What does "scar constitution" mean?

Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
Updated on September 23, 2024
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Scar constitution is a type of special genetic constitution, typically leading to larger scars from minor injuries, especially in areas such as the chest and back where skin and muscles are tense. People with scar constitution should avoid injuries or bumps, particularly avoiding scratching or squeezing folliculitis on the chest, as scars formed are difficult to completely remove. Common anti-scar medications often do not work well. If scar proliferation is significant, treatment with medical injections in a standardized hospital's dermatology department may be required. Regular exercise, boosting the immune system, avoiding spicy or irritating food, and avoiding staying up late can help reduce the frequency of this condition.

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Written by Tang Da Wei
General Surgery
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The difference between hypertrophic scars and keloids

In a strict sense, hypertrophic scars and keloids are similar in their pathogenesis. For hypertrophic scars, the typical presentation is localized overgrowth at the scar site, which means that there is an overgrowth during the wound healing process, resulting in a relatively large and numerous scar. Keloids represent a more severe condition where there is a localized raised scar on the wound, which can be significantly large, sometimes resembling a bug on the surface of the scar. They are more likely to occur in areas like the neck, behind the ears, and under the earlobes. For the treatment of hypertrophic scars and keloids, if the patient has a predisposition to scarring, considerations include early intervention during wound suturing and healing, such as injection of medications or radiation therapy.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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How to remove keloids?

The formation of keloids is largely related to one's inherent scarring constitution. Some patients are not prone to keloids but can still develop them due to particularly deep or large wounds. Additionally, keloids can form on the chest or shoulders after repeated occurrences of folliculitis. Currently, there are not many treatments for keloids. For larger keloids, medication can be used locally to gradually soften and reduce their size. For smaller areas, cosmetic surgical methods can be employed for removal, although this does not guarantee prevention of recurrence. Once keloids appear, they are mostly irreversible. If the keloid grows rapidly, treatment can also be sought at nuclear medicine departments, where nuclear radiation therapy is used.

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Written by Zhang Da Wei
General Surgery
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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.

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Written by Tang Da Wei
General Surgery
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How to eliminate hypertrophic scars?

For the elimination of hypertrophic scars, one can apply anti-scarring ointment to the surface early after surgery. If the patient indeed has a scarring constitution, at the end of the surgery, it is advisable to inject medications into the subcutaneous area or within the wound tissue to prevent excessive or abnormal scar proliferation. If necessary, radiotherapy can be applied; under the effect of X-rays, it can effectively prevent the abnormal proliferation of scar tissue and the abnormal and excessive growth of fibroblasts. If there is already hypertrophic scarring, one might consider excising the hypertrophied scar tissue and re-suturing the wound.

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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Can keloids be cured?

Once keloids appear, they are essentially irreversible, meaning that they cannot be completely cured clinically. The formation of keloids is mostly related to one's own constitution, such as a keloid-prone skin type. Some keloids are also due to trauma occurring in areas of the skin where muscular tension is relatively high, or where the wound is indeed large and deep, which might lead to the formation of keloids. In such cases, localized drug injections can be used to reduce and soften the keloids. One can also use ointments that soften scars, such as keloid soothing and softening cream, but these require long-term application to be effective. If the keloid is relatively small, cosmetic surgery to remove and re-sew the area can also be an option for treatment. In summary, once keloids have developed, they are not easy to completely cure.