Hypertrophic Scar Treatment

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. A hypertrophic scar is a reoccurring 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 also 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. Coming to the hypertrophic scar treatment, here's what you need to know...

Treatment for Hypertrophic Scar - Medications

First line of hypertrophic scar treatment involves conservative methods. Use of steroid injections is what is commonly practiced in treating this kind of a scar. Every four to six weeks, the scar can be treated with injections. Gradually, the scar will begin to lighten in color and also reduce in size. The healing process in this treatment method is slow, but with minimal side effects.

Treatment for Hypertrophic Scar - Natural Remedies

Patients may also be advised to use natural products for a hypertrophic scar treatment. 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 do much of a deal for hypertrophic scars treatment, 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. This was about non-surgical methods employed for hypertrophic scar treatment. When these procedures do not produce promised or 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 entire scar tissue removal. Post surgery, patients are advised to use the non-surgical methods, such as 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 additional surgery.

source: buzzle.com