A hypertrophic scar is defined as one whose appearance stands out from that of the surrounding skin. It mainly occurs in the body where prevails a high skin tension, or it mostly affects people with darker skin tones. The scar develops into a puffy, swollen, reddened, raised and stiff area in the skin. This kind of scar is a recurring one and this is what makes it difficult to be eradicated. Due to this, there are limitations in the treatment methods for this kind of skin problem. However, in most cases, the scar has known to be resolved on its own over time. There are chances of such a scar, after several years, to shrink considerably and lighten in color. This makes it less conspicuous to the eye. Keeping this aspect in mind, most people are advised to wait and watch the scar without using any medical procedures. A hypertrophic scar may be sensitive to touch and may also itch at times.
Treating Hypertrophic Scar With Medications
A hypertrophic scar is usually treated with conservative methods, to being with. Use of steroid injections is what is commonly practiced in treating this kind of scar. Every four to six weeks, the scar can be treated with injections. Gradually, the scar will begin to lighten in color and reduce in size. The healing process in this treatment method is slow, but with minimal side effects.
Natural Treatment Measures
Patients may also be advised to use natural treatment methods. Some of them include:
- Use of paste of sandalwood and black gram
- Treating the affecting area with ice cubes
- Cucumber and lemon juice
- Application of Vitamin E oil
- Aloe Vera gel or cod liver oil
- Cocoa butter
When such treatments do not seem beneficial or promising, then doctors opt for laser treatment. This technology destroys the blood vessels of the affected area. This makes way for new cells generation and growth of collagen thus, healing the scars inside out. There are a few side effects to this kind of treatment though. Then, there is what is known as a silicon treatment. Here, silicon sheets are placed over the affected area by exerting some amount of pressure. Multiple applications of such sheets, which may be availed through prescription or over-the-counter, are known to reduce the size of the scar. Although, according to experts, this method works well for new scars, it may work for old ones as well. And even when these procedures do not produce desired results, surgery becomes a viable option to go for. A surgery involves removal of the hypertrophic scar altogether. Use of anesthesia is included in this process of the scar tissue removal. Post surgery, patients are advised to use gel or silicon oil, as a part of an additional treatment. Side effects which may bother the patient include infection, pain and recurrence of scar. The healing may get delayed and there might occur the need of an additional surgery.
As we can understand from the above article, not many options are available for treating hypertrophic scar. So, the best you can do is to address it at the earliest, as new scars are easy to be tackled than the old stubborn ones.
