Diagnosis, Treatment, and Management of Painful Scar: A Narrative Review
Alaa Abd-Elsayed, Jason Pope, Derick A Mundey, Konstantin V Slavin, Steven Falowski, Ahish Chitneni, Stephen R Popielarski, Jarod John, Samuel Grodofsky, Tony Vanetesse, Michael A Fishman, Philip Kim
Abstract
Abstract: Painful scars can develop after surgery or trauma, with symptoms ranging from a minor itch to intractable allodynia. The problem of the painful scar may involve both intraneural and extraneural structures, requiring a systematic approach to diagnosis and treatment of this neuropathic pain condition that can impact quality of life and function profoundly. In this review, we outline the algorithm for the diagnosis, management, medical and surgical treatment of painful scars. Keywords: painful scar, surgical scar, chronic pain, scar pain, thermal nerve block