A scar is an area of skin that is permanently changed after a wound.
Its usually thicker than normal skin and can be discolored or shiny.
Scar tissue is the thickened, fibrous connective tissue that develops after healthy skin cells have been destroyed.
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This can happen just after a surgery or injury or years later.
In some cases, scar tissue becomes uncomfortable or even painful.
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What Is Scar Tissue?
Scars are thicker when they are repairing damage within skin’s deeper layers.
The color of scar tissue is often different than that of the surrounding skin.
There are several different kinds of scars, including:
Can Scar Tissue Cause Pain?
While many scars are painless, some people experience severe scar tissue pain.
This is typically due to damage to the nerves surrounding the destroyed tissue.
Scarring-relatedneuropathy(nerve pain) and nerve sensitivity is especially common after a burn or surgical procedure.
Both forms of trauma carry a higher risk of deep tissue damage and involvement of the underlying nerves.
Scar tissue pain is also often related to inflammation.
As skin wounds heal, your immune system prompts an inflammatory response to speed up tissue regrowth.
Up to 68% ofburn patientsexperience persistent and severe scar tissue pain.
For some people, this pain starts right after the related trauma.
For others, it may appear months or even years later or get worse over time.
Other Symptoms With Scar Tissue Pain
Many people with scar tissue experience additional symptoms alongside pain.
Massage therapy has been found to have some of the same benefits.
This keeps the tissue supple and can assist with inflammation and irritation.
You may also want to cover the moisturized skin with a bandage to keep it clean and protected.
Research suggests that moistscar tapecan also soften a firm scar, which can help with pain.
Your healthcare provider may suggest that you tape any scars for up to six weeks after a surgical procedure.
Youll need to wear them for at least six to eight weeks.
Some people use vibration devices, such as handheld massage tools, on and around their scars.
This can break up fibrous scar tissue, encourage blood flow, and improve flexibility in the underlying joints.
Lidocaine, a topical anesthetic, is one common option for treating scar-related pain.
It curbs nerve cell activity, leading to numbness in the targeted area.
Here are some of the available options.
Its sometimes used to reduce the appearance and thickness of certain scars.
However, it doesnt typically work on burn scars or contracture scars.
Laser Treatments
Laser therapyhas become a popular treatment option to relieve many scar-related symptoms.
It may be combined with injections, medications, and/or physical therapy.
This is particularly likely if you have a contracture or burn scar.
This helps to reduce pain and improve range of motion.
Injections and Injectables
Your dermatologist may recommend that you receive injections directly into a keloid scar.
Common treatment options includecorticosteroid, fluorouracil (5-FU), and bleomycin injections.
Adermatologistcan determine what kind of scar you have and which treatment options are right for you.
Get medical help right away if your scar shows any signs of infection.
If you have persistent scarring and/or scar tissue pain, consider reaching out to a board-certified dermatologist for help.
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