Scar assessment tools: implications for current research.
Scarring is considered a major medical problem that leads to cosmetic and functional sequelae. Scar tissue is clinically distinguished from normal skin by an aberrant color, rough surface texture, increased thickness (hypertrophy), occurrence of contraction, and firmness. Marked histologic differences are the change in dermal architecture and the presence of cells such as the myofibroblast. Many assessment tools are available for analysis of pathologic conditions of the skin; however, there is no general agreement as to the most appropriate tools for evaluation of scar tissue. This review critically discusses currently available objective measurement tools, subjective assessment tools, and potential devices that may be available in the future for scar assessment.
van Zuijlen
Paul P M
PP
Burn Center, Department of Surgery, Red Cross Hospital, Vondellaan 13, 1942 LE Beverwijk, The Netherlands. pwcpzl@rkz.nl
Angeles
Adam P
AP
Kreis
Robert W
RW
Bos
Kurt E
KE
Middelkoop
Esther
E
D002921:Cicatrix / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D008853:Microscopy; D012106:Research