| Purpose of the guideline: |
Abnormal skin wound healing resulting from trauma, such as burns or injuries, is the primary etiology of pathological scars in pediatric patients. Pathological scars not only impact appearance and function but also impede normal physical and psychological development due to the unique physiological structure and developmental potential of children's skin. Given the variations in developmental potential among children of different ages, compared to adults, greater caution is required when devising prevention and treatment strategies for pediatric pathological scars, leading to numerous controversies in this field. On one hand, children possess a robust ability to heal skin wounds; thus proper wound management and healing processes can aid in reducing the formation of pathological scars. On the other hand, due to organ immaturity in children, conflicts between treatment methods/timing and developmental needs may exacerbate scar formation and functional impairment. Consequently, prevention and treatment approaches for pediatric pathological scars exhibit distinctive characteristics. Currently, there exists no consensus on these strategies both domestically and internationally. Therefore, we have collaborated with domestic experts in relevant fields to develop this consensus aiming at providing guidance for preventing and treating pediatric pathological scars. |
