Treatment
Scar
Can Scars Be Treated?
While scars cannot be completely removed, various treatments can minimize their appearance and improve symptoms. The treatment plan depends on the type, size, and location of the scar, as well as the patient’s preferences and overall health.
Common Scar Treatments
- Dermabrasion: Removes the top layers of skin to smooth out minor scars and skin irregularities.
- Chemical Peels: Use chemical solutions to exfoliate the top layer of skin, promoting regeneration and improving the appearance of scars.
- Collagen Injections: Injects purified collagen to replace lost natural collagen, often used for wrinkles and facial scars.
- Cortisone Injections: Soften and shrink hard scars, particularly keloids and hypertrophic scars.
- Cryosurgery: Reduces scar size by freezing the top skin layers, causing blistering.
- Laser Resurfacing: Uses high-energy light to burn away damaged skin, minimizing wrinkles and refining scars.
- Punch Grafts: Replace scarred skin with small grafts of healthy skin, often used for deep acne scars.
- Surgical Scar Revision: Surgically removes the scar and re-joins the skin, aiming for a less noticeable scar.
- Radiation Therapy: Used for scars resistant to other treatments, although not commonly applied.
Self-Care and Skin Camouflage
For less severe scars, self-care measures and skin camouflage can help:
- Massage: Regularly massage the scar with a water-based cream to improve appearance and texture.
- Sun Protection: Keep the scar covered and use sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to prevent discoloration.
- Skin Camouflage: Special creams and powders can cover the scar, making it less noticeable. These products are available through prescriptions or over-the-counter.
Specialized Treatments for Different Types of Scars
- Keloid Scars: Treated with steroid injections, cryotherapy, pressure therapy, silicone dioxide applications, surgery, and laser therapy.
- Hypertrophic Scars: Respond to steroids, surgical removal, and silicone dioxide application.
- Contractures: Treated with skin grafts, skin flaps, Z-plasty, and tissue expansion to improve movement and appearance.
- Internal Scar Tissue: Adhesions and contractures may require surgical intervention, especially when they affect internal organs or movement.
What is the Outcome for SCARs?
The prognosis for SCARs varies based on the type and severity:
- AGEP: Typically resolves with full recovery.
- DIHS/DRESS: Most patients recover fully, but some may develop autoimmune conditions due to organ involvement.
- SJS/TEN: Significant morbidity and mortality are associated with SJS/TEN. The SCORTEN score can help predict mortality, and long-term complications like visual impairment are common among survivors.
Conclusion
Scars are a natural part of the healing process, and while they cannot be completely erased, various treatments can improve their appearance and reduce symptoms. Early detection and appropriate management of scars, especially severe cutaneous adverse reactions, are crucial for better outcomes.
References
- DermNet NZ. (n.d.). Scars. Retrieved from https://dermnetnz.org/topics/scars
- Stanford Health Care. (n.d.). Scar Treatments. Retrieved from https://stanfordhealthcare.org/medical-conditions/skin-hair-and-nails/scars.html
- Harvard Health Publishing. (n.d.). Scars. Retrieved from https://www.health.harvard.edu/a_to_z/scars-a-to-z
- Mayo Clinic. (n.d.). Scar Treatments: Treatments and Drugs. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/scars/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20376961
- NHS. (n.d.). Scars. Retrieved from https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/scars/
