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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Is The Treatment For Red Circle Scars In The Stomach?

I have noticed that the skin around an appendix draining scar is a circle redness. It also gets sore when I wash it too hard, but never was before. This scar is over 30 years old. I will admit that I have gained about 40 lbs in the past 3 years, but I have never had a problem with it before. It is in more of a crease in my stomach now and I wonder if this caused the problem. Also, the same thing has been around the scar on my neck from surgery about 15 years ago. This scar isn t covered with fat like the previous one I mentioned. Very concerned, Debbie
Mon, 27 Feb 2017
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The medical word used to describe scars and their formation is 'fibrosis'. That essentially means the skin 'thickens' by laying down extra cells, particularly collagen in the area were it was injured or surgically cut. Now this process of thickening in the area of the scar does make the skin in that area a bit different than on the rest of ones body. It is normally harder, thicker and can have decreased/increased sensation. Scars can also be hypertrophic or form keloids which means they are extra thick or elevated or in the case of keloids can look like they extend beyond the 'line' where the cut was made. Scars are normally a little more prone to irritation (inflammation) than surrounding skin and it isn't uncommon for scars to become intermittently itchy or even slightly painful from time to time even years after they were formed. It the first few weeks after surgery the main uncommon, yet important, problem to prevent is wound infection. Once the scar has properly formed within 3 months this is no longer a concerns unless one re-injures the area causing a new open wound. Years later there is generally no further concerns except the uncommon intermittent irritation mentioned earlier which generally doesn't require treatment. Very scarcely a form of skin cancer can develop in old scars especially in sun-damaged skin, but this would typically be obvious as a nasty open sore or ulcer that grows and doesn't heal with conventional treatment. There is evidence that silicone-based scar creams can help sooth irritated scars, improve their appearance and prevent recurrent irritation, ask your pharmacist and try it for a month or two. If you are still concerned feel free to ask your GP/MD or Dermatologist to have a look. In my professional opinion, from the history you've given I dont think you have much to worry about. Stay Happy and Healthy. Regards, Dr. O'Kennedy

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What Is The Treatment For Red Circle Scars In The Stomach?

The medical word used to describe scars and their formation is fibrosis . That essentially means the skin thickens by laying down extra cells, particularly collagen in the area were it was injured or surgically cut. Now this process of thickening in the area of the scar does make the skin in that area a bit different than on the rest of ones body. It is normally harder, thicker and can have decreased/increased sensation. Scars can also be hypertrophic or form keloids which means they are extra thick or elevated or in the case of keloids can look like they extend beyond the line where the cut was made. Scars are normally a little more prone to irritation (inflammation) than surrounding skin and it isn t uncommon for scars to become intermittently itchy or even slightly painful from time to time even years after they were formed. It the first few weeks after surgery the main uncommon, yet important, problem to prevent is wound infection. Once the scar has properly formed within 3 months this is no longer a concerns unless one re-injures the area causing a new open wound. Years later there is generally no further concerns except the uncommon intermittent irritation mentioned earlier which generally doesn t require treatment. Very scarcely a form of skin cancer can develop in old scars especially in sun-damaged skin, but this would typically be obvious as a nasty open sore or ulcer that grows and doesn t heal with conventional treatment. There is evidence that silicone-based scar creams can help sooth irritated scars, improve their appearance and prevent recurrent irritation, ask your pharmacist and try it for a month or two. If you are still concerned feel free to ask your GP/MD or Dermatologist to have a look. In my professional opinion, from the history you ve given I dont think you have much to worry about. Stay Happy and Healthy. Regards, Dr. O Kennedy