Can scars soften and flatten?

Written by Liu Gang

Dermatology

Updated on September 03, 2024

00:00

00:00

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.

Other Voices

home-news-image

Written by Zhang Da Wei

General Surgery

57sec

home-news-image

Can hypertrophic scars be effectively treated?

Hypertrophic scars are related to constitutional issues, generally directly associated with congenital genetic factors. Thus, while it is possible to improve the condition of hypertrophic scars, it is impossible to completely remove them, as altering such constitutional issues entirely is very challenging. When dealing with hypertrophic scars, one can choose various methods to alleviate the condition, such as improving local tissue vitality through massage, which can promote skin regeneration and thus mitigate the effects of hypertrophic scars. Additionally, treatments for hypertrophic scars can include laser surgery or the use of medications that invigorate blood circulation and disperse blood stasis. Importantly, preventing wounds and thus avoiding scar formation is crucial for optimal prevention. (Use medication under the guidance of a doctor, and do not self-medicate).

home-news-image

Written by Tang Da Wei

General Surgery

48sec

home-news-image

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.

home-news-image

Written by Zhang Da Wei

General Surgery

47sec

home-news-image

What are hypertrophic scars like?

Hypertrophic scars are actually directly related to a scar-prone constitution, and generally, when such scars occur, they are divided into several types. The first type is caused by regressive changes, and the outcomes in this situation are generally quite ideal. However, improvement in these cases usually needs to be tailored to the specific circumstances. If the issue with hypertrophic scars is more pronounced, it can be addressed with laser surgery to achieve effective treatment. Of course, it requires specific analysis; not every issue in this regard necessitates intervention, but it should be addressed promptly. Moreover, if a scar-prone constitution persists, it might have some direct impacts. Decisions on improvement can be made based on the specific size of the scar area.

home-news-image

Written by Liu Gang

Dermatology

52sec

home-news-image

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.

home-news-image

Written by Liu Gang

Dermatology

51sec

home-news-image

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.