A keloid scar is the result of the replacement of one's own tissues damaged by surgery or trauma with coarse connective tissue. Such scars often represent a cosmetic defect, they lead to psycho-emotional discomfort and, as a result, to a decrease in the quality of life. A keloid scar is formed in several stages:
- Stage 1 - the stage of inflammation and epithelization, occurs 7-10 days after the injury. During this period, you should look so that there is no suppuration of the scar or divergence of the edges;
- Stage 2 - the stage of formation of a young scar occurs 10-30 days after the injury. Granulation tissue is gradually replaced by collagen and elastin fibers, while maintaining enhanced blood supply (a scar of bright pink color);
- Stage 3 - the stage of “maturation” of the scar occurs 1-3 months after the injury. Towards this period, vessels and collagen fibers become less visible , and the entire scar becomes dense and bright;
- Stage 4 - the stage of the final transformation of the scar occurs 4-11 months after the injury.
Hypertrophic and keloid scars. Treatment
The most basic rule in the treatment of keloid scars is their warning. Patients prone to keloids should avoid injuries and unnecessary operations. If surgical intervention cannot be avoided, then closing the wound during surgery should take place with minimal tension. It is also desirable that the scars do not pass in the middle part of the chest or through the surface of the joints. Today, treatment of keloid scars is possible by various methods.
For example, medication (immunomodulators, corticosteroids, collagen preparations ). The introduction of steroids into the formation still remains the basis for the treatment of keloid scars. Corticosteroids reduce collagen synthesis and thereby prevent the formation of keloid tissue. As for immunomodulators, interferon, which is introduced into the suture line, avoids relapse. The most popular enzyme preparation that prevents the growth of connective tissue is Longidaza; it is used for phonophoresis and ultraphonophoresis.
You can treat a keloid scar with physiotherapeutic and physical methods (occlusive dressings, compression therapy, laser therapy, electrophoresis, cryosurgery, excision). Today, a keloid scar is successfully treated with silicone obturating dressings and silicone plates. Liquid nitrogen allows the drug to be well distributed in keloid tissues and prevent its penetration into healthy tissues. Under the influence of a laser, a keloid scar becomes softer and less hypertrophic.
Treatment of keloid scars is also possible with the help of radiation therapy. True, it still remains controversial, but many experts believe that external radiation combined with drugs reduces the possibility of relapse.
Such scars are also treated with cosmetic procedures that correct external defects. Basically, these are peelings, dermabrasion, mesotherapy, which do not carry any therapeutic effect, except for external effects on the keloid scar. However, these methods are quite effectively used for an aesthetic purpose.
And of course, among the therapeutic methods for treating keloid scars, the use of drugs.
In any case, whatever treatment option is chosen, this is a very long and rather slow process. Despite the fact that the presence of keloid scars sometimes psychologically puts pressure on a person, they do not threaten life and health, and therefore it is quite possible to live and live perfectly with them. It will only depend on your choice whether you want to spend your own time and money on solving this problem or whether you will enjoy life as if nothing had happened.