Explanations of the most important scar terms

Hypertrophic scars

Hypertrophic or raised scars develop immediately after wound healing by an overproduction of connective tissue. These scars project above the level of the surrounding skin, but remain restricted to the region of the original injury. They are often very red and can cause itching and pain.

Hypertrophic scars often result from burns, or develop on parts of the skin that are constantly being moved, e.g. joints. The tension caused by the stretching the skin results in the collagen fibres lining up in the direction of the stretch, and additional blood vessels and tissue are produced. Further possible causes for hypertrophic scars are infections or insufficient resting of the wounded area. Children and young adults are more likely to develop hypertrophic scars because they produce tissue more quickly.