Scars are a natural part of the body’s repair system, forming after an injury or incision breaches the deeper layer of skin. When the body repairs damaged tissue, it replaces the normal structure of skin with new connective tissue made primarily of the protein collagen. A newly formed scar often exhibits a pronounced reddish or purple hue, which causes concern about the final appearance.
The Role of Increased Blood Flow in Scar Color
The intense purple or red color seen in new scars results directly from the active healing process occurring beneath the skin’s surface. This discoloration is caused by increased blood flow and angiogenesis, which is the formation of new blood vessels.
To deliver the necessary oxygen, nutrients, and immune cells, the existing blood vessels in the area dilate, and the body rapidly sprouts a dense network of new capillaries. The high concentration of red blood cells, which contain the red-pigmented protein hemoglobin, in these numerous vessels shows through the thin, healing skin. This heightened vascularity gives the scar its prominent reddish-purple appearance during the early inflammatory and proliferative phases of healing.
The surrounding inflammation also contributes to the color, as immune cells and inflammatory mediators flood the site to clean up debris and signal the start of tissue repair. This combination of inflammation and a temporary overabundance of blood vessels makes the scar look more noticeable than it will in its final, mature state. This vascular color is a normal, expected stage of the body’s repair response.
How Scar Pigmentation Changes Over Time
The purple color of a scar is temporary and typically fades as the wound matures through the remodeling phase. Over a period that generally spans from six to eighteen months, the body gradually reduces the excess blood supply to the healed area. As the new blood vessels recede, the concentration of hemoglobin drops, and the scar’s color slowly lightens. The scar’s final color is usually a lighter shade than the surrounding skin, often appearing white or silvery.
However, for some individuals, the inflammatory process can trigger a different color change known as Post-Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation (PIH). This occurs when the inflammation causes melanocytes, the cells that produce pigment, to overproduce melanin. This excess melanin is deposited in the healing tissue, resulting in a darker, often brown or dark purple hue that is distinct from the initial vascular redness. PIH is more common and tends to be more pronounced in individuals with darker skin tones. While the vascular color fades, the hyperpigmentation caused by melanin may persist longer and requires different approaches to manage.
Methods to Reduce Purple Scar Appearance
Managing the purple color of a new scar focuses on supporting the natural maturation process and protecting the delicate new tissue. One of the most effective actions is rigorous sun protection, as ultraviolet (UV) exposure can darken the scar significantly. Sun exposure exacerbates hyperpigmentation, making the purple or brown discoloration more permanent and noticeable. Applying a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher is advisable once the wound has fully closed, and covering the scar with clothing is also beneficial.
Topical treatments like medical-grade silicone sheets or gels are widely used to create a hydrated, protective layer over the scar. This occlusive environment helps regulate collagen production and can significantly improve the texture and color of the tissue. Gentle scar massage can be performed several times a day once the wound is completely healed. Massaging the scar with a moisturizing cream helps to break down dense collagen fibers and improves blood flow regulation, encouraging the vascular color to subside more quickly. If the purple color persists beyond the 18-month mark, consulting a dermatologist is recommended to discuss advanced treatments.