Can hypertrophic scars be massaged?

Written by Liu Huan Huan
General Surgery
Updated on September 02, 2024
00:00
00:00

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.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Cao Jin Jun
Aesthetic Medicine
26sec home-news-image

What should I do if a keloid is itchy?

Keloids can be very itchy when at home. You can use some cryotherapy such as applying ice for treatment. However, if the results are unsatisfactory, it might be necessary to visit a hospital for a comprehensive treatment, including medication. Treatment based on the condition can control these symptoms. The itching occurs because the skin's metabolic system is damaged, causing metabolic products to accumulate in the scar.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Da Wei
General Surgery
57sec home-news-image

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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
51sec home-news-image

Can scars soften and flatten?

Scars are related to the size and depth of one’s own trauma, and some patients have a scar constitution, where even a small wound can leave a relatively large scar. Once a scar forms, it cannot be completely eradicated, but topical medications or local injections can be used to gradually soften and flatten or shrink the scar. However, this condition also has a certain recurrence rate, such as often consuming spicy and stimulating food, drinking alcohol, or when the body is inflamed, which can lead to the scar proliferating again. Therefore, this condition cannot be completely cured. After treatment, it is essential to avoid spicy and stimulating food for a long time, not to irritate or scratch the area, and to strengthen exercise according to one's immunity, and take some medications to enhance the immune system.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Tang Da Wei
General Surgery
42sec home-news-image

How to eliminate hypertrophic scars?

For the elimination of hypertrophic scars, one can apply anti-scarring ointment to the surface early after surgery. If the patient indeed has a scarring constitution, at the end of the surgery, it is advisable to inject medications into the subcutaneous area or within the wound tissue to prevent excessive or abnormal scar proliferation. If necessary, radiotherapy can be applied; under the effect of X-rays, it can effectively prevent the abnormal proliferation of scar tissue and the abnormal and excessive growth of fibroblasts. If there is already hypertrophic scarring, one might consider excising the hypertrophied scar tissue and re-suturing the wound.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Da Wei
General Surgery
49sec home-news-image

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.