Hand & Finger Scar Management (Part 1)
Scar formation is actually the final phase of wound healing. The scar development phase can last from 21 days to two years, and is part of the way the body repairs and protects injury.
But any patient’s “wound care” will have a direct impact on how well the skin heals, and to what degree scars develop. With proper wound care – often called “scar management” – it is possible to reduce the degree of scarring. And in some types of injuries or wounds, scar management can even prevent scarring entirely.
At Macomb Hand Surgery in Macomb County, Dr. Rehman and our staff of physical therapists can help ensure that you receive the best, most advanced scar management to reduce any scarring from a hand or wrist injury or surgery.
Types of Hand & Finger Scars
Hand & Finger scars may be red, white, firm, thick, flat or raised – and can even feel sensitive or sometimes limit. The appearance of a hand, finger or other scar is affected by multiple factors, including:
- cause of the wound,
- size and depth of the wound,
- area of the body that was injured,
- age and hereditary factors of the patient
- wound care received.
The four main classification of scars are cicatrix, hypertrophis, keloid & contracture.
Cicatrix Hand & Finger Scars
Cicatrix hand & finger scars are flat or slightly raised with a pink or reddish color. While cicatrix is normal scarring, proper wound care and scar management can increase the chance that the scar will eventually be flat rather than raised.
Hypertrophic Hand & Finger Scars
Hypertrophic hand & finger scars are raised and firm. In some cases they can be painful or even restrict movement.
Keloid Hand & Finger Scars
Keloid hand & finger scars are raised, and actually grow to be larger than the original wound. They can develop up to a year after the injury, and have a strong hereditary component.
Contracture Hand & Finger Scars
Contracture refers to scar tissue that tighter and thicker than the surrounding skin – typically restricting movement, especially in contractures near joints.
Risk Factors for Hand & Finger Scarring
Risk factors that can increase the risk of hand & finger scar formation include the following:
- Genetics
- Age
- Bacteria
- Tension on the wound (high skin tension results in greater scarring))
- Inflammation (increases risk of hypertrophic or keloids scarring)
- High Blood Pressure (also can increase keloid severity)
- Skin diseases that make skin fragile or results in blistering
Scar management refers to the treatments that can help reduce or minimize the extent to which hand & finger scarring occurs. In part two of this article Macomb County board certified hand surgeon Dr. Rehman discusses the seven top hand and finger scar management treatments.
CLICK HERE for Part 2 of Hand & Finger Scar Management
Macomb County Hand & Finger Scar Management Doctor
If you have experienced scarring from an injury, wound or surgery on your fingers, hand, wrist, elbow or arm, contact board certified Macomb County hand surgeon Doctor Rehman for a comprehensive scar evaluation and consultation. She offers the latest and most advanced hand and finger scar management technologies – to help reduce or minimize your scarring. As with any medical procedure, the earlier you seek treatment the more effective your scar management will be.
Doctor Rehman will assess your individual situation, and prescribe the treatments that are best for your scars.
