title: Scar redness in humans: how long does it persist after incisional and excisional wounding?
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The natural history of scar redness in humans has never been formally described, and the point at which normal scar redness fades is unknown.
  
  
  METHODS
  As part of a randomized, placebo-controlled, clinical trial investigating the effects of various doses of transforming growth factor-beta3 on scar quality, the authors observed the process of scar redness and maturation in non-drug-treated incisional and excisional wounds made on the upper inner arms of 103 volunteers. Scar photographic images were assessed by a review panel to ascertain the month during which redness faded for a particular scar. Scar histology documented the level of inflammation and angiogenesis.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Scar redness faded at an average of 7 months. Scar redness for incisions faded significantly faster than excisions (p = 0.0001, Kruskal-Wallis test), and significant differences were also seen between anteriorly and posteriorly placed scars for incisions (p = 0.0008) and excisions (p = 0.0035), respectively. Month 12 histologic examination revealed the absence of any ongoing inflammatory processes in all scars.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Scar redness fades on average at 7 months. This is influenced by the wound type and position. The authors advocate the use of the term "rubor perseverans" to describe the physiologic redness of a normal scar as it matures beyond the first month, a process that does not involve inflammation.
authors.affiliation: Manchester, United Kingdom From the University of Manchester and Renovo, Ltd.
authors.forename: Jeremy S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Bond
authors.forename: Jonathan A L
authors.initials: JAL
authors.lastname: Duncan
authors.forename: Tracey
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Mason
authors.forename: Abdul
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Sattar
authors.forename: Adam
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Boanas
authors.forename: Sharon
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: O'Kane
authors.forename: Mark W J
authors.initials: MWJ
authors.lastname: Ferguson
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D002921:Cicatrix / Q000473:pathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D006801:Humans; D007271:Injections, Intradermal; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012867:Skin / Q000293:injuries* / Q000473:pathology; D053782:Transforming Growth Factor beta3 / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014945:Wound Healing / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*
chemical_list: D053782:Transforming Growth Factor beta3