Hypertrophic Scars: Causes & Treatment

Hypertrophic scars are an abnormal response to the wound healing process that results in excessive scar tissue formation. These scars can be raised, thick, and red, and they can cause discomfort, itching, and even restrict movement in severe cases. In this article, we will explore the causes, appearance, and treatment options for hypertrophic scars. 

Hypertrophic Scars

Causes of Hypertrophic Scars

Hypertrophic scars are caused by an overproduction of collagen during the healing process. Collagen is a protein that is a key component of the extracellular matrix of connective tissues in the body. In normal wound healing, the body produces just enough collagen to repair the damaged tissue. However, in hypertrophic scarring, the body produces an excess of collagen, leading to the formation of a thick, raised scar. 

  

Certain factors can increase the risk of developing hypertrophic scars. These include: 

  

Genetics: Some people may be more prone to developing hypertrophic scars due to genetic factors. 

Wound location: Areas with a higher concentration of tension or movement, such as the shoulders or back, are more prone to developing hypertrophic scars. 

Wound severity: Deep wounds, burns, and surgical incisions are more likely to result in hypertrophic scarring. 

Infection: Infections in a wound can prolong the healing process and increase the risk of hypertrophic scarring. 

Appearance of Hypertrophic Scars

Hypertrophic scars are raised, thick, and red or pink in color. They can be smooth or textured and may cause discomfort, itching, or pain. These scars can appear anywhere on the body, but are most commonly found on the chest, back, and shoulders. 

It is important to differentiate between hypertrophic scars and keloid scars, as they are often mistaken for each other. Keloid scars are similar to hypertrophic scars in that they are raised and thick, but they extend beyond the boundaries of the original wound and can continue to grow over time. Hypertrophic scars, on the other hand, are confined to the area of the original wound. 

 How to Treat Hypertrophic Scars

There are several treatment options for hypertrophic scars, but it is important to note that there is no one-size-fits-all approach. The choice of treatment will depend on the severity and location of the scar, as well as the individual's overall health and medical history. 

Silicone sheets/gels: These are non-invasive treatments that involve applying silicone sheets or gels to the scar for a few hours each day. This treatment can help to reduce redness, itching, and discomfort, and may help to flatten the scar over time. 

Corticosteroid injections: This treatment involves injecting a corticosteroid medication directly into the scar tissue. Corticosteroids work by reducing inflammation and suppressing the immune system, which can help to reduce the size and thickness of the scar. 

Laser therapy: Laser therapy is a non-invasive treatment that uses intense bursts of light to break down scar tissue. This treatment can help to reduce redness and improve the texture of the scar. 

Surgical excision: Surgical excision involves removing the hypertrophic scar tissue entirely. This treatment may be recommended for large or severe scars that are causing discomfort or restricting movement. However, there is a risk of the scar returning after surgery, and the procedure itself may result in further scarring. 

Cryotherapy: Cryotherapy involves freezing the scar tissue with liquid nitrogen, causing the tissue to die and fall off. This treatment may be effective for small hypertrophic scars, but it may not be suitable for larger scars. 

Pressure therapy: This treatment involves applying pressure to the scar tissue with compression garments or bandages. This treatment can help to reduce the size and thickness of the scar over time. 

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Skin Type: Normal
Comments: Any ideas on how to get rid of brown skin damage
Skin defence

Marks of sun damage are still there they haven't faded much after using twice a day for 60 days. . I will continue until product is finished. I'm a bit disappointed

Skin Type: Combination

I am so happy that I stumbled upon clearly basics on instagram. I was skeptical at first but decided to give it a try and bought clear out clarifying lotion. It's been 2 months and my skin has improved a lot. I can see significant reduction in pores and acne.

Skin Type: Combination
Amazing

After years of medication and products, I decided to try clearly basics. In just 6 weeks my skin has calmed and I am now able to treat scarring.

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I am so incredibly impressed with the TLC for pore minimising - it 💯 works and has transformed my skin.

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Skin Type: Combination
The Best!!

So good been buying for a couple years. Just a shame they no longer ship to UK and I have to look for another product

not bad but I thought the formula has changed since what it was previously (i had it maybe 2 years ago) and I found it less effective now

Skin Type: Combination
This is the stuff.

