As a resident of Connecticut who has been the victim of a dog bite attack, you’ve likely been left with your share of scars. Unfortunately, some scars are more difficult to deal with than others, as they look prominent or are too severe for over-the-counter scar remedies to work on.
Healthline states that hypertrophic scarring is the result of abnormal responses during the healing process. This response results in too much collagen being produced. Because of this, the injured skin may become tough, bumpy, or it can even bulge outward. The “raised” appearance is typical for hypertrophic scarring. It’s been compared to keloid scarring before, though it’s generally considered milder for various reasons.
Numerous different treatments are available to help minimize the appearance of these scars. Cryotherapy, for example, uses liquid nitrogen to flatten the scar out. Laser therapy does the same thing while also targeting discolored areas, lightening them. This is generally more effective on newer scarring. Corticosteroid injections may be used to both soften and flatten the scar, though it can’t be used over a certain number of times due to the damage it also causes to surrounding tissue. If hypertrophic scars have been around over a year, they can even be surgically removed to allow the area to heal again properly with stitches.
It should be noted that there is no single cure for hypertrophic scarring. All of these suggestions can reduce the appearance of redness, discoloration, or raised and puffy scar edges. However, they may still leave behind traces of the scar.
