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Hypertrophic Scars and Keloids

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Abstract

The development of hypertrophic scars (HS) and keloids are two dreaded complications of cutaneous surgery. Keloids, though medically benign, are often psychologically and socially problematic. Hypertrophic scars are elevated, thickened, and are often red, pruritic, or painful. Hypertrophic scars usually stay within the confines of the precipitating trauma, while keloids invade surrounding clinically normal skin. Keloids may also be pruritic and painful. Hypertrophic scars usually develop rapidly after cutaneous trauma, whereas keloids develop slowly but continue to enlarge for months to years. In most instances, HS regress with therapy in contrast to keloids, which often recur during therapy or when therapy is discontinued. The differences and similarities of keloids and HS are listed in Table 8-1.

Keloids compared to hypertrophic scars.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Internal Medicine, King/Drew Medical Center, Division of Dermatology, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, CA, USA

    A. Paul Kelly MD (Professor and Chief)

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  1. A. Paul Kelly MD
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Dermatology, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA

    Hugh M. Gloster Jr. MD (Associate Professor and Director of Dermatologic Surgery) (Associate Professor and Director of Dermatologic Surgery)

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Kelly, A.P. (2008). Hypertrophic Scars and Keloids. In: Gloster, H.M. (eds) Complications in Cutaneous Surgery. Springer, New York, NY. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-73152-0_8

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-0-387-73152-0_8

  • Publisher Name: Springer, New York, NY

  • Print ISBN: 978-0-387-73151-3

  • Online ISBN: 978-0-387-73152-0

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