Scars can often lead to feelings of insecurity, and hypertrophic scars are no exception. These scars are sometimes accompanied by discomfort, including redness and itching. What causes hypertrophic scars, and how can you treat them? Let’s take a closer look.

What Are Hypertrophic Scars?

When you sustain a minor wound on the skin’s surface, it typically heals without complications. As the skin repairs itself, new tissue forms to close the wound. For deeper wounds, the body produces collagen to assist in healing, and this collagen can sometimes form a thicker layer than the surrounding skin, resulting in a scar.

In some cases, the body produces an excess of collagen, leading to raised, thickened scars. This type of scar is known as a hypertrophic scar. Hypertrophic scars are characterized by thick, wide, and elevated tissue in the area of the wound. Though they may appear similar to keloids, hypertrophic scars do not extend beyond the boundaries of the original injury.

While hypertrophic scars are generally harmless, they can be accompanied by itching or mild pain. In most cases, they are more of an aesthetic concern, often making individuals feel self-conscious about their appearance.

How To Treat Hypertrophic Scars

Treatment for hypertrophic scars aims to flatten, soften, lighten, and alleviate any associated discomfort like itching or pain.

Scars typically take several months to a year to mature, during which time the body naturally works to repair the wound. For this reason, doctors often recommend waiting a few months before starting treatment, to monitor the scar’s progress.

Here are some common treatments for hypertrophic scars:

• Corticosteroid Injections: These are the primary treatment for hypertrophic scars. The doctor will inject corticosteroids directly into the scar tissue to flatten, soften, and reduce any discomfort. This treatment may need to be repeated over a series of weeks to achieve the best results.

• Laser Therapy: This treatment targets blood vessels in the scar to eliminate them, which helps prevent further scar growth. Lasers can also lighten scars and reduce associated pain or itching.

• Cryotherapy: This method involves freezing the scar tissue using liquid nitrogen to kill the raised tissue, helping the scar to flatten out.

• Surgery: In some cases, once the scar has matured, it may be surgically removed and the area sutured to reduce its appearance.

Can Hypertrophic Scars Be Prevented?

While it’s not always possible to prevent hypertrophic scars, there are steps you can take to minimize their formation, especially if you are prone to developing them. One helpful measure is using silicone sheets to compress the wound. These silicone sheets or gels can be applied once the wound has closed to prevent or reduce the formation of raised scars.

Other preventive strategies include:

• Properly cleaning and treating wounds, such as using bandages to avoid infection.
• Using corticosteroid injections following surgery.
• Immediately cooling burns with cold compresses.
• Increasing vitamin D intake to promote faster wound healing.

The treatment for hypertrophic scars depends on factors such as the size, severity, and location of the scar. If your scars are causing you distress, it’s a good idea to consult a doctor. You can also use the consultation feature on the Ai Care app, available for download on the App Store or Play Store.

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