Cutaneous Scars: management and implication of plasma transforming growth • factor P1 in their etiopathogenesis

Abstract

A variety of cutaneous scars may occur as a result of inflammation, surgery, trauma, burns and skin diseases. Clinically, theses scars can easily classified into keloid scars, hypertrophic scars and atrophic scars. Scars are often considered trivial, but they can be disfiguring and aesthetically unpleasant and cause severe itching, tenderness, pain, sleep disturbance, anxiety, depression, and disruption of daily activities. Other psychosocial sequelae include development of post-traumatic stress reactions, loss of self esteem, and stigmatizations, leading to diminished quality of life. Physical deformity as a result of skin scar contractures can be disabling. Once scars are present, there are many modalities of therapy from which

to choose. Non invasive modalities as topical medication, physical therapy, radiotherapy, silicone gel sheet dressings and phannacological treatments. Invasive modalities as intralesional injection, laser treatment, cryotherapy, combination therapy, chemical peeling, dermabrasion, soft tissue augmentation and surgical treatment. Although many articles have been published on the management of scars,

there is no universally accepted treatment protocol. Prevention of scars remains the best strategy, therefore those patients with a predispostion to develop excessive scar formation should avoid non essential surgery.