My 4 umbilical hernia scar is itchy and sore. Is that normal? (Photo)

Question

Had keyhole surgery 4 months ago for umbilical hernia surgery. The scar is red, raised, itchy and sore ( sometimes sharp pain above my scar) is this normal?

Daniel Careaga, MD · Answer

It appears as though you may be developing a hypertrophic scar.  That's basically a thickened scar.  There are topical treatments (liquid silicone or silicone sheets) that offer some improvement but occasionally they need a few injections of Kenalog which is a steroid.  See your surgeon to see if you would benefit from one of these treatments.

Tracy Kayan, MD · Answer

Thanks for you photo - it appears that you either have a hypertrophic scar or a keloid scar. These are conditions that occur when your body has an over abundant response to an injury, and forms too much of the wrong kind of scar tissue. You should visit your surgeon to have this looked at - treatment can consist of anything from topicals such as silicone gel or sheeting to injections of a steroid called kenalog. If a keloid recurrs and grows in spite of less invasive treatments, sometimes excision or excision followed by radiation are necessary to prevent recurrence.

Douglas Taranow, DO, FACOS · Answer

Erixo,What you appear to have is a thickening of your scar sometimes called a keloid scar.  You should be using a silicone product on it asap, and consider having a steroid injected into it to soften and flatten the scar (as well as decrease the itching and discomfort).  Go to your Plastic Surgeon to have them evaluate it.Best of luck.Dr T

Deborah Ekstrom, MD · Answer

You may be developing an adverse scar or even a keloid.  See your surgeon for an exam to make sure nothing else is going on and then start some scar repression therapies like silicone pads, scar gels and massage if all else is well.Sometimes injections down the road are needed if nothing else is effective.

My 4 umbilical hernia scar is itchy and sore. Is that normal? (Photo)

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