After a cut, injury or burn, the skin reaction can be observed in two ways: if new tissue forms and the wound is healed, or if it undergoes changes that can lead to a hypertrophic scar. In this article we will tell you all about this second type! Check it out below:

What is hypertrophic scarring?

To explain what hypertrophic scarring is, we talked to Dr. Juliano Pereira, plastic surgeon and member of the Brazilian Society of Plastic Surgery (SBCP).

According to the specialist, the hypertrophic scar is the one that is elevated in relation to the normal skin and that can happen in two ways: either after a surgical scar, in which a cut is provoked, or as a result of any other scarring process.

Generally, these scars are tall and thick, sometimes dark, and cause some concern in many people. This is because those who have a hypertrophic scar do not know that it is possible for it to appear after a simple cut or a surgery that needed to be done.

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How does this type of scar appear?

Hypertrophic scars appear after a cut caused by surgery or a deeper injury, as mentioned above. However, many may not know how they form, so we will explain below.

This type of scar is caused by the disarrangement of collagen during the wound healing Then it can appear in any individual or region of the body.

Therefore, during the skin regeneration process, there is a need to repair collagen fibers, which are responsible for strength and flexibility. Therefore, in this period, our body starts producing the fiber, but the disordered production of collagen causes hypertrophic scars.

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Does the hypertrophic scar itch?

According to the consulted plastic surgeon, the hypertrophic scar can itch, yes, but it varies from case to case.

In some people with this type of scar it is not common to scratch. However, itching ( itch ) may be related to dryness of the scar and can be avoided with ordinary moisturizers or silicon moisturizers.

Besides itching, some patients with hypertrophic scarring may also complain of pain, redness in the area, and a change in the skin tone, becoming darker.

Read more: Cesarean scar: After all, how to care for and soften the mark?

What care is needed with this type of scar?

For the full member of the SBCP, the precautions regarding hypertrophic scarring are:

1. Local treatment with healing ointments;
2. Dressing with silicone tapes;
3. Use of betatherapy (treatment performed with a radioactive metal plate);
4. Perform surgical resection of the scar.

In the latter case, if the person with the hypertrophic scar chooses the surgical removal This is because the technique surgically removes part of a tissue, structure, or organ.

Read more: Premature skin aging: what is it, how does it happen and how to avoid it?

How can I identify a hypertrophic scar?

According to Dr. Juliano, a high standard must be observed to identify this type of scar: "Therefore, the patient needs to pass his finger over the scar and feel if it is higher and a little bit wider", teaches the specialist.

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What are the main treatments?

Besides the main treatments for hypertrophic scarring, such as silicone strips, ointments, and corticoid injections, there is also the possibility of plastic surgery.

However, specifically to the plastic surgery, the consulted specialist informs that the hypertrophic scar can disturb a lot the result: "So, we need to do the adequate preventions, as the betaterapy. In the case of the hypertrophic scar of cesarean section But when it is a fibrous cord and it is very severe, one can apply a corticoid injection to improve it", the doctor reminds us.

However, the gold standard of treatment is surgical resection, according to Dr. Juliano Pereira: "since it will exchange one scar for the other, and then we can use betatherapy or not after this new intervention".

Which ointment should be used for this scar?

There are some options on the market, such as contractubex, that can work depending on the intensity of the hypertrophic scarring and if used correctly.

After all, these ointments have corticoids in their composition, a synthetic derivative of the corticosuprarenal hormone, capable of preventing the irregular proliferation of collagen, in other words, inhibiting the growth of scars.

However, a specialist must indicate this treatment, since its use needs some considerations such as not having the region exposed to the sun.

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Is there any form of prevention after all?

An alternative is the physiotherapeutic intervention, which contributes to the prevention of the occurrence and also the treatment of hypertrophic scarring. There are specific techniques to restore tissue mobility and reduce the tensions around the scar, and, consequently, contribute so that this type of scar does not appear.

Therefore, in this case, it is necessary to seek treatment and guidance from a physical therapist.

Other types of scars similar to hypertrophic

Besides the hypertrophic scar, there are other types of scars that are often confused with each other. Learn the difference between them:

• Hypertrophic scar : to leave no doubt, it occurs when the body produces collagen in a disorganized way and leaves a higher mark in relation to the surrounding skin.
• Atrophic also known as depressed scarring, it occurs when scar tissue develops with a sunken appearance in relation to the surrounding skin. In this case, there is a loss of structures that offer support and firmness to the skin.
• Keloids often confused with hypertrophic scarring, the keloid It extends beyond the limits of the scar and does not regress with time. It is most common on the shoulder, chest, and ear.
• Normotrophic In short, the skin becomes almost 100% what it was before.

Source: Dr. Juliano Pereira, plastic surgeon and member of the SBCP (Brazilian Society of Plastic Surgery).