14. What advice should be given to patients to achieve an optimal scar (postoperative and post-trauma)?

The three major components of pathological scar prevention in the months following wound closure are prevention of tension, hydration/occlusion and compression.

Wounds where the maximum tension is exerted are wounds with edges placed under stress as well as wounds located in the deltoid and pre-sternal region. For scars located in areas of tension, it is recommended applying adhesive strips or tapes along the scar for three months after complete healing. Thin hydrocolloid dressings (which are more adherent) can be used as an alternative in children.

Using emollients and maintaining moisture through silicone strips or gels are recommended, as well as the use of sunscreen (factor 50+) or mechanical protection (clothing, dressings), until the scar has matured, which usually takesone year.

Compression through the use of customised clothing should be reserved for the initial phase of extensive scarring, particularly in burn patients, and should be prescribed by specialists.

It is recommended reassessing patients between 4-8 weeks after an acute wound (trauma or surgery) and between 6 weeks and 3 months for hypertrophic-scar patients, to allow them to benefit from medical compression devices and, if these devices are insufficient, to receive an injection of corticosteroids into the scar.

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