Hypertrophic scars occur when the body tries to recover from a cut or wound and deposits a large amount of collagen to the affected area. They tend to form in the location of the original wounds and are often raised above the skin. Hypertrophic scars can be caused from a range of bruising such as body piercing, cuts, burn or even acne. Due to the tension caused when the wounds being repaired by the body, the scar is formed as a way of healing. If you think you have a hypertrophic scar don’t panic. While it can be frustrating they are formed as a way to help you heal. While it may appear unsightly, there are techniques that can help reduce the blemished caused by the scarring. If you are not sure whether you have a hypertrophic scar, there are a few symptoms that you should be looking out for.
Hypertrophic scars tend to harden and appear as raised lumps over the skin. These scars are often confused with keloids which are similar in nature. However Keloids tend to be larger (as they contain more deposits of collagen) and typically do not fade with time, they are known to be benign tumors. However hypertrophic scars while they are slightly raised above the skin do not get as large as keloids and tend to lessen in appearance over time. A noticeable characteristic of hypertrophic scars is that they tend to cause itching in the skin. These scars are often thick and red and can be painful when they are healing; the itching can be intense and does vary by individual. Hypertrophic scars often contain blood vessels and nerves and appear because of damages to the dermis layer of the skin. The scars generally reduce over a period of months and in some cases maybe longer. Depending on the location of the scar it can also inhibit proper movement if it is located close to a joint. If you notice any of these characteristics then it is possible that you have hypertrophic scarring.
Hypertrophic scars often causes cosmetic issues and can also lead to discomfort for those experiencing it. They typically appear after a period of trauma that damaged areas of the skin. There are a range of different techniques that are thought to help reduce the appearance of these scars. Firstly pressure therapy is believed to help the breakdown of collagen. This would involve using an elastic band or pressure garment and applying to the affected area for extended periods of time. Because this technique requires consistent application it is often times not favored by patients. Another method to reduce the appearance of scars is to apply silicone gel. This has been shown to reduce the scarring over time when applied routinely to the affected area. These days in more severe cases of hypertrophic scars, it is possible to have steroids injected into the affected area to help the breakdown of collagen. Whatever option chosen it is important to first seek advice from a medical doctor before engaging in any form of treatment.
