Feature |
Keloid |
Hypertrophic Scar |
Definition |
Excessive scar tissue extending beyond the boundaries of the original wound. |
Excessive scar tissue confined to the original wound area. |
Growth |
Expands beyond the wound margins. |
Remains within the wound boundaries. |
Occurrence |
More common in darker-skinned individuals and areas like chest, shoulders, and earlobes. |
Can occur in all skin types, typically in areas of high tension or after trauma. |
Regression |
Rarely regresses spontaneously; tends to persist or grow. |
May regress or flatten over time without treatment. |
Treatment |
Difficult to treat; options include corticosteroid injections (intralesional), surgery, cryotherapy, or laser therapy. |
Often improves with time; treatments include silicone gel, pressure therapy, or mild corticosteroids. |
Recurrence |
High recurrence rate after removal or treatment. |
Lower recurrence rate compared to keloids. |