For centuries, people have attempted to find cures for unseemly or uncomfortable scarring. These treatments, which range from surgical removal to freezing scars with liquid nitrogen, often deliver inconsistent results.
But what if, in lieu of a silver bullet to treat existing scars, medical providers could prevent them from forming in the first place? In two recent studies, researchers have discovered novel ways to do just that. Like something straight from science fiction, topical or injected medicines may allow tissue to grow back, complete with hair follicles, sweat glands, skin oil and pores.