.
- (3) If age of scar corresponds with date of attack, it may have circumstantial value.
- (4) Disfiguration of face or head is grievous hurt.
- (5) Linea albicantes may indicate previous pregnancy.