How to Train on the Vancouver Scar Scale

The Vancouver Scar Scale is a quantitative objective scale which seeks to provide a standard for analyzing scar tissue. The scale is based on four values: pliability, height, vascularity and pigmentation. The four categories are given a score between 0 and 3 or 0 and 4, depending on the value. Although the scale attempts to quantify these values, evaluation of the scale depends on the experience and skill of the examiner.

Instructions

• 1

  Assess the pliability of the scar. Pliability is the general flexibility or movement of the scar and is rated from 0 to 4. A zero value is considered normal skin, 1 is a supple soft scar, 2 is a yielding scar, 3 is a firm scar and 4 is an adherent scar. Determination of this value may require you to touch the scar directly or ask for the patient's personal observations.

• 2

  Measure the height of the scar. Since scars can protrude above the normal skin line, a height measurement can help to assess the need for scar removal or treatment. A value of 0 denotes no height, a value of 1 is a scar between .12 and .16 inches, a value of 2 is a scar between 0.2 and .24 inches and a value of 3 is a scar over .24 inches.

• 3

  Look at the scar and determine the value of vascularity. Vascularity is the visibility of veins and arteries through the skin. If no vascularity is visible, the scar is rated a zero for normal. Pink vascularity receives a value of 1, red vascularity receives a value of 2 and purple receives a value of 3.

• 4

  Determine the color of pigmentation in the scar. Pigmentation is an abnormal discoloration of the skin or scar tissue. A zero pigmentation value is a sign of normal color. Slight pigmentation is given a value of 1, medium pigmentation is given a value of 2 and severe pigmentation is given a value of 3.