Early hypertrophic scar treatment is essential. It can begin as soon as the wound closes. Silicone scar therapy is recommended by doctors.

Researchers know the areas of the body most vulnerable to hypertrophic scars.

• Shoulders and chests.
• Earlobes and cheeks.
• Three of the four most risky areas of skin are frequently pierced: ears, cheeks, and chest (piercing at the nipples).

Researchers documented those most at risk of forming hypertrophic scars.

• People younger than 30
• People with so-called high risk trauma.
• They found men and women are at equal risk.

Research resulted in dramatic evidence that silicone gels work to reduce scarring.

• Decreased the size  in 53% of test patients.
• Reduced  tenderness in 36%.
• Stopped itching in 45%.
• Softened scar tissue for 45% of test subjects.

For example, a simple cigarette burn is  serious injury. It’s because the intense heat of red-hot tobacco sears deep into the skin layers.  Burns begin to heal from the bottom. When the damaged tissue is deep, there is more chance the burn scar tissue will pile up. A  hypertrophic scar piles up above the skin level.  Burn scar treatment should begin early.

There is another reason a simple home burn can become hypertrophic is infection. We tend to forget smaller burn scars once they stop hurting. But it takes up to three weeks for a burn to heal over. It is susceptible to infection all of that time. Infection slows healing. The slower the healing the more scar tissue will pile up.

Other examples of burn scars to consider serious are kitchen burns, campfire burns, motorcycle exhaust burns on the leg, and burn from outdoor barbecue mishaps.

Advice:  keep the wound covered. Scar therapy helps. A silicone scar gel applied once the wound has closed will retain moisture, which reduces scarring. Silicone is also effective at discouraging tough scar fibres.