Scars are a natural part of the body’s healing process after an injury. Whether you’ve had surgery, an accident, or even a piercing, scars can form as the skin repairs itself. However, not all scars are the same. Some people may develop more prominent scars than others, and in some cases, scars can become raised and thick. Two common types of raised scars are keloid scars and hypertrophic scars. Although they may look similar, they have distinct characteristics and behaviors. Understanding the difference between keloid scars and hypertrophic scars is crucial, especially if you’re seeking keloid scar treatment or hypertrophic scar treatment.
What Are Keloid Scars
Keloid scars form when the skin heals aggressively after an injury, growing beyond the boundary of the original wound. In simpler terms, keloids are an overreaction of the skin’s healing process. Instead of stopping when the wound is repaired, the skin continues to produce collagen, which leads to raised, thick, and sometimes large scars that extend into surrounding areas of the skin.
Keloids often have a smooth, shiny appearance and can range in color from pink to dark brown, depending on your skin tone. They may also feel hard and rubbery to the touch. One of the most frustrating aspects of keloids is their tendency to grow over time, even months or years after the initial injury has healed.
Common areas where keloids form include the chest, shoulders, earlobes (often from piercings), and upper arms, but they can develop anywhere on the body. People with darker skin tones tend to be more prone to developing keloid scars, although anyone can develop them.
What Are Hypertrophic Scars
Hypertrophic scars are also raised, thick scars, but unlike keloids, they stay confined to the boundaries of the original wound. This means they don’t spread into the surrounding skin like keloids do. These scars result from an overproduction of collagen during the healing process, much like keloids, but they are generally less aggressive in their growth.
Hypertrophic scars usually appear red or pink, especially in lighter skin tones, and may darken over time. They can feel firm and elevated, but they often improve and flatten naturally as time passes, especially with proper care.
These scars are commonly seen after surgeries, burns, or other significant skin injuries. Hypertrophic scars are most often found on areas of the body where tension on the skin is higher, such as the chest, shoulders, and joints.
Key Differences Between Keloid Scars and Hypertrophic Scars
1. Growth Beyond the Wound
- Keloid Scars: These scars continue to grow beyond the original wound, often invading surrounding healthy skin. They may expand and worsen over time.
- Hypertrophic Scars: These scars are limited to the boundaries of the original wound and do not spread into the surrounding skin.
2. Appearance
- Keloid Scars: Keloids tend to be larger and can become quite prominent, often shiny, and raised above the skin. They may vary in color and often have a smooth texture.
- Hypertrophic Scars: These scars are also raised but are generally more contained and may flatten over time. They usually appear red or pink but can darken over time.
3. Healing Over Time
- Keloid Scars: Keloids do not typically improve with time. In fact, they can worsen or grow larger if left untreated.
- Hypertrophic Scars: These scars often improve naturally and may flatten and fade with time, although they can take months or even years to fully heal.
4. Treatment Response
- Keloid Scars: Keloid scars can be particularly challenging to treat. Even after treatment, they have a high likelihood of recurrence. Keloid scar treatment options may include corticosteroid injections, laser therapy, surgery, or cryotherapy. However, there’s no guaranteed solution, and preventing recurrence is difficult.
- Hypertrophic Scars: These scars generally respond well to treatments such as silicone sheets, pressure therapy, or steroid injections. Hypertrophic scars are much less likely to recur once treated.
5. Who Is More Prone?
- Keloid Scars: People with darker skin tones, particularly those of African, Asian, and Latin descent, are more likely to develop keloid scars. Genetics also play a significant role, and individuals with a family history of keloids are at higher risk.
- Hypertrophic Scars: While anyone can develop hypertrophic scars, they are not as closely linked to genetics or skin tone. However, they are more likely to occur in areas where there is more skin tension or after significant trauma to the skin.
Treatment Options for Keloid and Hypertrophic Scars
If you have a keloid or hypertrophic scar, you may be considering your treatment options. While there are some over-the-counter remedies like scar creams and silicone sheets, more severe scars may require professional intervention.
Keloid Scar Treatment
Keloid treatment can be complex due to the nature of keloids and their tendency to return after treatment. Common methods include:
- Corticosteroid Injections: These are injected directly into the keloid to help reduce inflammation and flatten the scar. Multiple treatments may be necessary.
- Cryotherapy: Freezing the keloid can sometimes reduce its size, particularly if it is a smaller keloid.
- Laser Therapy: Lasers can reduce the size and appearance of keloids but may not entirely remove them.
- Surgery: In some cases, surgical removal of the keloid is an option, but it often requires follow-up treatments to prevent recurrence.
- Radiation Therapy: In some cases, radiation can be used after surgery to reduce the risk of the keloid returning.
Hypertrophic Scar Treatment
Hypertrophic scars are often easier to treat and may improve on their own. Treatment options include:
- Silicone Sheets: Applying silicone sheets can help flatten and soften hypertrophic scars over time.
- Steroid Injections: Like with keloids, corticosteroid injections can reduce the size and appearance of hypertrophic scars.
- Pressure Therapy: Pressure garments or bandages can help prevent hypertrophic scars from growing and help them flatten more quickly.
- Laser Therapy: Similar to keloid treatment, laser therapy can reduce the redness and thickness of hypertrophic scars.
When to Seek Professional Help
If you’re struggling with a keloid or hypertrophic scar, it’s essential to seek professional guidance. In some cases, early intervention can prevent the scar from worsening. Understanding the type of scar you have will also help in determining the best course of action.
For those in Hyderabad, Smart Surgeons offer advanced scar and keloid treatment options tailored to individual needs. Whether you’re dealing with a stubborn keloid or a hypertrophic scar that’s affecting your confidence, Smart Surgeons can provide effective solutions. Their team specializes in the latest techniques to help reduce the appearance of scars and improve skin health.
Whether you’re looking for keloid scar treatment or comprehensive keloid treatment in Hyderabad, reaching out to a specialized professional can be the first step towards better skin.
