Types of scarring
The two main types of excessive scar tissue formation are known as hypertrophic and keloid scarring.
Keloid scarring tends to overgrow the boundary of the initial injury, and can be painful and/or itchy. Hypertrophic scarring tends to be contained within the boundary of the initial injury, and can get better with time. Common skin injuries that lead to these types of scarring are – surgical treatments, body piercings, lacerations, abrasions, tattooing, insect bites, burns and acne. Their appearance is of a raised, often red/purple coloured scar that can have a firm consistency.
Increased skin tension or wound tension can also predispose to hypertrophic and keloid scarring. Keloids also tend to develop more readily after puberty and are therefore more common in younger people due to the greater tension of their skin that predisposes them to increased scarring. Other risks for developing these scars include darker skin types, location of the scars and genetic predisposition.
Treatment Options
Keloid and hypertrophic scars can be treated with a combination of different laser treatments and steroid injections.
Steroid injections work by stopping excess collagen production that can cause scar tissue formation. Although they may not make keloids disappear, they can help to significantly flatten and provide symptomatic relief (as some can be quite irritated and itchy).
A series of injections is usually required to gain the maximal effect – usually at 4-6 week intervals. Most people only require 1-2 injections depending on the size of the scar.
Alternative Options
The success of eye creams in assisting dark circles is often disappointing. Pigment fade creams may assist, and 2% hydroquinone cream is available without prescription. Adding retinol (vitamin A) serum or cream and vitamin C serum may provide additional help to fade pigment. The Skincare Company and Medik8 ranges provide options for these topicals. Stronger fading creams can be prescribed by our medical staff.
More details are available on consultation.
