Keloid scars are characterized by their lumpy or ridged appearance. Often, these scars will branch out past the size of the initial wound area, leaving the affected person with a burdensome growth on their skin. Keloids are considered benign tumors, but they rarely metastasize and become cancerous. The color of keloids may vary from red to purple, making them stand out from the surrounding tissue.

Not everyone who sustains a wound will develop a keloid scar. People with darker skin tones are more at risk for developing them, but any population is susceptible. In rare cases, a person can develop a keloid even in the absence of an injury. This is a rare condition known as a “spontaneous keloid.” In other cases, keloids can develop from a surgical incision despite the surgeon's expertise.

Apart from being cosmetically unappealing, keloid scars can be burdensome in other aspects of life. Because scar tissue contains no hair follicles or sweat glands, keloid scars can become itchy and painful. If a keloid is large enough, simple, everyday movements and daily tasks can be uncomfortable. Contact your dermatologist immediately if these symptoms worsen.

Hypertrophic scars are cutaneous conditions typically less severe than their keloid counterparts but still burdensome. Hypertrophic scars form as a result of collagen overproduction and skin contraction, much like keloids. Hypertrophic scars don’t discriminate, as they are more common than keloids and affect all populations equally. If you have sensitive skin and are predisposed to abnormal scarring, you will likely develop a hypertrophic scar at some point in your life.

Hypertrophic scars are characterized by their raised, bumpy texture and discolored tone. These scars can be pink, red, or purple in color, making them distinguishable from surrounding skin tissue. Unlike keloids, hypertrophic scar tissue does not expand beyond the margins of the initial wound site. Nonetheless, these scars can be itchy and painful due to the lack of sweat glands and hair follicles in the regrown tissue.

It’s likely genetics play a role in hypertrophic and keloid scar formation, so there isn’t much an individual can do to prevent them on her own. Luckily, with the help of modern technology and creative ingenuity, an effective topical solution for scar management is widely available and easily attainable.

Silicone gel technology is a preeminent medical advancement in scar therapy that has achieved much success since its development over 30 years ago. As an alternative to surgery and cortisol steroid injections, medical-grade silicone is an effective topical method for the prevention and reduction of keloid and hypertrophic scarring.

Biodermis is responsible for popularizing silicone gel technology nearly 30 years ago by providing quality products and excellent service to dermatologists and plastic surgeons around the world. Epi-Derm Silicone Gel Sheets engineered by Biodermis come in many shapes, colors, and sizes, making them the perfect solution for both large and small scars. Pro-Sil Silicone Scar Sticks patented by Biodermis are the perfect solution for acne and facial scars and come in an easy-to-use glide on applicator.