Scarring and wound healing. (2nd November 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Potter, Daniel A; Veitch, David; Johnston, Graham A
• Is Part Of: British journal of hospital medicine. Volume 80:Number 11(2019)
• Page Start: C166
• Page End: C171
• Publication Date: 2019-11-02
• Subjects: Medicine -- Periodicals; Hospital care -- Periodicals; 610.5
• DOI: 10.12968/hmed.2019.80.11.C166
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1750-8460

Abstract

Abstract : Following injury, the skin undergoes a wound healing process culminating in the formation of a mature scar. Millions of patients worldwide are left with scars every year as a result of trauma or surgery. Scars can be painful, disfiguring and disabling, yet patients report that clinicians are often dismissive of their concerns, unable to identify pathological scars and unaware of treatment options. The normal wound healing process comprises three overlapping stages: inflammation, proliferation and remodelling. In some patients this process is deranged, resulting in the formation of hypertrophic or keloid scars. Clinicians can minimize the risk of these pathological scars developing with good surgical technique and wound aftercare. If pathological scars do form, they should be identified early and patients referred for treatment, most often topical or intralesional corticosteroids. In resistant cases, pathological scars may be treated with phototherapy, radiotherapy or surgical resection.