In the developed world, 45% of deaths are attributed to some scarring disease.
Internal organ fibrosis creates a significant and underestimated health burden and, statistically, some of you reading this may already be affected. 20.3 million people in the UK alone have a visible scar. For five million, that scar is life changing.
The Scar Free Foundation is the only charity revolutionising scar prevention and treatment. Founded in response to the 1999 King’s Cross Fire, the UK-based foundation has enabled more than £50 million in pioneering research to investigate pathways that lead to internal and external scarring.
We aim to develop innovative treatments to influence the genes involved in healing and, using cutting-edge interventions, we’re addressing two critical questions: why do we scar, and how do we prevent it?
The fibrosis-ageing axis
Ageing causes a natural decline in your body’s ability to repair itself. Age-related chronic, low-grade inflammation creates a biological environment where fibrosis can take hold. It leads to stiffening of organs, contributing to multiple age-related diseases such as heart failure, kidney failure, and liver disease. But, understanding how to heal without scars could transform the treatment of age-related diseases.
Researchers are uncovering the mechanisms behind the regenerative capabilities of animals like salamanders and zebrafish, who heal without scarring – as humans do in the womb. As scientists develop therapies to repair fibrotic tissues, improve organ function, and even reverse fibrotic diseases, they are edging closer to combatting fibrosis, and unlocking genetic secrets to stop scarring.
Scar secrets and genetic codebreakers
At the University of Bristol, researchers are studying the role of genes in scarring by tracking individuals over time - and variations in scarring response according to genetics and lifestyle are unravelling scarring secrets.
They’ve identified a target gene associated with minimal scarring and are working to uncover more. This development could pave the way for gene-based treatments, new drugs to block scarring signals, or regenerative approaches that promote scar free tissue repair.
Never just skin deep
Scars can carry profound psychological and functional implications - altering self-image, restricting movement, disrupting temperature regulation, and causing chronic discomfort - significantly impacting quality of life. Simon Weston CBE, The Scar Free Foundation’s Lead Ambassador, survived 48%burns after his ship, the RFA Sir Galahad, was bombed during the Falklands War. Simon speaks openly about the impact his scars have had on his career, personal life, and mental and physical health. By collaborating with Ambassadors like Simon, our initiatives are shaped around addressing the functional, psychological, and social challenges scarring brings
3D Bioprinting: science fiction turned science fact
At Swansea University, researchers within our Programme of Reconstructive Research have developed a bio-ink which encourages cartilage growth so body parts (like ears and noses) can be printed using a patient’s own cells.
3D Bioprinting is a personalised approach, eliminating the need for painful donor site surgeries and skin grafts, and could offer scar free solutions for patients with complex injuries and congenital conditions.
Conflict wounds in changing landscapes
Conflicts wounds – physical and psychological – are researched by experts at our Centre for Conflict Wound Research at the University of Birmingham, who pioneer treatments for Armed Forces personnel and veterans.
The researchers know the challenges of unpredictable landscapes, with explosives employed more readily, and an increasing number of civilian casualties. This also means evacuation takes longer, costing lives.
The Conflict Wound Research team pioneered DeScar, a lightweight dressing activated by saline. Impregnated with the protein Decorin, it promotes healing, prevents scarring, and is portable enough for use in hostile environments. Researchers are also investigating the psychological impact of visible injuries, conducting research into sensitive topics such as genital scarring caused by IEDs.
Supporting civilians affected by conflict
Increasingly, the scars of war extend beyond the battlefield. The Foundation’s SPARC initiative, inspired by our Royal Patron HRH The Duchess of Edinburgh’s visit to the Panzi Hospital in the DRC, aims to provide surgical expertise to survivors of conflict-related sexual violence. By sharing knowledge and resources, SPARC seeks to improve outcomes for survivors worldwide.
A future without scars
Vital funding enables us to launch new programmes and sustain existing ones. We collaborate with the brightest minds, we advance research, we address challenges – and we strive for future solutions for those who will need them. By collaborating with researchers at UK universities and clinicians in the NHS, the Foundation is working to ensure that scar free healing becomes a reality.
I am immensely proud of The Scar Free Foundation — a small but mighty organisation with a bold and achievable mission. If you are interested in learning more about our work, or how you might support us, please contact Richard Nugee, Chief Executive of The Scar Free Foundation, at richard@scarfree.org.uk
www.scarfree.org.uk
