Description: Keloids are raised scars that grow beyond the boundaries of the original wound. They can be firm, rubbery, and reddish-purple in color.
Causes: Keloids form when the body produces excessive collagen in response to an injury, such as a surgical scar, acne scar, or piercing.
Characteristics: They can be itchy, painful, and may continue to grow over time.
Treatment: Options include corticosteroid injections, silicone gel sheets, cryotherapy, laser therapy, and surgical removal (though recurrence is possible).
Hypertrophic Scars:
Description: Hypertrophic scars are raised and red scars that remain within the boundaries of the original wound.
Causes: Similar to keloids, they result from an overproduction of collagen during the healing process.
Characteristics: Hypertrophic scars are usually raised and can be itchy or painful.
Treatment: Treatment options include silicone gel sheets, corticosteroid injections, pressure dressings, and laser therapy.
Atrophic Scars:
Description: Atrophic scars are indented scars that develop when the skin is unable to regenerate tissue properly after an injury.
Causes: Common causes include acne, chickenpox, surgery, or trauma.
Characteristics: They appear as depressions or indentations in the skin.
Treatment: Treatments may include dermal fillers, laser therapy, microneedling, chemical peels, or surgical procedures.
Scar Management:
Prevention: Proper wound care and minimizing tension on the wound during healing can help prevent abnormal scar formation.
Treatment: Depending on the type and severity of the scar, treatments may include topical treatments, injections, laser therapy, or surgical revision.
