Archive

Summer 2004, Vol. 12 No. 2

H.K. Dermatol. Venereol. Bull. (2004) 12, 79-82

Pearls in Dermatology

How I improve a dermatological scar

MK Tung 董文光

Abstract
Management of a dermatological scar is an art. It begins with history taking and physical examination, where rapport with the patient is built. An initial period of post-insult hypertrophic scar changes is expected and the scar usually matures in six to nine months. The patient should avoid ultraviolet light exposure, smoking, and snake head fish. Scar massage will help. Keloid may be managed with pressure garment, intralesional triamcinolone injection and, in the most difficult case, excision plus postoperative radiotherapy. Various surgical interventions can be considered for a disfiguring mature scar. Ultimately if the patient is happy with the scar, it is a good scar.