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What is a Hypertrophic Scar?

Hypertrophic scars occur when there is an overgrowth of fibrous tissue at the site of an injury. After the wound is repaired, the tissue continues to build up and becomes an elevated scar. Hypertrophic scars can affect anyone, but they are especially common in people with dark skin tones because dark skin is less likely to heal properly after an injury, according to the American Academy of Dermatology.

  1. Features

    • Hypertrophic scars may appear red and thick, and they generally develop within a few weeks of an injury, according to the University of Chicago Medical Center. They may be uncomfortable or itchy. The scarring stays within the confines of the original injury.

    Significance

    • Hypertrophic scars are usually only considered a cosmetic problem. When the scarring occurs after a major injury, such as a large burn, hypertrophic scars can make movement difficult. The scars can sometimes be difficult to eradicate, and they may recur after treatment.

    Treatment

    • Hypertrophic scars may become less noticeable without treatment, but it can take a year or more to see improvement. Cortisone injections at the site of the scar can improve the look of the skin, according to the American Osteopathic College of Dermatology. Surgical removal may be an option in some cases. Over-the-counter silicone pads and creams may also be helpful.

    Considerations

    • The terms hypertrophic scar and keloid are often used interchangeably, but there are differences. Keloids occur when scar tissue continues to grow and spread outside the area of the initial injury; hypertrophic scars do not grow as excessively and only affect the injured area, according to the University of Chicago Medical Center. Hypertrophic scars are more common than keloids, and they are not as difficult to treat.

    Warning

    • Hypertrophic scars are not dangerous, but see your doctor to rule out more serious problems, such as skin cancer, if you are not certain that your skin lesion is a scar. Complete removal is not possible with any scar, according to the University of Pennsylvania Health System, so be wary of products promising to completely heal scars quickly.

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