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Skin & Hair Concerns
Question #26526
9 days ago
27

why is my scar purple - #26526

Fatima

I am really concerned about this scar I have on my arm. I got it from a nasty bike accident like 3 months ago and wasn’t super worried at first, but now I keep wondering, why is my scar purple? It didn’t look like this right after the injury. Initially, it was a really bright red but now it’s all this deep purple color. I thought it was supposed to be healing or something. I’ve heard from friends that scars can change colors over time, but purple? Why is my scar purple and not just fading like you see in all those healing charts? I've been using some ointment on it that my doctor said would help, but I feel like it’s just getting worse. It’s kind of itchy too, which is annoying. I tried to look it up online, but all I found just added to my confusion, like is this normal for the healing process, or should I be freaking out? I really want to know why is my scar purple and if it means anything serious. Anyone else experienced this? Should I see a doctor again or just give it more time? It’s frustrating worrying about this!

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Doctors' responses

The purplish color of your scar is generally part of the normal healing process, so it’s understandable that it might seem concerning. After an injury, scars often start as bright red, and this gradually shifts to purple or pink, which can understandably feel a bit alarming. This change is due to the blood vessels close to the surface of your skin, which are part of the body’s attempt to repair the wound and lay down new tissues. Over time, exactly how much time varies from person to person, the color can fade to a more typical skin tone or even white, as blood flow to the area reduces and the skin continues to remodel. However, because your scar is also itchy, you should monitor it for any signs of infection like increasing redness, pus, warmth, or if it becomes painful again. If any of these “red flag” symptoms appear, or if the color intensifies or spreads, it’s advisable to seek further medical evaluation. Meanwhile, make sure you keep using the ointment your doctor provided, as it could be helpful in managing the itching and aiding the healing process. Protecting your scar from sun exposure is also important because UV rays can hyperpigment scars, potentially prolonging or altering their appearance while they’re healing. Scars generally remodel and change colors for up to a year; however, if after a few more months you see no improvement or continue to experience significant discomfort, it would be a good idea to have it reassessed by your doctor, they might recommend additional treatments like silicone sheets to manage the appearance and nature of the scar more effectively.

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