Objectives of Research:
Scarring is currently an inevitable end point of wound healing and for those people whose lives are affected by skin scarring, the appearance of their scars can be very important. Developing poor quality, raised, lumpy scars can have profound effects on the emotional wellbeing of those affected. One aspect of scarring, for which there is currently no explanation, is the development of abnormal skin colour within scars. Scars which differ from a person's normal skin colour can make the scars much more noticeable and distressing for the person affected. Our research aims to understand the reason behind these abnormal skin colour changes within scars.

Scars can be paler (hypopigmented) or darker (hyperpigmented) than the normal surrounding skin which makes even the smallest, flattest, most supple scar more noticeable. These changes are especially visible in people with darker skin types and are common after burn injury. The process of skin pigment production is complex and under the control of many factors. Skin pigment is provided by a substance called melanin which is made in the skin by cells called melanocytes. It is the production of melanin by the skin after exposure to sunlight that gives us a suntan. As well as being important cosmetically, melanin has an important protective function within the skin, so a lack of it can cause significant cosmetic and functional problems for people.

Previous work from our research group has investigated how melanocytes re-enter scar tissue after the skin has been wounded. This work has found that although pigment-producing cells are present in scars, the skin colour they produce remains abnormal, being either too dark or too light. We believe the reason for this lies in the genes controlling the pigment-producing pathway. The funding we have received from the AB Wallace Memorial Award will allow us to investigate this further.

Potential Benefits of Research to Patients:
We will use gene-recognition technology to investigate abnormally pigmented scars, and identify differences in the genes controlling pigment production in skin scars. This will allow us to investigate specific factors which may be causing the skin colour abnormalities following injury. The ultimate goal would be to develop new technologies to treat patients with this distressing complication of wound healing.

Educational History and Qualifications:
I obtained my primary medical qualification (MBChB) from the University of Sheffield in 2004, and achieved membership of the Royal College of Surgeons of England in 2008. After completing plastics-themed ST1 and 2 years I came to recognise the huge impact that scars can have on a person's psychological and physical wellbeing and the scope of opportunity for research in this area.

I am currently studying for the degree of MD at the University of Manchester, whilst gaining further experience in plastic surgery and paediatric burn care as a Clinical Research Fellow at the Royal Manchester Children's Hospital. Following my research I intend to pursue surgical training in burns, plastic and reconstructive surgery.