So, long time sufferer of acne. Started when I was 12 and I'm 28 now still battling it. I've tried all kinds of different things to try and get it under control and besides birth control, nothing has helped long term. I never want to take birth control ever again and I just happened upon this brand and decided well, why not try? To my amazement, it has helped more than anything else I've tried, I'd say it has improved my skin to the level it was at when I took BC. Of course I still get pimples every now and then, and tiny flare ups during PMS but my skin is nowhere near as bad as it used to be. I highly recommend this company. To those who are considering trying this out, be aware that during the first week or so your skin will go through a purge and your acne will appear to get worse at first. Stick with it! Once that phase is over is when your skin will begin improving. I do need to use it every night for it to be fully effective, but even when I do forget, the pimples don't get too out of control. I just can't say enough good things about this product. It has helped my confidence improve immensely and I definitely recommend trying it to those who have skin as finicky as mine.

Skin Type: Sensitive / Dry
The only moisturiser I trust

I am super sensitive and this is the only moisturiser that I trust honestly incredible.

Skin Type: Combination
Amazing!

I use this product and with the clear out and it has really helped my hormonal acne.

This skin care routine is the o lay one that has helped clear up my daughters skin.

My daughters skin is really starting to look better!

Skin Type: Oily
So far so good

Bought this for my daughter that has struggled with acne for years. She has seen improvement and less frequent breakouts.

Best moisturizer I have found!

V
Lighten Up Redness Rescue Cream
Veronica Ilenya Ranieri
Skin Type: Sensitive / Dry
Perfect

Has changed my skin from acne pro to almost perfect 😍😍

Skin Type: Combination
Obsessed !!

Obsessed with this cleanser!! It left me feeling fresh and prevented break outs. It is incredible . Loved this product so much

My skin feels so soft after using this moisturiser!

My skin feels so soft after using this moisturiser!

Skin Type: Combination
Fresh and clean!

My face is filled with energy and feels so fresh and clean!

Skin Type: Normal
excellent item!

have been using this for years! so good for my skin :)

C
So Fresh pH Balancing Cleanser
Carmelinda Di Manno
Skin Type: Combination
Fresh Feeling

My skin feels so clean and still hydrated when I use this cleanser. It’s balancing and refreshing. My skin has responded really well to it and at times my skin can be sensitive. I highly recommend this product to anyone with relatively oily t-zone area

Skin Type: Combination
Very happy!

Love the texture, the minty scent and the lather.
I wish the bottles were a bit bigger HOWEVER they are just small enough to fly with.

Skin Type: Normal
Comments: The only thing I now need to use to keep my skin clear.
The holy grail for clearing hormonal acne.

This is the only product that I have needed to keep my skin clear since discovering it about 2 years ago, after suddenly developing cystic hormonal acne at the age of 25. I now only need to use it every second night, so it's incredibly affordable. It has also never irritated my sensitive skin and it has faded previous acne marks to truly clear my skin. After years of trying expensive supplements/products/harsh prescription creams, Clear Out was the only thing that gave me long-lasting results.

Skin Type: Oily
Clearly Basics is the only product that has helped my Adult Acne

I have always struggled with dehydrated acne prone skin. Every month like clockwork I would get a new breakout on my chin or cheek area. These included large cystic acne that by the time they came to a head would take me months to clear. With new breakouts each month this created more & more spots before the first could heal leaving more hyper pigmentation spots that never have time to clear. Clearly basics changed all that for me. It gave my skin a chance to heal and reduced the number of breakouts each month. When I do get a new breakout it resolves itself quickly with less scarring and redness. Now that the acne is under control the products are helping to eliminate the remaining hyper pigmentation spots left from years of acne. I have not been using the product for long but I will continuing relying on this product and look forward to the day I can happily look in the mirror at a smooth clear & even complexion some day soon.

Skin Type: Combination
Comments: Product consistency in terms of smoothness/coarseness/stickiness/ is sometimes a miss, don't believe it affects the result provided.
Great Combo

Have seen great improvements by using these 2 items concurrently, hard to fault and wil continue purchasing.

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