CHECK-UP:Raised, red scars over the site of an injury could be caused by a condition known as hypertrophic, writes MARION KERR
Following a fall while cycling, I have been left with ugly, raised, red scars over my knee and elbow, even though the injury has healed. Why has this happened?
What you describe sounds like a condition known as hypertrophic or keloid scarring – an excessive growth of scar tissue at the site of a healed skin injury. These can develop following injury to the skin’s surface including burns, piercings, scratches, cuts and surgical incisions. They may also occur after more traumatic wounds, at vaccination sites, following acne or chickenpox.
Although more common in young women and African Americans, there may be a familial tendency towards this type of scarring. The scarring can be flesh-coloured, red or pink.
It is usually located over the site of a wound or injury. They may be smooth, lumpy or ridged to the touch. Diagnosis is based on the appearance of the skin or scar. However, if there is any doubt, a skin biopsy may be needed to out rule another cause.
Are they dangerous?
Although they are not usually medically dangerous, keloids may affect the appearance of the skin. In some people they may become smaller and less noticeable over time. Exposure to the sun during the first year after the keloid forms may result in it tanning darker than the skin around it.
This dark colour may be permanent. Areas of keloid scarring can be tender to the touch and be easily irritated by friction from clothing.
Depending on its site and extent it can limit mobility – particularly if the area is over a joint. If large or disfiguring, the scarring may cause psychological distress.
How can I get rid of them?
Although most keloids do not usually require treatment, they may be reduced in size by a number of methods. These include corticosteroid injections, external pressure, cryotherapy (freezing) and laser treatments. Radiation may also be used in severe cases. Surgical removal may be indicated in some cases, but removal of the scar may not be permanent and the surgery can cause even larger scars to form.
Discoloration from sun exposure may be prevented by covering the scar area with a patch and by using sunscreen. Continue these extra protection measures for at least six months after injury or surgery for an adult, and for up to 18 months for a child.
