Treatments for Hypertrophic Scarring
Hypertrophic scars are raised, thick scars also known as keloids. An injury to the skin usually results in the formation of scar tissue. Collagen, a protein in the middle layer of the skin, is responsible for scar tissue. If too much collagen is in the area of the injury, a hypertrophic scar develops. Not everyone gets hypertrophic scars. Some people are more susceptible to them. Treatments vary from over-the-counter remedies to medical procedures. The most expensive methods usually yield the best results. Does this Spark an idea?
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Vitamin E Oil
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Vitamin E oil is often suggested as a natural treatment for scars. The oil is inexpensive and is easily found in drugstores. There have been studies on the efficacy of vitamin E oil on scars. Most studies indicate there is little proof that vitamin E oil actually works. But a plastic surgeon, Joel Studin, believes that the vitamin E oil helps break down the collagen fibers that form scars. In his article "Scarring," Dr. Studin recommends vitamin E oil to his patients.
ScarGuard MD
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ScarGuard is a commercial product sold in drugstores and online. It was developed by a plastic surgeon. It contains silicone and cortisone. ScarGuard is specifically designed to treat hypertrophic scars. Many doctors recommend this product according to the Scar Guard website. The product used to be available only by prescription but now anyone can buy it for about $70.
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Mederma
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This is another popular over-the-counter remedy for a variety of scars. Many testimonials on the Mederma website report that the ointment works on keloids. There is plenty of anecdotal evidence that Mederma works, even though there aren't any comparative studies on the product.
Dermabrasion
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Dermabrasion is a medical procedure usually done at a dermatologist's office, although some beauty salons also offer dermabrasion treatments. In this procedure, the doctor uses a small rotating wire brush to sand off the top layer of the skin. This helps flatten the hypertrophic scar and makes it less noticeable. In most cases, several dermabrasion treatments are needed to get the best results.
Chemical Peels
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Chemical peels can be done at home, at a salon or at a doctor's office. The doctor uses the strongest chemicals available while milder chemicals are available to consumers to apply at home. During a chemical peel an acid is placed on the skin to burn off the top layer. Scabs form and when the skin heals from the peel, the skin is smoother, softer and lighter in tone. In most cases the hypertrophic scar is less noticeable. Several chemical peels may be needed to truly reduce the hypertrophic scars.
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