Knowledge and Practice of Scar Treatment Among Health Care Physicians in Saudi Arabia

TL;DR

This study examines how Saudi healthcare physicians assess and treat scars, highlighting common practices and the need for standardized, evidence-based approaches.

Contribution

The study provides current insights into scar treatment knowledge and practices among Saudi physicians, emphasizing gaps in standardization.

Findings

Patient and observer scar assessment is the most common subjective method in clinical practice.

Silicone therapy is the primary preventive measure for keloids and hypertrophic scars.

Corticosteroid injections and silicone are the main interventions within the first 18 months.

Abstract

Background

The processes of wound healing and scar formation are complex phenomena that are determined by an intricate interplay of molecules and cells. A deviation from the anticipated trajectory of scarring can lead to the formation of hypertrophic scars and keloids. A wide range of therapeutic methodologies have been employed in the treatment of scars. This research paper seeks to enhance patient outcomes and the efficacy of scar repair as a whole by determining the knowledge of scar treatment and implementation in clinical practice in Saudi Arabia and thereby incorporating scientific findings into practical settings.

Materials and methods

This cross-sectional study, which included 237 participants, aimed to provide descriptive data on the knowledge and common practice of Saudi Arabian healthcare physicians with regard to scar prevention, treatment, and evaluation during the period from November 15, 2023, to December 11, 2023.

Results

In routine clinical practice, the most commonly employed subjective method for scar assessment is patient and observer scar assessment (162 (68.4%)) while the Modified Vancouver Scar Scale (91 (38.4%)) was commonly used for research purposes. However two-dimensional photography is the most frequently employed objective method in clinical practice (54 (22.8%)) and biomechanical properties (58 (24.5%)) for research purposes. Silicone scar therapy in the form of sheets or gel is the primary preventive measure in the prevention of keloids/hypertrophic scars across various patient populations. Corticosteroid injections and silicone are primary interventions within the initial 18-month period.

Conclusion

Although significant progress has been made in the field of scar management, standardization of procedures and increased adherence to evidence-based guidelines are still required.

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