Hypertrophic scars are scars caused by wounds, scratches, burns, injections, tattoos, or insect bites on the body. Accidents and even simple and normal things like acne may result in scarring. Generally those with lighter skins are more prone to it, mainly because they are more noticeable on such people. Both men and women can get scars. Younger people are also prone to hypertrophic scars. All races and all types of people round the world can succumb to such scarring. They can occur on anyone but some people have a genetic susceptibility to it. They may not cause too much problem but they do make a difference cosmetically and people may want to remove them for better appearances. .
Hypertrophic scars are confined to the site of the injury and flatten out over time unlike keloids, which are similar and sometimes difficult to distinguish from hypertrophic scars. The common location of theses scars are the chest, the back, shoulders, ear lobes, lower face and in general, any pressure or movement dependent areas of the body. Scars are made of connective tissue, which are fiber like and are deposited in the skin to keep the wound closed.
Hypertrophic scars are thick and raised and often darker than the surrounding skin. They need not be part of healing process but can develop at any time. These scars produce a lot of collagen which is much more than normal scarring. The symptoms of hypertrophic scarring can be pigmentation of skin, itchiness and redness. There can also be unusual sensation or pain. Injecting steroids or cortisones into the scar once a month or so till they fade away after a while generally does the treatment of such scars. Hypertrophic scars are easier to deal with though no scar can ever disappear or completely fade away. Regular application of special gels or ointments may also help lessen the scar tissue. Pressure garments can also be used to remove the scars. Gel sheets applied and kept on the wounds may also prevent hypertrophic scars from forming. In very bad cases surgery and removal of scars can be done. This consists of surgically removing the scar by scraping it.
Application of fortified medicines specially made for scars; laser treatment and others may remove or lighten the scar. Those with a family history of hypertrophic scars have more chances of developing such scars and even after attempts of removal, the chances of them returning and forming again are more. |
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