What are keloid and hypertrophic scars?
Scar formation can be a normal part of the tissue healing process. In some cases, scar formation can be excessive beyond what is necessary to heal a wound. Keloid and hypertrophic scars result from an abnormal wound healing response in particular individuals. They are the body’s response to trauma, inflammation, surgery or burns, and sometimes can occur spontaneously. Common skin injuries that lead to keloid growth are; surgery, ear piercing, lacerations, abrasions, tattooing, vaccinations, injections, insect bites, burns, acne, chicken pox, folliculitis/ingrown hairs, and shingles. Their appearance is of a raised, often red/purple coloured scar that can have a firm consistency. The difference between keloid and hypertrophic scars is difficult to determine at times. Keloid scars tend to extend from the boundary of the original wound and do not regress, whereas hypertrophic scars tend to not extend from the original would and regress over time. Table: Differences between keloid and hype
