Hypertrophic scars are caused by trauma to your skin.They often look like raised, hard, red or pink scar tissue that doesn't spread to the rest of your skin.The scar will improve on it's own.Treatments can help your scar heal faster if you don't like it.Home treatments can help heal your scar if it is recent, but you may need to seek medical treatment for older or stubborn scars.
Step 1: The gel or mask should be applied.
Hypertrophic scars can be treated with Silicone gel masks.If you want to buy sheeting masks or gel from your doctor, you can either go to a drug store or online.Follow the instructions on the packaging provided by your doctor.Make sure the mask stays in place by applying it over your scar.People with allergies to the tape that holds the mask in place, or people who sweat a lot are not the best candidates for this.Silicone gel can be used for people who cannot wear a mask.You need to apply the gel throughout the day.No one will know you are wearing it.Silicone treatments are applied for 23 hours a day for the first year after the scar starts to develop.
Step 2: You can use a scar gel that contains onion extract.
Onion extract prevents scar development and improves the look of scars by limiting inflammation and the growth of cells that are called fibroblasts.It works best on new scars.You can buy onion extract gels over-the-counter or through your doctor.Over-the-counter scar gel that contains onion extract is called Mederma.You should check the ingredients of the 1 you are buying to make sure it contains onion extract.
Step 3: Don't use treatments that contain vitamin E.
It is not very effective against hypertrophic scars.It makes it take longer to heal because it can weaken your skin or cause skin irritation.Check the label to make sure vitamins aren't included.Ask your doctor if the product you want to use is right for you.
Step 4: Your scar should be hidden.
Over time, the look of your hypertrophic scar will improve on its own, though the time it takes can vary across individuals.Camouflage makeup can be used to cover a scar.This is a great way to hide your scar.You can use a regular concealer that matches your skin tone along with a makeup setting powder or a scar camouflage kit with paste and powder, which are available at drugstores or online.If you want to cover your scar, use a makeup brush to blend it into your skin.Allow 1-2 minutes for it to dry.You can use scar gel with makeup.Before applying makeup, let your treatment dry.Makeup is used on scars that are very visible, such as on your face.It's okay to leave your scar uncovered because it doesn't define you.
Step 5: If the treatments aren't effective, you should get injections.
If your doctor approves the injections, you can try them.You need to get injections once or twice a month until your scar heals.Corticosteroids can reduce the size of your scars by decreasing inflammation, decreasing the amount of collagen in the scars, and limiting fibroblasts.Your doctor will want you to try other treatments first because they can cause pain and side effects.At the same time as your injection, your doctor may give you a pain treatment, such as lidocaine.Skin hypopigmentation, skin atrophy, and spider veins are some of the side effects you may experience.
Step 6: Undergo bleomycin is an alternative to corticosteroids.
Hypertrophic scars can be treated with bleomycin.It can improve the look of scars, as well as the pain that some patients feel.Your doctor can tell you if it's right for you.There are some side effects from bleomycin, such as skin hyperpigmentation.
Step 7: Under your doctor's supervision, use compression garments.
Compression garments can help improve more widespread hypertrophic scars in some patients, most likely by limiting the development of the collagen that causes the scars.They are not effective for all patients.Your doctor can tell you if they are right for you.If you have had a deep wound or have received a skin transplant, you may be prescribed compression garments.If your skin is dark, the doctor may prescribe a compression garment.You should only wear compression garments for parts of the body where they can be safely applied.Patients who have experienced burns are most likely to use compression garments.
Step 8: Try therapy.
Hypertrophic scars can be healed with massage therapy.The affected area should be treated with creams or lotion.
Step 9: Talk to your doctor about using treatments.
If you want to heal or remove scars, consider a surgical option.If surgery is right for you, talk to your doctor.Cold is used to remove tissue.Radiation can be used to control or kill skin cells.Laser therapy uses a low-level laser.
Step 10: If you can't move because of the scar, then consider surgery.
If you have a scar near a joint, surgery is usually recommended.In most cases, the doctor will need to apply skin grafts to the scar in order for it to heal.If surgery is the best option, your doctor will make a decision.Without surgery, your scar will heal better if it doesn't limit your movement.