Corticosteroid injections: This is a main treatment for hypertrophic scars. Injections are made into the scar tissue. They flatten and soften scar tissue and ease pain and itch. Several shots may be needed, each given a few weeks apart.
A hypertrophic scar will often regress completely between 6 months and 3 years after it first appears. Around 75 percent of people with hypertrophic scars said their biggest concern was how the scar appeared, rather than how it affected their health.
Dermatologists may inject a corticosteroid solution directly into a hypertrophic scar or keloid, which may help reduce its size. Steroids break the bonds between collagen fibers, which reduces the amount of scar tissue beneath the skin.
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.
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.
Scar tissue may become hard and raised. Massage can help to soften and flatten the scar tissue. Scar tissue may stick to the underlying muscles, tendons, blood vessels, nerves and bones. Massage can prevent this from happening and helps to keep the scar tissue flexible.
Unlike keloid scars, hypertrophic scars do not extend beyond the boundary of the original wound. They may continue to thicken for up to 6 months before gradually improving over a few years.
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.
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.
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.
Bleomycin. Bleomycin injections cause necrosis of keratinocytes with a mixed inflammatory infiltrate. Several studies have demonstrated that bleomycin can be used effectively to treat keloids and hypertrophic scars.
However, there are three distinct stages to healing and your scar will have a different appearance during each stage. The three phases to healing are the inflammatory stage, the proliferative stage and the remodelling stage.
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.
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 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.
Does vitamin E diminish scars? While vitamin E may help moisturize the skin, research indicates that vitamin E oils and supplements have no notable effect on scars.
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].
It is important to be aware that hypergranulation tissue / hypertrophic scars are NOT something to be popped, and that motion (playing, poking, twisting and turning) is the major cause.
Topical silicon gel is safe and effective treatment for hypertrophic and keloidal scars.
Abstract. Background: Hypertrophic scars and keloids are postsurgery problems. Some studies showed that onion extract and aloe vera might be beneficial for postoperative scars.
You should carry on massaging your scars for at least three to six months after your surgery or injury.
Scars generally only reach about 70 to 80% of skins normal strength and therefore can easily be injured. During your scar massage, keep an eye out for blistering, open areas, or a rash. You may be applying too much pressure or being too rough. If this happens, stop massaging in this area and allow it to heal.
Hypertrophic scars are red to brown and thick and may be itchy or painful. They do not extend beyond the boundary of the original wound, but may continue to thicken for up to six months.