Scars are often painful, especially after an operation. Many people also experience a ‘pulling’ and sometimes painful feeling from scars in warm or cold conditions.
The causes of scar pain
- Operations – for example scars from an abdominal operation, hysterectomy, hip operation or caesarean section.
- Swelling and increased circulation, in the case of troublesome red and thickened scars.
- Exposure to extreme temperatures, whether hot or cold.
- Tight clothing that rubs up against and irritates or damages the scar.
- Excessive exercise (for example in anaerobic power sports).
Other causes of scar pain, not mentioned here, are also possible. The above are the most well known causes.
Scar pain: treatment
Available treatment options for the above causes of scar pain are listed below, by cause. If in doubt always consult a doctor!
- Scar pain treatment following an operation is always done in consultation with a doctor. You may, for instance, be referred to a pain clinic or an anaesthetist specialised in pain management.
- Pain from troublesome scars disappears when the scar is in a stable state. Continued pain indicates a problem. A nerve in your skin could be caught in the scar. In this case an operation is necessary. Consult a doctor if the pain is persistent!
- Avoid extreme temperatures – limit your exposure to the sun, do not use a sunbed or go to the sauna and take appropriate measures when it is cold.
- Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing.
- Take sufficient rest when scar pain accompanies exercise.
Supplementary treatment of scar pain
Besides medical treatment, you can also take additional measures to reduce the pain caused by (troublesome) scars:
- Massage your scar daily.
- Apply pressure to the scar. Special, compression garments are also available. These are frequently used on burn wounds. Your family doctor can provide more information on this.
- Use a scar cream, like ALHYDRAN:
ALHYDRAN introduces moisture into the damaged skin – and seals it. As a result the moisture cannot immediately evaporate (many other hydrating creams do allow such evaporation to take place). The ‘pulling’ feeling disappears and your scar ‘relaxes’ as a result of your skin becoming more supple. And your scar pain is reduced or disappears.
The benefits of ALHYDRAN are scientifically proven.