Hypertrophic Scarring

The formation of a scar after an injury is a normal process. This is the body's natural way of healing, by creating a fiber like connective tissue called collagen and deposit on the skin to cover the wound. But in some cases the scars tend to swell, become puffy and sometimes becoming red. This scar is known as a hypertrophic scar. Hypertrophic scarring is caused due to several reasons like burns, scratches, injections and tattoos. The other reasons for the occurrence of hypertrophic scarring can be simple things like acne that may result in the formation of scars, insect bites and accidents. Hypertrophic scarring can occur in individuals of all ages. However, in some cases, individuals tend to get hypertrophic scarring since they are genetically prone to it. Individuals with lighter skins are more prone to such scars because these scars are more visible and prominent.

Unlike keloids scars, that tend to grow indefinitely, hypertrophic scars occur only in the area of the wound. Hypertrophic scarring occurs when the body tends to produce excess collagen, which leads to the scar becoming raised than the surrounding skin. These scars form a thick, red and are darker than the rest of the skin. Hypertrophic scars usually occur in the chest, shoulders, lower face, back and on the ear lobes. These scars can develop at any time, even after the wound has completely healed. Redness, an itching sensation and pigmentation of the skin are some of the symptoms of hypertrophic scarring. The individual may also experience an unusual sensation or pain in the region of the scar. Though these scars are benign in nature, some people prefer to get rid of scars or atleast reduce the visibility of the scar. Let's see about some methods for treating hypertrophic scarring.

Hypertrophic Scarring Treatment

Given below are some methods for treating hypertrophic scarring:

* Laser Treatment: One of the most effective treatments to remove hypertrophic scars is by laser. By this laser treatment, the upper layer of the skin that consists of the scar tissue is vaporized and the lower layer of the skin, which looks natural is exposed. There are also some other laser treatment for scars that use some potent lasers that have the ability to penetrate into the lower layers of the epidermis, thereby stimulating the growth of the new collagen which gets rid of the scars completely. In order to undergo this treatment the individual may have to take local anesthesia. This procedure takes half an hour to complete.
* Radiotherapy: Mild doses of superficial radiotherapy are used to prevent the re occurrence of hypertrophic scarring. Some resurfacing techniques are also used to reduce the redness of the scars.
* Cortisone Injections: The use of intralesional steroids are administered in order to press down the hypertrophic scars thus making the scars vanish. These injections are relatively safe and painless.
* Chemical Peels: There are certain chemicals that can be applied to the scar to burn away the layer of the epidermis and exfoliate the skin. When the outer layer of the skin grows back again, the scars will be less visible. In order to treat the scars completely, one must undergo a series of chemical peel treatments.
* Dermabrasion: The process of removing the surface of the skin using a specialist's equipment is called dermabrasion. The procedure is carried out under general anesthesia and is useful to treat raised scars as in the case of hypertrophic scarring.

Though hypertrophic scarring does not cause any major problem, individuals having these scars tend to get them removed for cosmetic reasons. The above mentioned treatments must be taken under the guidance of a dermatologist. Hope you found this article on hypertrophic scarring informative.

source: buzzle.com