Scar Treatment: Why Is My Scar Red and Raised? - Dermatology

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When it comes to understanding scar treatment, particularly in the context of your experience with a scar that is red, raised, and has changed in appearance over time, there are several factors to consider. Scarring is a natural part of the healing process after an injury, such as the one you experienced from your car accident. However, the characteristics of your scar—being red, raised, and eventually darkening—suggest that it may be a hypertrophic scar or possibly a keloid.

Hypertrophic scars are raised scars that occur when the body produces too much collagen during the healing process. They are typically red or dark in color and can be itchy or painful. Keloids, on the other hand, are a more severe form of scarring that extends beyond the original wound site and can be even more pronounced. Both types of scars can be influenced by various factors, including genetics, the location of the injury, and how the wound was treated during the healing process.

The treatment you received, where a substance was sprayed onto your scar, could have been a corticosteroid or another type of medication aimed at reducing inflammation and flattening the scar. Corticosteroids are commonly used to treat hypertrophic scars and keloids because they can help to reduce collagen production and inflammation. However, the initial whitening and subsequent return to the original appearance of the scar may indicate that the treatment was not effective for your specific case.

In terms of why your scar has become raised and soft, this is often a sign of ongoing collagen production and inflammation. The body may still be in the process of healing, which can lead to changes in the scar's appearance. Additionally, if the scar is subjected to tension or friction, it may exacerbate the raised appearance.

To effectively manage and treat your scar, consider the following options:
1. Silicone Gel Sheets or Silicone Gel: These are often recommended for scar management. They can help to flatten and soften scars over time by hydrating the scar tissue and reducing collagen production.

2. Laser Therapy: As you mentioned, laser treatments can be effective in reducing redness and flattening raised scars. Different types of lasers can target various aspects of scar tissue, including pigmentation and texture.

3. Injections: Corticosteroid injections can be administered directly into the scar to help reduce its size and improve its appearance. This is particularly effective for hypertrophic scars.

4. Pressure Therapy: For some scars, especially keloids, applying consistent pressure can help flatten the scar over time.

5. Surgical Options: In cases where scars are particularly bothersome or do not respond to other treatments, surgical revision may be an option. This involves excising the scar tissue and allowing for a new, less noticeable scar to form.

6. Topical Treatments: Over-the-counter creams and ointments that contain ingredients like vitamin E, onion extract (found in products like Mederma), or other scar-reducing compounds may provide some benefit, although results can vary.

It's essential to consult with a dermatologist or a plastic surgeon who specializes in scar treatment to determine the best course of action for your specific situation. They can provide a thorough evaluation and recommend a tailored treatment plan based on the characteristics of your scar and your overall skin type.

In summary, the redness and raised nature of your scar are common responses to injury and healing. With appropriate treatment options, you can work towards improving the appearance of your scar. Remember to be patient, as scar healing can take time, and results may vary based on individual factors.