SCAR TYPES

Keloids: These are thick, irregularly shaped clusters of scar tissue that grow above the skin level, and extend beyond the boundaries of the wound. They occur more often in darker pigmented ethnicities. Keloids may occur 3 months to years after the initial trauma to the skin.

Hypertrophic scars: Hypertrophic scars are also elevated tissue form above a wound and thus are similar to keloids; however, their growth is confined within the borders of the original injury. Hypertrophic scars usually start to develop within four weeks after the initial injury; they may regress over time, but this process is likely to occur at least after a year.

Atrophic scars are depressions in the skin resemble holes. One or several may appear on the skin, having various depths (deep or shallow). These lesions form as a result of collagen destruction due to different skin problems like cystic acne, surgery, trauma, chicken pox, and topical leishmaniasis.

Sometimes wound healing or healing of other skin problems results in skin discoloration or change in skin texture. This kind of scar is often caused by skin inflammation; sometimes it may develop as the side effect of some cosmetic procedures like cryotherapy and chemical peels.
Contractures are an abnormal shortening of tissue; this can happen following a burn injury, when a large area of skin is lost. As scarring occurs, the skin’s edges are pulled inward, developing an area of tight, shortened skin. Contracture can also put a strain on muscles, tendons, and joints, resulting in decreased range of movement.