Hypertrophic scars, raised areas of tissue with excess collagen, can form when wounds heal with collagen fibers forming in various directions. They are more likely to form in areas where the skin is tight or has more muscle tissue. Keeping wounds clean and protected is the best way to reduce the risk of hypertrophic scarring. Treatment should be sought as soon as a raised area develops. Hypertrophic scars are different from keloids, as they are often smaller and lighter in color and usually not painful.
A hypertrophic scar is a raised area of tissue with excess collagen that forms when a wound heals with collagen fibers forming in various directions rather than parallel to the skin’s surface. They are more likely to form in areas where the skin is particularly tight or where there is more muscle tissue, such as the upper back, chest and back of the shoulders. Asians, Hispanics, and blacks are more likely to develop these scars than Caucasians, although they occur in people of all races and ethnic backgrounds.
Wounds resulting from piercings and other forms of body modification often result in hypertrophic scars, although they usually become much smaller or heal completely if the jewelry is removed or replaced with something lighter and less irritating. Almost any type of wound can result in this type of scar, particularly if there is a problem with the healing process. A wound that becomes infected or reopens can form this type of scar due to the breakdown of collagen fibers.
Keeping wounds clean and protected is the best way to reduce the risk of hypertrophic scarring. Small foreign objects or bacteria that enter a wound could cause infection or further trauma to the area, disrupting the body’s natural healing process. It’s also important to follow your doctor’s instructions for wound care. Wounds that heal slowly are more prone to scarring and other forms of abnormal scarring.
Although some scars appear immediately after a wound has healed, some raised scars do not develop until several weeks or months after healing. They can form gradually until they reach their full size. Treatment for this type of scar should be sought as soon as the person notices a raised area developing because treatment is much more likely to be successful if discovered early. This type of scar should never be incised, trimmed, or cut. While it may look like a pus-filled lesion, it is much more rigid and is filled with collagen and, in some cases, nerves.
Some people use the terms “hypertrophic scar” and “keloid” interchangeably, but the two conditions are slightly different. Hypertrophic scars are often smaller and lighter in color than keloids. Keloids are also painful for many people, whereas hypertrophic scars usually aren’t. However, these scars may be slightly painful and may also itch, develop a mild burning sensation, or be overly sensitive to touch.
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