Therapy of pathological scars

JDDG Journal der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft, vol. 21, pp. 761–776

Abstract

A scar develops following the appearance of a deep tissue defect as part of the physiological wound healing process. The initial inflammatory response is followed by proliferation of connective tissue cells, which form fibrosis as a final tissue substitute. Disorders can occur at all stages of the process and are most commonly manifested as impaired wound healing or the formation of atrophic and hypertrophic scars or keloids. The focus of this article is on the treatment of pathologic scars, which are an indication for therapy due to functional limitations, complaints, and stigmatization, among other reasons. Conservative medical, physical, surgical and laser therapeutic approaches are pursued. The basis for this is an understanding of the pathophysiological mechanisms and factors influencing the choice of therapy, as well as an interdisciplinary and interprofessional therapeutic approach.

Authors 3

1. Helena Isabell Riedemann Aachen Clinic for Dermatology and Venereology

   RWTH Aachen University · Universitätsklinikum Aachen

   Affiliation as printed

   Clinic for Dermatology and Venereology RWTH Aachen University Hospital Aachen Germany

   Clinic for Dermatology and Venereology, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Aachen, Germany

   The first two authors contributed equally to the article

2. Morna Friederike Schmidt corresponding Aachen Clinic for Dermatology and Venereology

   RWTH Aachen University · Universitätsklinikum Aachen

   Affiliation as printed

   Clinic for Dermatology and Venereology RWTH Aachen University Hospital Aachen Germany

   Clinic for Dermatology and Venereology, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Aachen, Germany

   The first two authors contributed equally to the article

3. Jens Malte Baron Aachen Clinic for Dermatology and Venereology

   RWTH Aachen University · Universitätsklinikum Aachen

   Affiliation as printed

   Clinic for Dermatology and Venereology RWTH Aachen University Hospital Aachen Germany

   Clinic for Dermatology and Venereology, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Aachen, Germany