Can hypertrophic scars be massaged?

Written by Liu Huan Huan
General Surgery
Updated on September 02, 2024
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Hypertrophic scars are relatively common in clinical practice. For instance, a patient who has undergone surgery may develop hypertrophic scars at the incision site, or a patient who has suffered a trauma may develop hypertrophic scars at the site of the injury. Once hypertrophic scars have formed, they can be massaged without any issues. Massage does not lead to a worsening of hypertrophic scars, nor does it cause inflammation, carcinogenesis, or other related conditions. However, it is important to remember to massage gently and not use excessive force.

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Written by Zhang Da Wei
General Surgery
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What to do if hypertrophic scars itch?

Itchy symptoms appearing in hypertrophic scars are a type of reaction of the scar, indicating that such a reaction occurs in the body during the tissue repair process following tissue damage. It is a natural process of the human body. Typically, this itchy symptom does not require special treatment. However, if the symptoms are significant, appropriate use of antipruritic medication can help relieve and improve the condition. Alternatively, gently washing the scar area with saline can effectively help alleviate the itchiness. Additionally, the occurrence of excessive hypertrophic manifestations in this process is also normal, as the entire process requires a period of repair, so such manifestations are acceptable. Most importantly, it is crucial to avoid infections in hypertrophic scars, as such conditions can also cause itching. When this problem arises, specific anti-inflammatory treatment is necessary.

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Written by Zhang Da Wei
General Surgery
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What should I do about hypertrophic scars?

Hypertrophic scar keloids are actually quite common in everyday life. Generally, this type of scarring can be divided into three stages: the proliferative phase, the stable phase, and the recovery phase. If care is not taken, the likelihood of developing such keloids increases. Moreover, the occurrence of hypertrophic scar keloids also relates to an individual's constitution. For instance, those with a scar-prone constitution are more likely to encounter this issue. When such issues arise, it is advisable to use some reparative ointments appropriately to help improve the condition. Additionally, combining massage techniques or localized stimulation methods can also assist in improvement, enabling better recovery. Over time, the scars should gradually fade. Of course, in such cases, methods like laser surgery or dermabrasion can also be used to help eliminate these scar-like keloids, potentially speeding up the recovery. (Please follow a doctor’s guidance for specific medication usage and avoid self-medicating.)

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Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
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Can keloids be cured?

Once keloids appear, they are essentially irreversible, meaning that they cannot be completely cured clinically. The formation of keloids is mostly related to one's own constitution, such as a keloid-prone skin type. Some keloids are also due to trauma occurring in areas of the skin where muscular tension is relatively high, or where the wound is indeed large and deep, which might lead to the formation of keloids. In such cases, localized drug injections can be used to reduce and soften the keloids. One can also use ointments that soften scars, such as keloid soothing and softening cream, but these require long-term application to be effective. If the keloid is relatively small, cosmetic surgery to remove and re-sew the area can also be an option for treatment. In summary, once keloids have developed, they are not easy to completely cure.

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Written by Zhang Da Wei
General Surgery
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What are hypertrophic scars like?

Hypertrophic scars are actually directly related to a scar-prone constitution, and generally, when such scars occur, they are divided into several types. The first type is caused by regressive changes, and the outcomes in this situation are generally quite ideal. However, improvement in these cases usually needs to be tailored to the specific circumstances. If the issue with hypertrophic scars is more pronounced, it can be addressed with laser surgery to achieve effective treatment. Of course, it requires specific analysis; not every issue in this regard necessitates intervention, but it should be addressed promptly. Moreover, if a scar-prone constitution persists, it might have some direct impacts. Decisions on improvement can be made based on the specific size of the scar area.

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Written by Zhang Da Wei
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What will happen if hypertrophic scars are not treated?

Hypertrophic scars are actually related to individual constitution. This condition mainly occurs due to scarring following an injury, which leads to excessive growth of scar tissue. As long as there are no inflammatory changes, generally, hypertrophic scars do not cause any problems. However, some hypertrophic scars may develop into malignant lesions, particularly in areas that are easily stimulated, such as the soles of the feet or the armpits. If a hypertrophic scar persists and the area is continually stimulated, it may lead to changes in the scar, which, in severe cases, could even become malignant. In such situations, it is crucial to manage the condition promptly based on the specific circumstances. Safe treatment measures usually involve techniques such as laser surgery.