Hypertrophic scars are unsightly and nobody will like this cosmetic disability on their skin. Scars result after an injury to the skin. They develop due to overproduction of collagen tissue that normally is required to heal the wound.
Usually hypertrophic scars develop after deep injury that involves the dermis, the innermost layer of skin. This form of scar is elevated over the healed wound. Unlike keloid, another type of scar, hypertrophic scars do not spread to the surrounding tissue.
Hypertrophic scars usually develop after surgery, burn, deep cuts and skin inflammation. They are red or pinkish.
Hypertrophic scars gradually regress with time. However, home remedies and conventional treat will improve them early.
What Causes Hypertrophic Scars?
Scars develop after an injury to skin. Hypertrophic scars develop when there is excess of collagen tissue production during wound healing. Instead of collagen fibers forming in parallel direction of the injury they grow in several directions. This usually occurs in places where the skin is tensed and tight.
Hypertrophic scars mainly develop on chest, upper back, shoulder joint, thigh etc. This type of scars is more common in people with black skin. However, anyone can suffer from it. Hypertrophic scars often develop after surgery, burns, injury due to body piercing. The risk of formation of this scar is much greater if collagen tissue growth is altered due to infection of the wound.
Symptoms Of Hypertrophic Scars
Symptoms of hypertrophic scars are variable. It mainly depends on the cause that has initiated its formation. Hypertrophic scars are red or pinkish with smooth surface. They are slightly elevated above the surrounding. Majority of patients complain of itching and pain around hypertrophic scars.
They do not spread to the adjacent area of the wound. Hypertrophic scars are limited to the border of the wound. They usually grow in size gradually for six months. Hypertrophic scars that are present near joints can affect movement of the joint. It can reduce joint mobility.
Home Remedies To Treat Hypertrophic Scars
Hypertrophic scars after a period of time mature and become pale. This scar is not dangerous to health but it can cause itching, pain and restriction of joint movement if present near a joint. It can also affect self esteem of a person when the scar is present on visible area of the body.
Hypertrophic scars can be treated with conventional treatment such as home remedies. Conventionally this scar can be treated with steroid injection, laser treatment and surgery. Many people opt for home remedies. There is no side effect and they are inexpensive.
- Lavender essential oil, almond oil, mustard oil is useful for treating hypertrophic scars. Massage the surface of scar with one of this oil regularly. It helps to reduce tightening of the scar and eventually make the scar appear less visible and flat.
- Massage with cocoa butter is also beneficial in reducing hypertrophic scar. Massage the butter regularly on the scar tissue to make the surface flat and smooth.
- Vitamin E is food for the skin. It is a time tested home remedy for scars including hypertrophic scars. Apply vitamin E oil on your finger tip and massage it gently on the skin surface.
- Apply paste prepared by mixing baking powder and water regularly over the scar. After few days the scar tissue becomes pale and flat. It will alleviate itching and pain and eventually make it less noticeable.
- Aloe vera gel is another effective remedy for treating hypertrophic scar. Preferably apply fresh aloe vera gel extracted from a cut leaf of the plant.