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The body has a natural way of healing any open wounds. Skin cells and fibroblasts begin proliferating to repair the damage. The fibroblasts create a network where the skin cells settle and close the open wound.

Usually both fibroblasts and skin cells are produced at the same rate, and the result is a normal scar that fades with time. But, if the fibroblasts are created at a faster rate that the skin cells, they will form a thick cluster that keep the skin cells from reaching the surface. This unusual process forms a raised scar also known as a keloid or hypertrophic scar.

What makes these types of scars different? The following text will take a look a the main differences between these two types of scars as well as the hypertrophic and keloid scar treatment

Keloid Scars

Keloid scars are types of scars that grow beyond the area of the original wound. They are a puckered, itchy cluster of scar tissue that rises above the rest of the skin. This type of raised scars are irregular in shape and, unlike other types of scars, they usually do not fade with time, but grow larger.

They can be pink or red and can become rather large and unsightly. They can also be tender to the touch, itchy and sometimes painful. On a histological level, keloids are composed of thick and abundant collagen bundles that form lumps deep within the scar.

Hypertrophic Scars

Hypertrophic scars are caused because the body overproduces collagen. The result of this anomaly is a raised scar like a keloid scar. However, hypertrophic scars are limited to the site of the original wound unlike keloid scars.

Treating Hypertrophic and Keloid Scars

There are several treatments for raised scars. However, we will focus on two alternatives: compression therapy and corticosteroid injections

Compression therapy has to do with applying pressure directly to the scarred area. Scientific tests have shown that the pressure applied to the scar reduces the cohesivemess of collagen fibers and deters the formation of hypertrophic scars. ACE bandages, elastic adhesive bandages, compression wraps, spandex or Lycra bandages are all used for compression treatments.

Corticosteroids, specifically intralesional corticosteroid injections, have been a constant form of treatment to aid hypertrophic scar healing. These injections help reduce excessive scarring by deterring collagen synthesis, by altering glucosaminoglycan synthesis and by inhibiting the production of fibroblast proliferation during wound healing.

Raised scars can also be treated with surgery, cryo treatments and laser therapy. Consult with your dermatologist to see which treatment is the best for you.