Types of scarring

Almost 100% of keloid scars will return with surgical attempts at correction, which could result in even a larger scar. Keloid scars the type of scarring tends to keep on growing even when the wound is healed. They are more common on people with darker skin types; 10-30 year olds and people with burn injuries. A scar will result from any injury to the dermis. The skin layer is composed of two main components being the epidermis and dermis. For a superficial wound to the epidermis, usually no scar remains. During surgery or a traumatic injury through the entire layer of skin the scar will form and is fairly unpredictable. The scar may become a "normal" scar, a hypertrophic scar, or a keloid scar.

Scarring

There are three major types of scarring: Keloid, Hypertrophic and Contractures. Keloid scars are an overgrowth of scar tissue. The scar will grow beyond the site of the injury. These scars are generally red or pink and will become a dark tan over time. Hypertrophic scars are red, thick and raised, however they differ from Keloid scars in that they do not develop beyond the site of injury or incision. A contracture scar is a permanent tightening of skin that may affect the underlying muscles and tendons that limit mobility and possible damage or degeneration of the nerves. A hypertrophic scar occurs when the scar remains thicker for an extended period of time.