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Keloid and hypertrophic scars: causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment
Last reviewed: 07.07.2025
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Keloid and hypertrophic scars result from excess tissue formation at the site of skin damage.
The causes of keloid and hypertrophic scars are unknown. Scars usually appear at the site of skin damage - after surgery, cryo- or electrodestruction, at the site of wounds, abrasions, common acne. They can also appear spontaneously, usually in the anterior chest area.
Symptoms of keloid and hypertrophic scars. The rash elements can be in the form of papules, nodes, large tumor-like bumpy formations. The color of the elements is red, pink or normal skin and depends on the duration of the process. The shape of the elements is linear, and in hypertrophic scars - dome-shaped. When palpated, a smooth surface and a dense or hard consistency of the elements are determined. Usually, the skin-pathological process is located on the skin of the earlobes, shoulders, chest and upper back.
Differential diagnosis: Keloids should be distinguished from dermatofibroma, dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans, and foreign body granuloma.
Histopathology: Young dense connective tissue consisting of bundles of collagen fibers and fibroblasts is determined.
Treatment of keloid and hypertrophic scars. Cryotherapy, excision, and injection of corticosteroids into the lesion are used.
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