How to treat keloid-prone skin?
Dec 25, 2024
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Liu Wenmin
Introduction
Scar-prone constitution refers to a condition where an individual tends to develop abnormal scars, such as hypertrophic scars or keloids, during the wound healing process. Patients with a scar-prone constitution can undergo various treatment methods, including lifestyle adjustments, silicone gel sheets, medication, laser therapy, and surgical treatment. It is recommended to visit a hospital to select an appropriate treatment option.
Scar-prone constitution refers to a condition where an individual tends to develop abnormal scars, such as hypertrophic scars or keloids, during the wound healing process. Patients with a scar-prone constitution can undergo various treatment methods, including lifestyle adjustments, silicone gel sheeting, medication, laser therapy, and surgical treatment. It is recommended to visit a hospital to select an appropriate treatment method. The analysis is as follows:
1. Lifestyle Adjustments
Individuals with a scar-prone constitution should avoid unnecessary trauma, especially in areas prone to scarring, such as the limbs. Sun protection should be emphasized in daily life, avoiding direct sunlight to reduce pigmentation.
2. Silicone Gel Sheeting
Silicone gel sheeting can reduce inflammatory responses and inhibit excessive fibroblast proliferation, thereby lightening scars. The silicone sheet is applied directly to the scar, typically worn for several hours daily over a period of several months to years. Silicone gel sheeting is convenient to use and causes minimal trauma to the skin.
3. Medication
If the scar left after surgery is relatively mild, topical application of medications such as asiaticoside cream, heparin sodium cream, or vitamin E cream under a doctor's guidance may help soften the scar. Additionally, antibiotic ointments such as clindamycin phosphate gel, fusidic acid sodium cream, or erythromycin ointment can be used to control infections that cause scarring.
4. Laser Therapy
Laser therapy uses specific wavelengths of laser light targeted directly at the scar area, precisely breaking down excess collagen fibers and stimulating the skin's natural repair mechanisms to fade or eliminate scars. Laser therapy is highly safe, less likely to result in recurrence, and causes relatively minimal damage to surrounding tissue.
5. Surgical Treatment
Surgery, performed under local or general anesthesia, involves complete removal of scar tissue. The aim is to directly remove abnormally growing scar tissue through surgical means, restoring normal skin structure and function.
During the recovery period, patients should maintain a reasonable diet, focusing on light meals and consuming more fresh fruits and vegetables. Adequate sleep should be ensured, with avoidance of prolonged late nights and unhealthy lifestyle habits. Personal hygiene should be maintained, and scratching the affected area with hands should be avoided.
