Scarring is a natural process that occurs as part of the body's healing response to injury. However, not all scars are the same. Two types of scars that can occur are keloid and hypertrophic scars. While they may appear similar, they have distinct differences in their appearance, causes, and treatment.
What Are Keloid Scars?
Keloid scars are raised, thick, and often larger than the original wound. They are caused by an overproduction of collagen during the healing process, which can result in the scar tissue growing beyond the boundaries of the original wound. Keloid scars can be pink, red, or dark brown and may be itchy or painful.
Keloid scars are more common in people with darker skin tones and can occur anywhere on the body. They can be caused by a variety of injuries, including surgical scars, burns, acne, piercings, and tattoos.
What Are Hypertrophic Scars?
Hypertrophic scars are also raised and thick, but they are usually smaller and remain within the boundaries of the original wound. They are caused by an overproduction of collagen during the healing process, similar to keloid scars, but do not extend beyond the original wound. Hypertrophic scars are usually pink or red and may be itchy or painful.
Like keloid scars, hypertrophic scars can be caused by a variety of injuries, including surgical scars, burns, and cuts. They are more common in people with darker skin tones and can occur anywhere on the body.
Differences Between Keloid and Hypertrophic Scars
While keloid and hypertrophic scars have some similarities, they have distinct differences in their appearance, causes, and treatment.
Appearance:
Keloid scars are larger, thicker, and can extend beyond the boundaries of the original wound. They may also have a darker color and be more raised than hypertrophic scars.
Hypertrophic scars are smaller and remain within the boundaries of the original wound. They may also have a pink or red color and be less raised than keloid scars.
Causes:
Keloid scars are caused by an overproduction of collagen during the healing process, and can be triggered by a variety of injuries, including surgical scars, burns, acne, piercings, and tattoos.
Hypertrophic scars are also caused by an overproduction of collagen during the healing process, but they usually remain within the boundaries of the original wound. They can be triggered by a variety of injuries, including surgical scars, burns, and cuts.
Treatment:
Treatment for keloid and hypertrophic scars can vary, and it's important to consult with a dermatologist or plastic surgeon to determine the best course of action.
Keloid scars can be treated with corticosteroid injections, laser therapy, surgical excision, cryotherapy, or pressure therapy.
Hypertrophic scars can be treated with corticosteroid injections, silicone sheets or gels, laser therapy, or pressure therapy.
In some cases, a combination of treatments may be necessary to achieve the best results.
Keloid and hypertrophic scars are two types of scars that can occur during the healing process. While they may appear similar, they have distinct differences in their appearance, causes, and treatment. If you are concerned about a scar, it's important to consult with a dermatologist or plastic surgeon to determine the best course of action. With proper treatment, both keloid and hypertrophic scars can be improved and the appearance of the skin can be restored.
