Will hypertrophic scars fade naturally?
May 25, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Wang Xiaoyan
Introduction
Hypertrophic scars refer to excessive scar tissue formed during the repair of dermal or deep tissue injury or lesions, resulting from overgrowth of new connective tissue. Whether a hypertrophic scar regresses naturally depends on various factors. If discomfort occurs, it is advisable to seek medical attention promptly. During the healing process, maintaining a positive mindset and ensuring proper cleanliness and moisture of the scar are recommended to promote faster recovery.
In general, proliferative scars refer to hypertrophic scars. Whether a hypertrophic scar will regress naturally depends on specific circumstances. If discomfort occurs, it is advisable to seek medical attention promptly. Detailed analysis is as follows:
1. May regress naturally
Hypertrophic scars, also known as keloid-like scars, are skin lesions formed by excessive proliferation of new connective tissue during the repair process following damage or disease in the dermis or deeper tissues. Superficial or physiologic scars—especially in individuals without a predisposition to scarring, with small scar areas and not located in areas subject to repeated friction—may spontaneously regress after the body's natural tissue repair process.
2. Will not regress naturally
However, if the hypertrophic scar presents ulceration, pain, large size, occurs in individuals with a scar-prone constitution, is located in an area of frequent friction, or affects patients with poor overall health, it generally cannot return to normal through the skin’s self-repair mechanisms and thus will not regress naturally.
During recovery, it is recommended to maintain a positive mindset and pay attention to keeping the scar clean and moisturized to promote faster healing.
