After an initial growth period, hypertrophic scars can flatten and shrink over time. The scars can form anywhere on your body, but they’re most common with nose and ear cartilage piercings. … Typically, hypertrophic scars are harmless. They’re more of a cosmetic issue that goes away in time.
Moreover, how do you flatten hypertrophic scars?
Medical treatments
Corticosteroid treatments: Corticosteroid injections are considered a first-line treatment for hypertrophic scars. Injecting a steroid into the scar every six weeks may help flatten and soften the scar.
Likewise, people ask, what reduces the appearance of hypertrophic scars?
A course of steroid injections into a scar may help flatten it. Injections may help to soften the appearance of keloid or hypertrophic scars. 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) or bleomycin can be injected into scars to reduce the size of the scar and ease itchiness and pain.
Does tea tree oil help hypertrophic scars?
There’s no evidence to support using tea tree oil on existing scars, whether they’re acne scars, keloids, or hypertrophic scars. … In addition, tea tree oil has anti-inflammatory properties that may help to reduce redness and swelling around wounds.
How do you know if its a keloid or hypertrophic scar?
Hypertrophic scars are also raised, but they are rarely elevated more than 4 mm above the skin. They may be red or pink in appearance. The most important difference between a keloid and a hypertrophic scar is that hypertrophic scars do not grow past the original boundaries of the skin injury.
Can raised scars be flattened?
Raised scars can be flattened over time and scars can be virtually eliminated. With laser therapy, we have learned that the earlier we treat these lesions, the better the result.
Does massage help hypertrophic scars?
Research has shown that gently massaging a scar may break down scar tissue as it forms. It may also prevent hypertrophic scars or keloids from developing after an injury.
Why does my hypertrophic scar itch?
When something injures your skin, your body’s nerve endings can become damaged, too. The nerve endings can become very sensitive and cause itchy sensations as they start healing.
How do you massage a scar tissue to break it down?
Here’s how we recommend you massage your scar tissue at home:
- In early healing phases, try and massage your scar for 10-15 minutes a day (2-3 times a day for 5 mins).
- Apply a non-perfumed Vitamin E lotion or oil to your scar area. …
- Using the pad of your thumb or finger, firmly massage in a circular motion.
How long does it take for a scar to flatten?
Normal fine-line scars
A minor wound like a cut will usually heal to leave a raised line, which will gradually fade and flatten over time. This process can take up to 2 years.
Can massaging a scar make it worse?
Scar massage is an effective way to decrease scar tissue build up and help make scars less noticeable. Massage will not help soften a scar more than two years old.
Does bio oil work on hypertrophic scars?
Bio–Oil works best on scars that are less than three years old, according to the product website. The oil is most effective when used on non-keloid scars . Keloid scars or hypertrophic scars may require a more potent treatment than Bio–Oil. Animal studies show that lavender oil also has wound-healing properties.
What does a hypertrophic scar feel like?
As wounds heal, scar tissue forms, which at first is often red and somewhat prominent. Over several months, a scar usually becomes flat and pale. If there is a lot of tension on a healing wound, the healing area is rather thicker than usual. This is known as a hypertrophic scar.
How do you treat a raised scar?
Treatments include the following:
- Corticosteroid shots. The medicine in these shots helps shrink the scar.
- Freezing the scar. Called cryotherapy, this can be used to reduce the hardness and size of the keloid. …
- Wearing silicone sheets or gel over the scar. …
- Laser therapy. …
- Surgical removal. …
- Pressure treatment.
