All You Need To Know About Scar Management

1. All You Need To Know About Scar Management Scar formation is a general & inescapable outcome of tissue repairing in the last phase of the wound healing process ie. the maturation or remodeling phase where the fibrous tissue replaces normal tissue. This phase can last from 21 days to two years, especially in full-thickness wounds. However, the quantity of scar tissue generated can vary from patient to patient depending on the cause or nature of the injury. Wound care professionals help patients minimize scar formation by encouraging and providing optimal healing conditions. Proper wound care directly impacts the way skin heals and thereby, scarring minimization can be achieved, or in some cases, scar formation can be prevented entirely but it is quite complex in full-thickness wounds. Following is everything that you need to know about scar management: What is Scar Tissue? Scarring is a normal part of the wound healing process due to the presence of a tissue injury. When a patient occurs a wound, the body goes through the various stages of wound repair including re-epithelialization with the generation of granulation tissue. Smaller wounds heal quickly with minimal scarring as the tissue repair and resolution are inclusive while in case of severe injuries lead to the generation of dense masses of granulation tissues in the healing phase. Causes of Scar Tissue Formation When an injury occurs, the body’s natural response is to start the tissue repairing process and heal the wound. However, the complexity of tissue healing can vary depending on the type of wound. For example, smaller wounds with 2 mm in thickness normally heal quickly without leaving scarring if there are no associated complications. While in the case of deeper, more severe, and slower healing wounds like chronic wounds, there can be varying degrees of scar tissue. Types of Scars Based on the extent, severity, duration, and appearance, the scars can be divided into the following categories: 1. Keloids - Scars that are progressively larger than the wound itself that caused the injury in the first place. Like other types of scar tissue, they develop due to excessive deposition of collagen and can be visible up to a year after an injury occurred. They intrude on the

2. surrounding area of skin tissue resulting in skin & emotional distress, causing itchiness and pain. Areas that are having sufficient blood supply like the ear lobe or the presternal area are more prone to develop keloids. They share the same color as the unaffected skin and form unattractive claw-like scars on the healed skin of susceptible individuals. 2. Hypertrophic Scars - Prolonged inflammation leads to excessive collagen accumulation with an accelerated adhesiveness and contractility of the scar. They are raised and firm in appearance and may be painful, causing prohibited movements. Hypertrophic scars develop frequently from wounds occurring on the chest, upper back, or shoulder, for example, cuts, burns, bruises, and body piercings, etc. However, they can form anywhere on the body. It may include blood vessels and nerves that increase the chances of repeated trauma and sometimes pain. 3. Wound Contractures - The tighter and thicker scar tissue than the surrounding skin leads to the formation of contractures. They can cause restricted movements and stress in carrying out normal daily activities, especially if the scar is close to a major joint such as a knee. This is perhaps the most complicated form of scarring as it can affect limb functionality also. If the patients notice any signs of these scars, they should contact wound care at the bedside. What Are The Risk Factors Of Scarring? Factors that can contribute towards the development of scarring include the following: ● Age. older-age individuals are more prone to develop worse scarring

3. ● The presence of an infection that can delay the wound healing ● Trauma to the skin ● Dermatological condition ● Genetics ● Chronic diseases ● Bacterial colonization ● Systemic inflammation can increase the risk of developing hypertrophic scars or keloids ● Hypertension Scar Treatment Options 1. Pressure Therapy In this therapy, the pressure is applied with a pressure garment over the injury site while it is covered with a dressing to reduce a scar or prevent a keloid from developing. The use of pressure garments can be continued even if the dressings have been removed. It will inhibit scar formation. 2. Use of Moisturizers, Ointments, Gels, and Creams Bedside Care Specialist USA can recommend applying moisture at least twice daily to improve wound flexibility and heal the area. Plus, Silicone gel and sheets applied after a wound close contribute towards decreasing scar tissue size, reducing wound site irritation, redness, and stiffness. Moisturizing agents are quite beneficial for patients who are at risk of developing wound contractures. Apart from this, regular exercise may also be recommended. 3. Polyurethane Dressings These moisture-based dressings made of polyurethane can be used to decrease scar stiffness, itchiness, and extent. 4. Laser or Other Light Treatments These therapies can be used to decrease the probability of complex scar formation, as well as associated pain, redness, and itchiness at the wound site. These treatments are quite popular in treating scars as they can limit raised scars, keloids as well as the appearance of scars. They also help reduce scarring after surgery, and swelling of the scar. 5. Cryosurgery This treatment eliminates scars by applying an extremely low temperature that destroys scar tissue. It further reduces the size, pain, itchiness, stiffness, and improves scar pigmentation. 6. Scar excision

4. In this treatment option by Wound Care in Riverside, the scars can be removed by performing traditional surgical techniques that reduce the size of a keloid or boost mobility if a wound causes it. To get the best results, surgical treatment should be incorporated with the pressure dressing as it diminishes scar tissue reformation. 7. Other treatments Other treatments for scar management include radiation, Corticosteroids Injections, 5-Fluorouracil, Bleomycin, vitamin supplements, etc.