Ambulance 912HAP 9252
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General health information

Troublesome scars

A scar can cause itching, pain, tightness, pulling or a troublesome thickening. Some scars become thicker than expected, such as hypertrophic scars or keloids. Others limit movement as skin contracts, known as a contracture. Redness, warmth, pus, a wound reopening or a new suspicious area in an old scar needs assessment because infection or another skin condition is also possible.

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  • Scarring is a normal part of wound healing but can cause symptoms.
  • Itching, pain, tightness and thickening are common reasons to have a scar assessed.
  • Hypertrophic scars and keloids are forms of excessive scarring.
  • A contracture can tighten skin or a joint and restrict movement.
  • Redness, warmth, pus or a new suspicious area in a scar needs checking.
  • For urgent GP care outside office hours, call HAP 9252. Call Ambulance 912 only for an immediate threat to life.

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