Keloid Hypertrophic Scar
Keloids and hypertrophic scars represent an exuberant healing response
Keloids
Keloids are raised, reddish nodules that develop at the site of an injury. After a wound has occurred to the skin both skin cells and connective tissue cells (fibroblasts) begin multiplying to repair the damage. Keloids may form on any part of the body, although the upper chest, shoulders and upper back are especially prone. Symptoms include pigmentation of the skin, itchiness, redness, unusual sensations and pain.
It is estimated that keloids occur in about 10% of people.
Hypertrophic scar
A hypertrophic scar looks similar to a keloid. Hypertrophic scars are also raised, but they are rarely elevated more than 4 mm above the skin. They may be red or pink in appearance. The most important difference between a keloid and a hypertrophic scar is that hypertrophic scars do not grow past the original boundaries of the skin injury.