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.