Hypertrophic scars are usually raised, although rarely elevated more than 4 mm above the skin; red or pink in color; hard; and pruritic. Additionally, these scars do not extend beyond the general geographic margins of the wound and tend to regress over time.
As the injury heals over time, the scar will become flatter and paler. Tension around the wound can lead to a hypertrophic scar. These are thick and red and last for several years. In this article, we look at ways in which these scars can be treated, prevented, and reduced.
The resulting hypertrophic scar can be raised, red, uncomfortable, and potentially limit movement. Though they generally flatten out and resolve within weeks to months, hypertrophic scars that cause pain or limit movement can benefit from treatment. National Library of Medicine. Hypertrophic scarring keloids.
Cryotherapy and laser therapy, including long-pulsed Nd:YAG laser or pulsed dye laser, have proven benefit in treating hypertrophic scars. These lasers target blood vessels and therefore are very helpful in reducing the color changes seen in hypertrophic scars.
Massaging your scars is important. It keeps the tissue around the incision loose so it doesn't “stick” to the tissue underneath. Wait until after your skin has healed before you start massaging your scar. Your skin will be healed when the edges of the scar are well closed with no gaps, and have no drainage.
Exfoliate. Once your scar is completely healed, you can begin exfoliating the region regularly with at-home tools. My TCA Multi-Acid Body Peel helps increase cell turnover to speed up scar fading. You can also use a microneedling tool to help soften the scar and promote skin healing.
Of all the noninvasive therapeutic treatments, pressure therapy is one of the most successful, widely used, and evidence-based techniques in the prevention and treatment of hypertrophic (burn-related) scars [1].
Hypertrophic scars usually start to develop within weeks after the injury to the skin. Hypertrophic scars may improve naturally, although this process may take up to a year or more. In treating hypertrophic scars, steroids may be the first line of therapy with this type of scar, although there is not one simple cure.
Bio-Oil helps to improve the appearance of new or old scars; whether from surgery, accidents, burns, insect bites, scratches or conditions such as acne or chickenpox. Although younger scars will have a greater chance of improvement, studies have shown that older scars also benefit from regular use of Bio-Oil.
Hypertrophic scarring usually occurs within 4 to 8 weeks following wound infection, wound closure with excess tension or other traumatic skin injury (7), has a rapid growth phase for up to 6 months, and then gradually regresses over a period of a few years, eventually leading to flat scars with no further symptoms (8,9 ...
Keloids and hypertrophic scars are caused by cutaneous injury and irritation, including trauma, insect bite, burn, surgery, vaccination, skin piercing, acne, folliculitis, chicken pox, and herpes zoster infection.
Over time, raised scars tend to flatten, but flattening can take months or years. A raised scar is most likely to form on the chest, upper back, or shoulder area, but it can appear anywhere on your skin. Some raised scars itch or feel painful.
Wait until your wound has fully healed and allow 4 weeks after any stitches have been removed before you start to apply Bio-Oil. To apply, massage in a small amount until it has been fully absorbed. You need to be dedicated and ensure you regularly massage and moisturise your scar twice a day for at least 3 months.
A surgeon may also remove a large hypertrophic scar rather than revise it. Removing a scar enables a surgeon to reclose the incision using specialized cosmetic techniques, resulting in a thinner, less noticeable scar.
In vitro studies have demonstrated that retinoids can modulate collagen production and the proliferation of normal and keloidal fibroblasts. In vivo applications of 0.05% topical retinoic acid can lead to a reduction of hypertrophic scars in 50-100% of patients and of keloids in less than 20% of patients.
TO SUM IT UP. It's clear that the role of collagen in scar formation is important and is also the reason why some scars appear different than others. Too little collagen will result in a sunken atrophic scar and too much collagen will result in a raised keloid or hypertrophic scar.
One tip for taking care of scars is to use a topical ointment. Cocoa butter cream and Vaseline are most often used to help reduce the appearance of scars. Applying the ointment daily will help heal scars but will not make them invisible.
Apple Cider Vinegar
It prevents scar-promoting cells from entering the keloid site and also reduces both pigmentation and size of the keloids. It also soothes the irritated skin and reduces any swelling. Dilute the ACV with a little water and dab it on the keloid using a cotton ball.
Silicone scar sheets have been proven effective for various types of scars, including hypertrophic scars, keloid scars, post-surgical scars, burn scars, and acne scars.
Silicone gel sheets are soft wound dressings containing an elastic form of silicone. They have a soft, rubbery texture and stick to the skin. They are commonly used on healing skin to help soften and flatten a hypertrophic scar.
Bio-oil is popular with many patients and may improve the appearance of a scar by keeping the skin hydrated however I am unaware of any scientific evidence that it reduces scarring. The only products that do seem to reduce scarring are silicone gels such, as Kelo-coat or Dermatix.
Bio-Oil Skincare Oil should be massaged in a circular motion into the scar, twice daily, for a minimum of 3 months. On new scars, Bio-Oil Skincare Oil should be applied only once the wound has healed, and should not be used on broken skin.