What type of scarring can form after trauma or injury to the skin?

The type of scarring that frequently occurs after trauma or injury to the skin is a keloid scar. Keloid scars develop when there is an overproduction of collagen during the healing process, resulting in a raised, thickened area of scar tissue that extends beyond the original injury site. This type of scar can be particularly pronounced and may continue to grow over time. Keloids are most commonly found in individuals with darker skin tones, although they can affect anyone.

Hypertrophic scars also result from an overproduction of collagen but remain confined to the boundaries of the original injury, making them less pronounced compared to keloids. Atrophic scars, on the other hand, are characterized by a loss of tissue, leading to a sunken appearance; they often occur in conditions such as acne. Contracture scars are related to the tightening of the skin, often resulting from burns, but they serve a different purpose in healing.

Understanding the differences between these types of scars is crucial in medical aesthetics, as the treatment approaches vary significantly depending on the scar type, helping practitioners provide the most effective care.