Keloids and hypertrophic scars are two scar types that can develop at the trauma site following surgery or injury. Both scar types are marked by their raised, discolored appearance that can cause physical and emotional discomfort for the person affected. Not everyone who sustains a wound will develop a keloid or hypertrophic scar, but if you have a family history with these types of scars, you may be susceptible. However, if you are prone to excessive and abnormal scarring, you can rest easy knowing there are products that can help diminish even the most unsightly scar.

Continue reading to learn more about keloids and hypertrophic scars and what you can do to safely and effectively prevent them.

What are keloids?

When the skin undergoes trauma from surgery or injury, it responds by initiating a dynamic and complex wound-healing response. Certain stages in the wound healing process are characterized by the synthesis of new fibrous and connective materials to rebuild the damaged tissue. If the wound penetrated deep enough (at least as far as the dermis), then the formation of scar tissue will result. In the case of keloids, scar tissue grows uncontrollably and develops into smooth, lumpy growths at the wound site. Keloids are different from other scars in that the scar tissue grows past the initial boundaries of the wound, meaning they’re larger than the wound itself. Keloids seem to be linked to genetics as they mostly affect people with darker skin pigmentations.

While keloids are mostly a cosmetic concern, they can become physically uncomfortable for some patients. Keloids tend to feel tighter than normal skin tissue and can cause itchiness and pain when located on a part of the body that undergoes friction from clothing or repetitive motion. Keloids often differ in color from the surrounding skin, ranging from pink to purple and brown. In severe cases, keloids may need to be surgically removed to improve the patient’s quality of life.

Hypertrophic scars are much more common than keloids and affect all populations equally. Similar to keloids, hypertrophic scars develop in response to an excess buildup of collagen and other structural materials that occurs as part of an abnormal wound healing process. Hypertrophic scars are raised and discolored like keloids but they don’t grow past the initial wound site. People may develop hypertrophic scars for a number of reasons including infection, inflammation, and improper wound care. Hypertrophic scars can be the result of anything from open heart surgery to piercings and acne scarring. Patients want to avoid these scar types because, like keloids, they can be cosmetically unappealing and itchy.

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