Scar management – marrying the practical with the science

We have come a long way in our understanding of the mechanisms involved in producing an exaggerated scar. One of the important factors to consider is that, as in so many other medical conditions, the answer lies in a multipronged approach. It serves no purpose targeting one area in a cascade of events that result in scarring. Thus we previously published a set of principles that govern the sequential areas of control that we have used to minimise scarring – support, hydration, collagen maturation and controlled inflammation. These principles will be elaborated on in respect of new scientific facts and with particular reference to the practical management of different wound sites.