Keloids and hypertrophic scars

Keloids and hypertrophic scars Treatment

Keloids:

Keloids are distinguished by excess scar tissue that extends past the original wound, typically feeling firm, raised, and potentially shiny or smooth. They may be itchy, tender, or painful, and can enlarge over time, often following surgery, trauma, acne, piercings, or other skin damage. While anyone can get keloids, they are more common in individuals with darker skin tones and a family history of keloid formation. Treatment options include corticosteroid injections, surgical removal, cryotherapy, laser therapy, silicone gel or sheeting, and radiation therapy, but keloids have a high chance of recurrence post-treatment.

Hypertrophic Scars:

Hypertrophic scars are elevated, red or pink scars that stay within the borders of the original wound. They are often thick and may feel firm or raised above the nearby skin. Unlike keloids, hypertrophic scars typically get better over time and may flatten and fade without treatment. They often appear after burns, cuts, surgical incisions, or severe acne and are more likely in areas of high tension or movement, like the shoulders, chest, or earlobes. Treatment options include silicone gel or sheeting, corticosteroid injections, compression therapy, laser therapy, and surgical revision.