Hand & Finger Scar Management (Part 2)
Scar management refers to the treatments that can help reduce or minimize the extent to which scarring occurs. Although not all scarring can be entirely reduced or eliminated, most scars can be controlled by prompt and specialized wound care and scar manage Fortunately the extent to which scarring occurs can largely, although not entirely, be controlled by treatment.
While over-the-counter treatments – including vitamin A, and vitamin E creams – can ease some of the pain and itching, clinical research shows that their effect is limited. Advanced scar management treatments, however, from an Oakland County board certified hand surgeon like Dr. Rehman, can help minimize the appearance and the discomfort of scarring.
The best scar management treatment for a wound will depend on the type of scar or wound. In this article Oakland County board certified hand surgeon Dr. Rehman sets forth some of the most common scar management treatments.
Scar Management Treatments
#1. Pressure therapy involves applying pressure to the wound with a special type of pressure garments This can reduce scarring as well as or prevent a keloid from forming. Pressure garments are often continued even after the wound dressings are no longer needed.
#2. Silicone gel, sheets, or ointments may be applied after the wound closes. When used religiously for several months, silicone treatment can reduce a scar’s degree of being raised as well as its size, hardness, redness, itching, or stiffness.
#3. Polyurethane dressings are a type of moist and flexible scar management dressing that can be worn to reduce the color, hardness, and size of a raised scar.
#4. Advanced lasers treatments are newer, state-of-the-art scar management treatments that can can prevent raised scars and keloids. This innovative technology can also reduce the height, thickness, color, and hardness, of many scars when used immediately after injury or surgery – as well as long after the scar has developed.
#5. Corticosteroid injections administered directly into a scar can also reduce the size of some scars, as well as ease pain and itchiness. Patients generally require multiple corticosteroid injections for maximum effectiveness.
#6. Scar surgery may be the best scar management treatment for some patients with more extreme, stubborn, or mobility-limiting scars. Board certified Macomb County hand surgeon Dr. Rehman can surgically remove many scars, to reduce the size of a keloid or increase mobility. Cryosurgery can also be performed, which freezes and destroys the scar tissue.
#7. Low level radiation therapy can also help reduce raised scars and eliminate some of the pain and itchiness or restrictions of some scars.
Oakland 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 Oakland 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.
