Hypertrophic scars: Causes and Treatments
How to prevent scarring as a part of the result of the wound healing process and reduce the appearance of hypertrophic scars.
A hypertrophic scar is a result of an abnormal response to an injury or skin trauma. Scar tissue forms as wounds heal, which usually becomes flat and pale. However if there is a lot of tension on a healing wound, the area becomes raised and thickened, leading to what is known as a hypertrophic scar
Hypertrophic scars appear red and raised, sometimes remaining like this for several years. They are characterised by an excess of collagen which is caused by a dysregulated healing process.
Like keloids, hypertrophic scars develop as a result of excess collagen being produced at the site of a wound, although more collagen is produced for keloid scars. Whereas keloid scars extend beyond the boundary of the original wound, hypertrophic scars do not, and tend to be easier to treat.
In general, hypertrophic scars are rarely more than four milimetres above the skin, tend to be pink or red and can grow anywhere on the body. In comparison, keloids can raise to more than four millimetres and can be red, purple or darker than surrounding skin. These are usually located on the shoulders, upper chest, cheeks or earlobes (especially after piercings).
As mentioned, hypertrophic scars are the result of an imbalance of collagen at the site of a wound. They are a common complication of burn injuries, with research suggesting that between 30 and 91 percent of burns result in a hypertrophic scar. They also tend to develop after piercings, cuts or sometimes acne and chickenpox.
While they affect men and women from any racial group equally, those aged between 10 and 30 are more at risk. It is believed that the elasticity in younger skin leads to a higher production of collagen.
Hypertrophic scars aren't life-threatening or contagious, but they can cause cosmetic or body confidence issues. Here are some common symptoms:
For scar treatment, use Elastoplast Scar Reducer Patches to reduce the visibility of raised and coloured scars, while making them flatter, softer and lighter. These discreet, transparent scar reducer patches are made of flexible and breathable material.
These discreet, transparent scar reducer patches are made of flexible and breathable material. They are a safe and efficient way to effectively reduce raised and coloured hypertrophic scars, with first results noticeable after three or four weeks.