Hypertrophic scar

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Hypertrophic scar
File:Hypertrophic scar -4 months after incident- 2013-04-05 00-46.jpg Hypertrophic scar on the skin
Synonyms
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Raised, red, and rigid scar
Complications	Contracture, pruritus
Onset	After skin injury
Duration	Can be permanent
Types	N/A
Causes	Excessive collagen production during wound healing
Risks	Genetic predisposition, skin tension, infection
Diagnosis	Clinical evaluation
Differential diagnosis	Keloid, normal scar
Prevention	Proper wound care, silicone gel sheets
Treatment	Corticosteroid injections, laser therapy, surgery
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	Generally good with treatment
Frequency	Common
Deaths	N/A

Hypertrophic Scar

A Hypertrophic Scar is a type of scar that forms on the skin as a result of excessive collagen deposition during the wound healing process. Unlike some other scar types, a hypertrophic scar is elevated but does not extend beyond the original boundaries of the wound. Over time, these scars may stabilize or even regress spontaneously, but they often leave a permanent mark.

File:Hypertrophic scar of smallpox vaccination.jpg

Hypertrophic scar on the skin

Characteristics

• Elevated: These scars are raised above the level of the surrounding skin.
• Confined to Wound Area: They do not grow beyond the original wound boundaries, distinguishing them from keloid scars.
• Color: They are often red or darker than the surrounding skin.

Formation

• Occurs during the wound healing process.
• Triggered by excessive collagen production by the body in response to injury.

Differentiation from Other Scar Types

• Keloid Scars: Unlike keloids, hypertrophic scars do not extend beyond the wound's original borders.
• Atrophic Scars: Atrophic scars are indentations in the skin, whereas hypertrophic scars are raised.

Risk Factors

• Genetic predisposition
• Location and nature of the wound
• Infection or other complications during the healing process

Management and Treatment

• Treatment options include silicone gel sheets, corticosteroid injections, laser therapy, and surgical removal.
• Early intervention can minimize the scar's development.

Implications and Concerns

• Aesthetic and psychological impact, particularly for scars in visible areas.
• Potential for restricted movement if located near a joint.

See Also

• Scar
• Wound Healing
• Dermatology

External Links

• American Academy of Dermatology: Scars Treatment
• National Center for Biotechnology Information: Scar Formation

References

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