Review Article

Cutaneous Scarring: A Clinical Review

Table 1

Normal, hypertrophic, and keloid scars compared.

NormalHypertrophicKeloid

Confined to edges of original woundConfined to edges of original woundExtends beyond edges of wound
Gradual fading and atrophy after maturationRegresses after initial peak (although often over several years)Progressive
No treatment requiredFirst-line treatment: silicone patches or gelsFirst-line treatment: intralesional steroid injection
Best in the elderlyWorst in the youngMore common in darker skin
Normal response to TGF- 1Abnormal response to TGF- 1Failure of apoptosis