Scars are prevalent during the wound-healing process, however, a hypertrophic scar results from an abnormal reaction to stress or damage. Compared to regular scars, hypertrophic scars are broader, thicker, and more elevated.
Myofibroblasts, a type of bodily cell, overproduce collagen during the healing process in some individuals. It can happen because of a person's skin type and healing abilities. More frequently, overproduction of collagen happens when a wound gets infected or inflammatory from strain or motion, or when the wound heals naturally without sutures.
There is no danger or harm to life from the scars. Although they are primarily a cosmetic problem, they can occasionally be unpleasant and itchy. Some people look for medical attention to lessen the scar's visibility.
The hypertrophic scar treatment involves a multifaceted approach aimed at minimizing scar formation, reducing symptoms, and improving the aesthetic appearance of the healed wound.
Treating hypertrophic scars is important because it helps improve how the scars look and feel. Hypertrophic scars can be raised and noticeable, and they may cause discomfort or affect a person's confidence. By taking steps to care for the wound early on, using techniques like massaging, applying special gels or sheets, and protecting the healing area from the sun, you can promote a smoother and less noticeable scar.
Regular check-ups with the doctor make sure the healing is progressing well. Overall, these actions contribute to better healing and a more positive outcome for individuals dealing with hypertrophic scars, both in terms of physical comfort and appearance.
Your body's reaction to wounds that reach the dermal layer or deeper of the skin is scarring. Despite their lack of understanding, hypertrophic scars are thought to be an aberrant inflammatory reaction to a skin lesion.
Within weeks of an accident, hypertrophic scars begin to grow. They seem elevated above the skin and eventually become flatter. Though they can appear anywhere, they usually start on the shoulder, upper back, or chest.
The following skin injuries can result in hypertrophic scarring because they penetrate deeper than the dermal layer:
Usually, hypertrophic scars go away on their own in a matter of weeks to months. However, depending on where they are, they could be uncomfortable or impede mobility, it requires medical attention and Hypertrophic scar removal surgery(in some cases).
There are several options for treating a hypertrophic scar. Let's learn more about the typical therapies available for hypertrophic scars.
Pressure dressing: This hypertrophic scar treatment works by delivering compression to the wound. In particular, pressure dressings come in handy after skin grafting or if wounds take longer than 10 to 14 days to heal. High-pressure, elastic dressings can minimize the production of hypertrophic scars by 60–85%.
Cortisone injections: The first-line treatment for keloids is an injection of cortisone or steroids. In addition, they can be applied to hypertrophic scars. Injections are given every several weeks. Following cortisone injections, between 50 and 100 percent of patients report improvement, and hypertrophic scars frequently go away entirely.
Laser therapy: When treating recently developed scars, laser therapy works better than with older scars. Elevated scars are burned and flattened by the lasers. In order to lighten the scars, they additionally address the red and pink pigments.
Bleomycin: It is a metabolite produced by a particular type of soil bacteria. It has had encouraging outcomes when injected straight into a hypertrophic scar. It might lessen discomfort and irritation and make the scars look better. Additional clinical trials are required to verify its effectiveness.
Cryotherapy: To help flatten scar tissue, a dermatologist or physician uses liquid nitrogen to freeze the tissue. Numerous minor studies have demonstrated the effectiveness, safety, nontoxicity, and well-tolerated nature of cryotherapy.
During the first three to six months, hypertrophic scars may enlarge before progressively getting smaller. However, your specialist would advise surgery if the hypertrophic scars are producing significant stress in the tissue surrounding them or if they are at a joint, making it difficult to move.
A qualified healthcare professional would medically remove the extra collagen that is causing the hypertrophic scar, such as a dermatologist or plastic surgeon. Based on the size of the scar, a provider may utilize healthy skin from another part of the body to substitute the damaged skin, a procedure known as skin grafting.
In order to reduce scarring after surgery, your healthcare professional may advise surgical excision in conjunction with corticosteroid injections and other first-line treatments for the best possible outcome.
Cutis Hospital is a renowned hospital offering a wide range of hypertrophic scar treatment options for diverse problems. Here are some of the reasons why you should Cutis Hospital to get the best hypertrophic scar treatment:
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After a skin injury, hypertrophic scars start to form one week to one month later and can take up to a year to heal. The healing period of a hypertrophic scar is contingent upon various elements, including age, race, genetics, hormones, and the immune system’s response.
Hypertrophic scars usually become less noticeable with time, although the exact period varies depending on the skin type, body region, wound orientation, type of injury, age, and nutritional state.
The following conditions are more likely to have hypertrophic scars:
There are certain unique traits associated with hypertrophic scars. Typically, it consists of:
Silicon gel: Since the early 1980s, silicone gel sheeting has been utilized to treat hypertrophic scars. There are numerous silicone products on the market, such as sheets, gels, sprays, and foams. For two to three months, a sheet needs to be worn over the scar for 12 to 24 hours every day. It’s thought that the silicone creates a water reservoir beneath the pad, which keeps the scar moisturized.
Onion extract creams: A topical gel with onion extract is an additional over-the-counter treatment. Mederma is the typical brand name for this product. Nonetheless, a small amount of clinical research demonstrates how well it works to lessen the visibility of hypertrophic scars.
Bio-Oil: This product is advertised as a scar therapy for a variety of scar types. There are numerous beauty supply outlets where you can get it. Bio-Oil’s clinical trials for treating hypertrophic scars yielded encouraging outcomes.
No, hypertrophic scars are not cancerous. Unlike cancer, which involves the uncontrolled growth and spread of abnormal cells, hypertrophic scars are a harmless and localized response to injury. While they can cause discomfort and cosmetic concerns, hypertrophic scars are not associated with cancerous behavior, and their development is linked to the body’s natural healing mechanisms rather than malignant cellular changes.
The healing time for hypertrophic scars can vary widely depending on factors such as the size and depth of the wound, individual healing capabilities, and the effectiveness of scar management strategies employed. In general, hypertrophic scars often show significant improvement within the first few months after the initial injury. However, the complete healing process can take several months to a year or more. Consistent and appropriate scar management can contribute to a more favorable outcome in terms of scar appearance and texture.
We provide effective surgical and non-surgical treatments for all parts of the body. At Cutis Hospital, our cosmetic and plastic surgery team is committed to giving patients safe and high-quality care.
