What is the difference between a keloid and a hypertrophic scar?
After the skin is injured, the healing process usually leaves a flat scar. Sometimes the scar is thickened, or hypertrophic, but is confined to the margin of the trauma area. Unlike Keloids, Hypertrophic scars often subside by themselves (a process which can take one year or more). Treatment such as injections of cortisone can accelerate this process. Keloids, by contrast, may start some time after the injury and extend beyond the injury site. This tendency to migrate into surrounding areas outside of the injured area distinguishes keloids from hypertrophic scars. WHAT ARE THE BEST METHODS OF TREATMENT? CAN I EXPECT IT TO RECUR AND WHY? Excision followed by radiation therapy has been proven to be the most effective treatment. Surgical excision alone has resulted in documented recurrence rates of 50 to 80%. Postexcisional radiation therapy for keloids has been shown to reduce the recurrence rate to 20%. It is suggested that irradiation be initiated within 24 hours of the excision. WHAT
