The Difference Between Heme and Nonheme Iron That You Need to Know

Pain in the scar area can occur days, weeks, or even years after the wound has healed. Knowing the causes and how to manage pain in the scar area is crucial for a more comfortable daily life.

Scars form as part of the skin's natural healing process after injury, surgery, or infection. Even though the surface of the skin appears to have closed, the underlying tissue can still experience changes that cause symptoms, such as pain, burning, or a pulling sensation.

The Difference Between Heme and Nonheme Iron That You Need to Know

Pain in the scar area should not be taken lightly, as this condition can be a sign of problems with the tissue or nerves surrounding the wound. In addition, persistent pain can also be an indication that the wound healing process is incomplete, or that there are other problems such as infection.

Causes of Pain in the Scar Area

Here are some common causes of pain in the scar area:

1. Inflammation

In the early stages of the healing process, the body's immune system is more active in repairing the wound, making the scar area prone to inflammation. As a result, you may feel pain, burning, or discomfort around the scar, especially if the area is frequently exposed to friction or pressure.

2. Accumulation of scar tissue (keloids)

After a wound heals, the body forms scar tissue as part of the skin regeneration process. Sometimes, this scar tissue growth can be excessive, making it appear raised and darker than the surrounding skin. Thick scar tissue (keloids) can press on nerve endings under the skin, causing pain in the scar area.

3. Scars that adhere to underlying tissue

If a scar occurs around a joint, muscle, or area of the body that is frequently moved, the scar tissue can adhere (adhere) to structures beneath the skin, such as tendons or internal organs. This condition can cause pain in the scar area, stiffness, or a pulling sensation when the body part is moved.

4. Nerve damage

Injuries or surgeries that affect nerve tissue can trigger pain in the scar area. The pain is usually sharp, like stabbing, hot, burning, or accompanied by tingling and numbness. This pain is usually short-lived, but some can be persistent.

5. Secondary infection

Scar areas that are irritated or not kept clean are easily reinfected by bacteria or germs. As a result, inflammation will recur, causing pain. Pain from this secondary infection may also be accompanied by other symptoms, such as redness, swelling, warmth to the touch, pus, or fever.

6. Changes in temperature or pressure

It's important to note that the tissue in a scar is sometimes more sensitive than the surrounding skin. As a result, exposure to cold or hot temperatures, as well as light pressure such as touching or rubbing against clothing, can trigger pain, itching, or a pulling sensation in the scar area.

This more sensitive skin condition often occurs in scars from major surgeries, burnsor wounds that take a long time to heal.

How to Manage Pain in the Scar Area

Treatment of pain in the scar area must be tailored to the cause and severity. For mild to moderate pain, you can try self-care at home, such as:

  • Applying a cold or warm compress to the scar area
  • Gently massaging the scar area, but only do this after the wound has completely healed
  • Taking over-the-counter pain relievers, such as Paracetamol
  • Applying over-the-counter ointments or creams containing silicone
  • Keeping the scar area clean
  • Avoiding exposure to chemicals that can trigger skin irritation

However, if the pain does not improve with self-care, your doctor will usually recommend medical intervention, such as:

  • Physiotherapy
  • Administration of ointments or creams containing steroids, lidocaine, or other active ingredients
  • Administration of steroid injections
  • Laser therapy

Treating pain from scars can vary from person to person, depending on the location and extent of the scar, age, and health conditions. If you have a specific condition, such as diabetes or a blood clotting disorder, it's best to consult a doctor before attempting any home treatment.

With proper treatment, most pain in the scar area can be controlled and doesn't cause serious problems. However, if the pain worsens, don't delay consulting a doctor on the ALODOKTER app to get the right treatment.

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