Differbetween
Hypertrophic and keloid scars are two types of raised, abnormal scars. Hypertrophic scars grow within the borders of the original wound and eventually grow smaller, but keloids grow beyond the original wound borders, do not grow smaller on their own, and are difficult to treat.
- Is a hypertrophic scar a keloid?
- What does hypertrophic scar look like?
- Can hypertrophic scars be removed completely?
- How can you tell the difference between a bump and a keloid?
- What's inside a keloid scar?
- Are hypertrophic scars permanent?
- How long does it take for a scar to flatten?
- How do you treat a raised scar?
- How can I flatten my scars naturally?
- Can a raised scar be flattened?
- Does bio oil work on hypertrophic scars?
- Can massaging a scar make it worse?
Is a hypertrophic scar a keloid?
Hypertrophic scars are similar to keloid scars but tend to be milder and don't grow beyond the boundaries of the original skin injury. The scars aren't dangerous or life-threatening. They can be itchy and painful, but more often are simply a cosmetic issue.
What does hypertrophic scar look like?
Hypertrophic scars occur when there is a lot of tension around a healing wound. These scars are thick and raised, and often red in color. They may remain like this for several years. Hypertrophic scars are the result of an imbalance in collagen at the site of the wound.
Can hypertrophic scars be removed completely?
Keloids and Hypertrophic Scars Can Now Be Treated Completely by Multimodal Therapy, Including Surgery, Followed by Radiation and Corticosteroid Tape/Plaster.
How can you tell the difference between a bump and a keloid?
These changes are not always a cause for concern. For example, piercing bumps are harmless and may go away over time. However, keloid scars can continue to get bigger.
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How to tell the difference.
| Piercing bump | Keloid | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Varies, but after forming, it does not grow bigger | May start small and grow bigger over weeks, months, or years |
What's inside a keloid scar?
A scar is made up of 'connective tissue', gristle-like fibers deposited in the skin by the fibroblasts to hold the wound closed. With keloids, the fibroblasts continue to multiply even after the wound is filled in. Thus keloids project above the surface of the skin and form large mounds of scar tissue.
Are hypertrophic scars permanent?
Generally, hypertrophic scars don't cause complications. They usually fade and flatten over time, even without treatment. Keloid scars are different. They can grow and feel uncomfortable.
How long does it take for a scar to flatten?
Over the following six to eight weeks, the skin heals and the new, smaller scar begins to flatten and fade to match the surrounding skin. Complete healing can take as long as a year. During this time, surgeons schedule additional follow-up appointments as needed to monitor how the scar is healing.
How do you treat a raised scar?
Treatments include the following:
- Corticosteroid shots. The medicine in these shots helps shrink the scar.
- Freezing the scar. Called cryotherapy, this can be used to reduce the hardness and size of the keloid. ...
- Wearing silicone sheets or gel over the scar. ...
- Laser therapy. ...
- Surgical removal. ...
- Pressure treatment.
How can I flatten my scars naturally?
Home remedies
- Silicone sheets and gel. Share on Pinterest Applying silicone sheets or gel to the skin may help to improve the appearance of a scar. ...
- Onion extract to remove scars. One of the most well-known natural remedies for scar treatment is onion extract. ...
- Chemical exfoliators. ...
- Sun protection.
Can a raised scar be flattened?
A course of steroid injections into a scar may help flatten it. Injections may help to soften the appearance of keloid or hypertrophic scars.
Does bio oil work on hypertrophic scars?
Bio-Oil works best on scars that are less than three years old, according to the product website. The oil is most effective when used on non-keloid scars . Keloid scars or hypertrophic scars may require a more potent treatment than Bio-Oil. Animal studies show that lavender oil also has wound-healing properties.
Can massaging a scar make it worse?
As the scar matures you can increase the pressure of the massage to help soften scars. Your therapist will guide you in this process as massaging too firmly initially can make scarring worse. As discussed previously the new skin which has formed following the injury lacks the moisture needed.
