Hypertrophic Scars: Causes & Scar Reduction Options
Health Articles > Scars Articles > Hypertrophic Scars
Key Takeaways
A hypertrophic scar is a raised thick scar that forms after deep dermal injury like surgery, burns, or severe trauma to the skin. These scars are considered an abnormal response to wound healing; however, they are very common after the skin experiences any deep injuries.
Hypertrophic scars are red, pink, or darker than the surrounding skin. They often fade gradually over time, but there are several care options out there to help support the skin during this process.
Scars need products that help soothe the skin and maintain hydration. H-Scars Formula is a safe and natural option that includes ingredients that have been carefully selected to promote the appearance of healthy-looking skin.
In this post:
What Is a Hypertrophic Scar?
Hypertrophic scars are thick, raised scars, either red or pink in color, that form when the body produces too much collagen after a skin injury. The collagen produced is thick and not as flexible as other skin cells, often causing the skin to become raised. Unlike keloids, hypertrophic scars tend to stay within the boundaries of the wound.
Hypertrophic Scar vs. Keloid Scar vs. Normal Scar
The difference between hypertrophic, keloid and general scars has to do with how deep the wound is, where it is on the body, and how the skin repairs itself afterwards.
With hypertrophic and keloid scars, the skin behaves differently from a normal scar. The collagen production in keloids is much higher than in hypertrophic and normal scars. The scar tissue goes into overdrive, leading it to spread beyond the wound.
| Normal Scar | Hypertrophic Scar | Keloid | |
| Where it grows | Stays within the wound | Stays within the wound | Spreads outside of the wound into healthy skin |
| Appearance | Flat, white, soft with time | Raised, red, or pink | Raised, red, might be large and irregular |
| Itchy | No | Yes | Could be, depends |
| Fades on its own | Yes | Partially | No |
| Comes back after removal | No | Not common | Has the potential to come back |
| Causes | Any injury to the skin | Deep injuries like burns or surgery | Can be from deep or minor injuries |
What Causes Hypertrophic Scars and Are There Any Risk Factors?
We have areas of our skin that are considered ‘taut’ - but what does that mean? It means that our skin is stretched and firm. These areas include our backs, chests, shoulders and upper arms. Hypertrophic scars are most common in these areas, although you can get them on any area of the body because the formation of these scars comes down to how the skin behaves and not a specific area on your body.
Hypertrophic scars are caused by an overproduction of collagen in the wound, as well as the body producing too much scar tissue, which it cannot break down fast enough. However, this process can be triggered in different ways:
- Any deep dermal injury
- Burns are a big one, as the healing process for this is prolonged due to inflammation and possible infection
- Having acne or chickenpox
- Tension in the wound
- Surgery
- Piercings
Risk Factors for Hypertrophic Scars:
- Genetics: An individual's genetics and how their skin produces collagen will determine how the scar heals after a wound. Some people heal from scars more easily than others.
- Skin Type: There is more melanin produced in darker skin tones, and melanin is linked to collagen. Higher collagen production increases the chances of developing raised scar tissue.
- Age: As we age, our skin is far less reactive. Children and young adults are more likely to develop hypertrophic scars, as their skin regenerates itself much faster and has naturally higher collagen levels.
- Inflammation: A wound that is taking much longer to heal, from either an infection or other complications, will produce increased collagen because it's still in healing mode.
Hypertrophic Scar Care Options
You may only be able to care for hypertrophic scars once they have healed. Healing can take anywhere from a few weeks to a year, giving the scar enough time to close, possibly flatten and reduce in size on its own.
For non-invasive care options, care can be started as soon as the scar has turned red and even while its still itchy. This could be done once it's fully closed, depending on how deep the wound is.
Available care options:
- H-Scars Formula: A gentle and non-invasive option that can be done at home. The formula is concentrated and gentle, helping support the appearance of old and new scars.
- Silicone sheets and gels: These can be applied as soon as the wound has closed and need to be used consistently every day. A non-invasive and straightforward option for managing scars at home.
- Pressure therapy and taping: This can be done over several months to help flatten the scar.
- Corticosteroid injections: This is an option that is usually given by dermatologists.
- Laser and light-based therapies: Lasers target different depths of a scar.
- Surgical revision: Removing the scar surgically.
- Cryotherapy: Liquid nitrogen is applied directly.
- 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU): An injection administered directly into the scar.
Natural Care for Hypertrophic Scars
Using natural ingredients for scars has many potential benefits for how the scar heals over time.
What Do Hypertrophic Scars Look Like?
Raised, red or pink, becomes less noticeable over time and stays within the boundary of the wound.
Red or purple, most likely will not go away without care, and spreads out into the surrounding skin.
Flat and pale in color, fades and softens over time, and stays within the boundary of the wound.
When to See A Doctor for Hypertrophic Scars
If you have a wound that is deep, severe or not healing in a way that you expected, speaking to a medical professional early is always advised. You should also seek medical attention if you are experiencing any of the following with your scar:
- It is restricting your movement
- There is a foul odor coming from the scar
- It’s bleeding, formed a growth or changed color
- Nausea or vomiting
- It feels painful or intensely itchy
- There is an infection and it feels warm when you touch it
- It is growing or thickening
- There is visible pus or oozing
Hypertrophic Scar Prevention and Self-Care
Not every hypertrophic scar is preventable, but there are ways that we can ensure we are taking the best possible steps towards caring and healing them over time.
- After checking the area with a medical professional, make sure you follow their instructions carefully
- To decrease your risk of infection always make sure that you gently clean the area
- Make sure that you avoid picking at scabs or pulling any stitches out
- Avoid any unnecessary movements in the area where your scar is for the first few weeks
- Always make sure you are wearing sun protection over the area
- Once the wound is closed and you have been given the all-clear by a medical professional, H-Scars Formula is a gentle cosmetic option to support the appearance of the scar over time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do hypertrophic scars go away on their own?
Hypertrophic scars gradually fade over time. Early care can help improve the overall appearance with time.
How long do hypertrophic scars take to flatten?
It typically takes 12-24 months for a hypertrophic scar to fully flatten and soften
Can you care for hypertrophic scars naturally?
If a medical professional has assessed the scar and the wound is fully closed, you can care for it at home naturally. Options like H-Scars Formula can help support the appearance and comfort of the scar over time
What is the difference between a hypertrophic scar and a keloid?
The difference is in how far the scar grows. A hypertrophic scar will become raised but stay within the boundary of the wound, whereas a keloid will spread beyond the wound onto healthy skin.
Is it ever too late to care for a hypertrophic scar?
No, it's never too late. The only thing to keep in mind is that older scars will take much longer to care for whilst being very consistent with that care.
Can I use H-Scars Formula on a fresh wound or stitches?
No, you should not use H-Scars Formula on a fresh wound or stitches. The formula is intended for use after the wound has fully closed. Always ensure you have checked with a medical professional that your wound is closed.
Sources:
- National Library of Medicine. The molecular basis of hypertrophic scars
- Medscape. Keloid and Hypertrophic Scar
- Cleveland Clinic. Hypertrophic Scar
- PubMed Central. 5-fu for problematic scarring
- American Academy of Dermatology. Minimize a scar
- National Library of Medicine. Laser management of hypertrophic burn scars: a comprehensive review
- National Library of Medicine. Chapter 28: Minimally Invasive Technologies for the Treatment of Hypertrophic Scars and Keloids: Intralesional Cryosurgery
Note: This article is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Scars showing any signs of infection, pain, restricted movement, redness, swelling, drainage, foul odor, visible muscle or fat, symptoms such as fever, chills, nausea, or vomiting should be assessed by a qualified medical professional.