[Scars, physiology, classification and assessment]. / Cicatrices, physiologie, classification et evaluation.

A skin scar is the sign of tissue repair following damage to the skin. Once formed, it follows a process of maturation which, after several months, results in a mature scar. This can be pathological with functional and/or aesthetic consequences. It is important to assess the scar as it matures in order to adapt the treatment to its evolution.

[Physical therapy for scars]. / La physiothérapie des cicatrices.

Physical therapy consists notably of hand or mechanical massages, pressure therapy using various fabrics or splints, cryotherapy, laser therapy, etc. It forms part of the range of therapies used to treat pathological scars, including medical and surgical treatment. While the results are often satisfactory for hypertrophic scars, they remain uncertain for major keloids.

[The medical treatment of scars]. / Le traitement médical des cicatrices.

The medical treatment of scars follows the recommendations of experts working in this field. Traditional medical treatments include silicone, corticosteroid injections, radiotherapy, cryotherapy, 5-fluorouracil or bleomycin. Several other treatments are currently being assessed.

[Scars and lasers]. / Cicatrices et lasers.

Different lasers are used to improve scars in combination with other therapies. The pulsed dye laser is considered to be the gold standard for hypertrophic scars and keloids. Ablative laser treatments are used with atrophic scars. Ablative or non-ablative fractional laser treatments are developing rapidly due to the lower risk of infection and easier follow-up care.

[The surgical treatment of scars]. / La prise en charge chirurgicale des cicatrices.

Scars can be functionally or socially disabling. Many patients affected therefore request corrective surgery. The list of surgical techniques is long and the most frequently-used solutions are well-known.

Nurse-led management of hypertrophic and keloid scars.

Keloid and hypertrophic scars are difficult to treat, and their management requires a structured approach with input from a multidisciplinary team. Typically, patients are treated in busy, general clinics--an environment that is not suitable for these patients, whose treatment can take considerable time and requires emotional support. The development of a dedicated, nurse-led keloid scar clinic covering scar management and skin camouflage is described, the benefits of which have been evaluated. Results to date show that it is cost-effective, that it has reduced the non-attendance rate at the clinic, and that it improves compliance and has led to better resolution of scars in a shorter time than previously.

Topical silastic gel sheeting for treating and controlling hypertrophic and keloid scars: case study.

Hypertrophic and keloid scars form in a healed skin wound by the overgrowth of fibrous tissue after injury or surgery. In this case study the treatment and control of hypertrophic and keloid scars in an adult Chinese male with third degree burns is presented, emphasizing the use of topical silastic gel for scar treatment and control.

A focus on the occupational health needs of the non-white worker.

The nurse's understanding of the culture of the non-white workers is necessary if she is to work effectively with them. Her understanding of their language is vital. She must recognize the specific needs of each group. Some of these needs are psychosocial, economical, and physiological. The necessity for honesty, sincerity and humane respect is emphasized as important in successful working relationships with non-white workers. Once mutual respect has been achieved, an understanding of the cultural, physical, and psychological backgrounds of the workers will help the occupational health nurse provide the same high quality nursing care to all.