Scars are a natural part of the healing process after an injury or surgery. While most scars fade over time, certain types of scars, such as keloids and hypertrophic scars, can be more persistent and cause cosmetic and functional concerns. In this blog post, we will delve into the differences between keloids and hypertrophic scars, helping you distinguish between the two and understand their characteristics, causes and treatment options.
Keloids
Keloids are an exaggerated response to skin injury, characterized by an overgrowth of scar tissue that extends beyond the original wound site. They appear as raised, thickened, and irregularly shaped scars. Keloids do not go away on their own.
Characteristics
Keloids are often darker than the surrounding skin and may also be a red or purple color. They tend to be firm to the touch, have a smooth and shiny surface and are often larger than the original wound. Keloids may also continue to grow over time and can become itchy, painful, tender or infected.
Causes
Keloids can develop in individuals with a genetic predisposition, and they are more common in people with darker skin tones. They can arise from various types of injuries, including surgical incisions, burns, acne, piercings, tattoos, ingrown hairs or even minor cuts.
Location
Keloids commonly occur on the upper chest, shoulders, earlobes and back, but they can develop anywhere on the body.
Hypertrophic Scars
Hypertrophic scars are raised scars that remain within the boundaries of the original wound site. Unlike keloids, they do not extend beyond the initial injury area.
Characteristics
Hypertrophic scars are raised and thickened, but they typically have a more defined shape compared to keloids. They may appear red or pink and gradually fade over time.
Causes
Hypertrophic scars can result from any injury that damages the deeper layers of the skin, such as surgical incisions, burns, traumatic wounds or certain skin conditions.
Location
Hypertrophic scars commonly occur on areas with high tension, such as the chest, shoulders, and joints, but they can develop on any part of the body.
Distinguishing Between Keloids and Hypertrophic Scars
- Size: Keloids are generally larger than the original wound, while hypertrophic scars remain within the boundaries of the injury.
- Growth Pattern: Keloids tend to expand beyond the wound site over time, while hypertrophic scars tend to remain localized.
- Symptoms: Keloids are more likely to cause symptoms such as itching, pain and tenderness, whereas hypertrophic scars are usually less symptomatic.
Treatment Options
Receiving prompt treatment for both keloids and hypertrophic scars can yield significant benefits. Early intervention is particularly important as it can prevent keloids from worsening and expand the range of available therapeutic options. There are various approaches to treating both keloids and hypertrophic scars, including the following:
- Minimizing Sun Exposure: Sun exposure can exacerbate the appearance and symptoms of keloids and hypertrophic scars because of UV radiation. To mitigate these effects, it is important to take steps to avoid excessive sun exposure. This can be achieved by applying sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or higher to the affected area and wearing protective clothing, such as a hat, long sleeves or other garments that shield the scars from direct sunlight. By practicing sun protection measures, you can help improve the appearance and alleviate symptoms associated with keloids and hypertrophic scars.
- Silicone Sheets or Gel: These products can be applied to the scar to help flatten and soften its appearance.
- Steroids: Corticosteroids injected directly into the scar or applied topically can help reduce inflammation, relieve itching, pain and flatten the scar tissue.
- Pressure Therapy: Applying pressure through bandages, massage or compression garments can help flatten and reduce the size of scars.
- Surgical Excision: Surgical removal of the scar tissue may be considered for certain keloids or hypertrophic scars, especially when combined with other treatments like steroid injections or pressure therapy.
- Laser Therapy: Laser treatments can be effective in reducing redness, flattening scars and improving their overall appearance. In general, laser treatments work better for hypertrophic scars.
Exploring Keloid Treatment Options
It is important to note that there are additional treatment options available for keloids. These options may vary depending on factors such as the size, location and appearance of the keloid. However, as the scope of this particular blog post is limited, we will delve deeper into these treatment options in subsequent posts. Stay tuned for more detailed discussions on the various approaches to keloid treatment, enabling you to make informed decisions about managing this condition effectively.
Conclusion
Keloids and hypertrophic scars are two distinct types of raised scars that can result from skin injuries. While keloids extend beyond the boundaries of the original wound and have a more unpredictable growth pattern, hypertrophic scars remain within the injury site. Moreover, keloids are typically more symptomatic and don’t resolve without treatment. Understanding the differences between these scar types is crucial in determining the appropriate treatment approach. If you have concerns about your scars, please contact a medical provider with expertise in treating these conditions.
Contact Keloid Academy for more information.