If you have a scar that seems to be getting thicker, you may wonder if that’s normal. In fact, it is. You likely have a hypertrophic scar, which occurs when there is tension around a healing wound. These scars tend to be thick and raised, and are red in color. They could stay this way for many years. Hypertrophic scars result from an imbalance in collagen at the site of the wound.
Your next question may be: will a hypertrophic scar go away? The truth is, no scar will ever really disappear. The best you can do is try and minimize its appearance by using silicone scar gels every day, moisturizing the site, and applying sunscreen on it when venturing outside.
The good news is that hypertrophic scars can fade and flatten over time, unlike keloid scars which extend beyond the original injury and can hamper movement over time. This is due to an overly-aggressive healing process. While hypertrophic scars are raised, red scars like keloids, they do not extend beyond the boundary of the original injury.
Characteristics of Hypertrophic Scars
Hypertrophic scars result from an imbalance in collagen at the wound site. They tend to:
- • Create healing tissue that is thicker than usual
- • Restrict movement because the skin is no longer as flexible
- • Form within the boundaries of the original wound
- • Start off being red and raised but become flatter and paler over time
Silicone gel sheeting and gel from a tube can be a great help in fading hypertrophic scars. This component has been used in scar treatment since the early 80s. It’s best used at the early stage of scar development. You should also use it often. The belief is that silicone forms a reservoir of water under the sheeting, for example, that keeps the scar hydrated. This increased hydration may prevent a hypertrophic scar from forming in the first place, or at least prevent a worse one.
Hypertrophic scars are the typical result of a burn injury but can form after cuts, piercings or acne. They are the result of an overproduction of collagen that happens when a wound is infected or inflamed, under a lot of stress, tension or motion (such as on a joint), or is forced to heal without stitches.
There are many treatment options available to you if you have a hypertrophic scar. However, the most non-invasive, affordable, effective and convenient way to reduce its appearance is to use a scientifically-proven topical treatment like Scarfade. This gel prompts the body to slow down production of collagen, reducing the look of your scar.