Keloid Scars vs. Hypertrophic Scars: What’s the Difference?

Keloid scars and hypertrophic scars are both types of raised scars that form as a result of excessive collagen production during the wound healing process. However, they have distinct differences:

1. Growth Beyond the Wound Area Keloid Scars: These scars extend beyond the original wound or injury site. They often grow larger than the wound itself, invading surrounding healthy skin

Hypertrophic Scars: These scars remain confined to the boundaries of the original wound. They are raised but do not spread beyond the injury site.

2. Appearance Keloid Scars: Keloids are typically thick, raised, and have a smooth, shiny surface. They can vary in color, ranging from pink to red to dark brown, depending on the individual's skin tone. 

Hypertrophic Scars: These scars are also raised and thick but tend to be less pronounced than keloids. They are usually pink or red and may fade slightly over time.

3. Tendency to Recur Keloid Scars: Keloids are more likely to recur after treatment. Even after surgical removal or other interventions, they can grow back, sometimes even larger than before.

Hypertrophic Scars: These scars are less likely to recur after treatment. They may flatten and fade over time, especially with appropriate treatment.

4. Itching and Pain Keloid Scars: Keloids often cause discomfort, including itching, pain, and tenderness. The symptoms can be persistent and bothersome. 

Hypertrophic Scars: While hypertrophic scars may also cause itching or discomfort, these symptoms are usually less severe and tend to improve as the scar matures.

5. Common Locations Keloid Scars: Keloids are more likely to develop on areas with high skin tension or where the skin is frequently under stress, such as the chest, shoulders, earlobes, and upper back. They can also occur in areas prone to injury, such as piercings, surgery sites, or acne scars.

Hypertrophic Scars: These scars can develop anywhere on the body but are most common on areas with high movement, such as joints, where the skin is thicker, or on areas with significant tension, like the shoulders and chest.

6. Treatment Approaches Keloid Scars: Treatment options include corticosteroid injections, silicone sheets, pressure therapy, cryotherapy, laser treatment, and in some cases, surgical removal. However, keloids are resistant to treatment and can recur.

Hypertrophic Scars: Treatments include corticosteroid injections, silicone sheets, pressure therapy, and laser treatments. Hypertrophic scars typically respond better to treatment than keloids and are less likely to recur after treatment.

7. Risk Factors Keloid Scars: Keloids are more common in people with darker skin tones, particularly those of African, Asian, or Hispanic descent. There is also a genetic predisposition, meaning if someone in the family has keloids, others may be more likely to develop them.

Hypertrophic Scars: These scars can occur in anyone, regardless of skin color, and are more related to the wound healing environment than genetics. Understanding the differences between keloid and hypertrophic scars is crucial for choosing the appropriate treatment and managing expectations for healing and scar resolution. 

Keloid Kare works on Keloids, and not hypertrophic scars. Consult a professional to determine whether or not you have a keloid before using Keloid Kare for your treatment.