What Causes Hypertrophic Scars?

Hypertrophic scars are a type of raised scars that form during the natural healing process following skin injury or trauma. Unlike keloid scars that extend beyond the original wound boundaries, hypertrophic scars stay within the initial injury site. Understanding the causes behind their formation sheds light on why some individuals are more prone to developing these scars.

Risk Factors for Hypertrophic Scarring

Hypertrophic scars result from an overproduction of collagen, a structural protein crucial for wound healing. An imbalance in collagen synthesis and breakdown during the healing process leads to an accumulation of collagen fibers, causing the scar tissue to become raised and thickened. Contributing factors include:

• Genetic Predisposition: Genetic factors play a role in an individual’s susceptibility to developing hypertrophic scars. Some people have a genetic predisposition that makes their skin more prone to excessive scarring.
• Type and Severity of Injury: Hypertrophic scars often develop in response to traumatic injuries such as burns, surgical incisions, deep cuts, or severe acne. The greater the severity of the injury, the higher the likelihood of developing hypertrophic scarring.
• Wound Tension and Movement: Areas of the body subject to tension or constant movement, such as the chest, shoulders, earlobes, or knees, are more prone to hypertrophic scarring. Increased mechanical stress on the healing wound can contribute to abnormal scar formation.
• Prolonged Inflammatory Response: An extended inflammatory phase during the healing process can lead to hypertrophic scar formation. Excessive inflammation triggers the body to produce more collagen than necessary, resulting in raised scar tissue.
• Delayed Healing or Infection: Wounds that take longer to heal or become infected have a higher chance of developing hypertrophic scars. Slow healing or complications during the healing process can disrupt the normal scar formation, leading to abnormal scarring.
• Age Influence: Children and young individuals tend to have a higher predisposition to developing hypertrophic scars. Scar formation in younger individuals might be more exaggerated due to their developing skin structures.
• Ethnicity: Certain ethnicities, such as individuals with darker skin tones, are more prone to hypertrophic scarring compared to others. Skin pigmentation and genetic factors contribute to varying responses to injury and subsequent scar formation.

Understanding the causes of hypertrophic scars is crucial for both treatment and prevention. Treating wounds promptly and employing proper wound care techniques can help minimize the risk of hypertrophic scar formation.

Those at higher risk of hypertrophic scars should consider preventive measures during wound healing. Preventive treatments can include pressure therapy and silicone gel sheets. These interventions can help manage and prevent hypertrophic scars by applying pressure to the healing wound and improving scar appearance.

For existing hypertrophic scar removal, medical interventions like steroid injections or laser treatments can help reduce the appearance and size of hypertrophic scars. In some cases, surgical procedures might be considered to revise or remove hypertrophic scars.

While hypertrophic scars do not pose significant health risks, they can cause discomfort, itchiness or self-esteem issues. Consulting a medical professional for guidance on managing and treating hypertrophic scars is essential for determining the most suitable approach based on individual factors and scar characteristics. If you have a hypertrophic scar and want to explore treatment options, contact our medical team at the International Keloid & Scar Treatment Center. Call our clinic in Orlando, FL, to schedule your scar removal consultation.