Scar


What should I do if I have pain from hypertrophic scars?
Once an injury occurs, it is very likely to develop hypertrophic scars, and the appearance of such scars is related to the individual's constitution, often accompanied by symptoms such as pain. When this condition occurs, specific treatments are definitely needed for improvement, typically using laser surgery as the main treatment, or it can be removed at once through surgical operation, which helps improve the condition. Of course, hypertrophic scars can also be improved through some physical therapy methods, such as by adjusting in different degrees, like acupuncture, which can fade the scars by improving local blood circulation. However, physical therapy is just one aspect; consistent improvement in lifestyle habits to avoid recurrent stimulation of hypertrophic scars is also crucial for recovery.


How to treat acne scars and keloids
In general, acne patients do not easily develop scar nodules after proper treatment. The occurrence of scar nodules is mostly related to one's constitution, such as a scar-prone constitution. Some patients have larger, more severely infected acne, and improper treatment can lead to further infection, resulting in hypertrophic scarring after healing. Treating scar nodules can be quite troublesome; the most common approach is still local medication and injections, usually two to three sessions, after which the scar nodules gradually shrink, soften, and become smaller, but they do not completely disappear. If the hypertrophic scarring is not very prominent, one can visit the dermatology department of a reputable hospital and use fractional laser treatment for repair, but no matter which method is employed, it is not possible to perfectly resolve the issue.


What to do if hypertrophic scars itch?
Itchy symptoms appearing in hypertrophic scars are a type of reaction of the scar, indicating that such a reaction occurs in the body during the tissue repair process following tissue damage. It is a natural process of the human body. Typically, this itchy symptom does not require special treatment. However, if the symptoms are significant, appropriate use of antipruritic medication can help relieve and improve the condition. Alternatively, gently washing the scar area with saline can effectively help alleviate the itchiness. Additionally, the occurrence of excessive hypertrophic manifestations in this process is also normal, as the entire process requires a period of repair, so such manifestations are acceptable. Most importantly, it is crucial to avoid infections in hypertrophic scars, as such conditions can also cause itching. When this problem arises, specific anti-inflammatory treatment is necessary.


What will happen if hypertrophic scars are not treated?
Hypertrophic scars are actually related to individual constitution. This condition mainly occurs due to scarring following an injury, which leads to excessive growth of scar tissue. As long as there are no inflammatory changes, generally, hypertrophic scars do not cause any problems. However, some hypertrophic scars may develop into malignant lesions, particularly in areas that are easily stimulated, such as the soles of the feet or the armpits. If a hypertrophic scar persists and the area is continually stimulated, it may lead to changes in the scar, which, in severe cases, could even become malignant. In such situations, it is crucial to manage the condition promptly based on the specific circumstances. Safe treatment measures usually involve techniques such as laser surgery.


What should not be eaten with hypertrophic scars?
Hypertrophic scars, in themselves, result from constitutional issues, meaning they are tied to an individual's physical condition and have certain hereditary elements. This condition significantly affects appearance, and certain dietary items can further irritate hypertrophic scars. Thus, it is recommended to avoid certain stimulating foods such as bamboo shoots, beef, crucian carp, and seafood, as these can impede the healing of hypertrophic scars. Moreover, if symptoms are pronounced, or if irritation is prominent, it is also advisable to avoid spicy foods, alcohol, and smoking. Such irritants can notably aggravate the skin, potentially leading to localized scar sensitivity.


Treatment of keloids
The formation of keloids is somewhat related to an individual's scar constitution. Once keloids have formed, there is a lack of a perfectly effective treatment plan. The most commonly used treatments are topical ointments, which can't completely solve the problem. The most frequent treatment involves local application of steroid medications, which can be chosen based on the size of the keloid to be treated 2-3 times, or even four to five times. After treatment, the keloids will gradually shrink, become softer, and smaller, but they will not completely disappear. If the keloid proliferation is not particularly severe, one can also visit a dermatology department at a formal hospital to use fractional laser treatment. Currently, there are many other drug treatments available, but their ultimate effects are not certain, so it is best to prevent such conditions in individuals prone to keloids, avoiding external injuries or scars.


Can scars soften and flatten?
Scars are related to the size and depth of one’s own trauma, and some patients have a scar constitution, where even a small wound can leave a relatively large scar. Once a scar forms, it cannot be completely eradicated, but topical medications or local injections can be used to gradually soften and flatten or shrink the scar. However, this condition also has a certain recurrence rate, such as often consuming spicy and stimulating food, drinking alcohol, or when the body is inflamed, which can lead to the scar proliferating again. Therefore, this condition cannot be completely cured. After treatment, it is essential to avoid spicy and stimulating food for a long time, not to irritate or scratch the area, and to strengthen exercise according to one's immunity, and take some medications to enhance the immune system.


Can hypertrophic scars be massaged?
Hypertrophic scars are relatively common in clinical practice. For instance, a patient who has undergone surgery may develop hypertrophic scars at the incision site, or a patient who has suffered a trauma may develop hypertrophic scars at the site of the injury. Once hypertrophic scars have formed, they can be massaged without any issues. Massage does not lead to a worsening of hypertrophic scars, nor does it cause inflammation, carcinogenesis, or other related conditions. However, it is important to remember to massage gently and not use excessive force.


What should I do about hypertrophic scars?
Hypertrophic scar keloids are actually quite common in everyday life. Generally, this type of scarring can be divided into three stages: the proliferative phase, the stable phase, and the recovery phase. If care is not taken, the likelihood of developing such keloids increases. Moreover, the occurrence of hypertrophic scar keloids also relates to an individual's constitution. For instance, those with a scar-prone constitution are more likely to encounter this issue. When such issues arise, it is advisable to use some reparative ointments appropriately to help improve the condition. Additionally, combining massage techniques or localized stimulation methods can also assist in improvement, enabling better recovery. Over time, the scars should gradually fade. Of course, in such cases, methods like laser surgery or dermabrasion can also be used to help eliminate these scar-like keloids, potentially speeding up the recovery. (Please follow a doctor’s guidance for specific medication usage and avoid self-medicating.)


What should I do about auricular keloids?
Auricular keloids are a relatively common clinical condition, which may be related to an individual's scar constitution. Firstly, it is necessary to examine the size of the keloid. If the keloid is small, without obvious enlarging, redness, pain, infection, or inflammation, this situation generally can be considered for observation followed by regular ENT (ear, nose, and throat) specialist follow-ups to check for any rapid growth. However, if the keloid is large and progressively growing, surgical removal should be considered. After the surgery, local superficial radiation therapy can be considered to help prevent postoperative recurrence.