Abnormal scarring leads to both cosmetic and functional problems.
It manifests itself in local pain, burning sensation and itching of the scar, which affects the quality of life. Scar prevention after trauma and surgery in our department is based on three means, namely topical application of anti-scar medications, topical application of scar patches, and laser intervention. However, patients come with difficulties in choosing among these three anti-scar methods. I don’t know which direction to start from to choose the anti-scar treatment, so I will talk about my thoughts on this.
One of them is the topical application of anti-scarring drugs, which mainly refers to the topical application of drugs. There are many kinds of them on the market, such as the silicone gel type represented by Shu Shu, Barker, and other types (such as Conrad, etc.). Advantages, easy to use, cost-effective, applied 2-3 times a day. It can be used continuously for more than 3 months until the scar is mature. Disadvantages, needs to be applied daily, sometimes forgetful, slightly less compliance. It also needs to be combined with sun protection for the wound. Approximate cost: three months of anti-scarring for small wounds roughly drug price is 500-1000. Secondly, the topical application of scar patch, mainly silicone patch topical application. The silicone patches category represented by Mepi-noir and Keloid Enemy on the market. Advantages, in addition to the effective advantages of anti-scar medication, they also have the role of moisturizing, air isolation and sun protection. Disadvantage, the effectiveness of the scar patch comes from the long-term application to the skin scar, if it falls off, the anti-scarring effect will be lost. Therefore, it is not suitable for children who are difficult to self-manage, or for parts of the body that are prone to oil and sweat (because it is easy to fall off, and it is a waste if it falls off). Cost: three months of small wounds anti-scar roughly drug prices in the 1000 or so.
Third, laser anti-scarring. It mainly refers to the intervention of pulsed dye laser on the congested state of scar formation during the proliferation period. It usually requires about 3 treatments with an interval of 1 month – 1.5 months between treatments. The first treatment is best done within 1 week after the removal of the stitches and after the scabs have fallen off. Advantages: It has a significant effect on the reddened and discolored state of the scar, and promotes scar recovery faster than topical medications in the short term. Disadvantages: The cost is not low, each time it costs 300 RMB per cm of scar for treatment. The treatment is painful (difficult for children to cooperate), blisters or purpura may appear after the treatment, and local water exposure needs to be avoided for 1 week (high care requirement). After treatment, you need to pay attention to sun protection of the treatment area (to prevent post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation after treatment).
Please choose the anti-scarring treatment modality after trauma or surgical removal according to your actual situation and the advantages and disadvantages described above.