Types of Scars: Raised, Keloid & Atrophic Scars Explained

Not every scar develops in the same way.

The final appearance of a scar can depend on factors including the depth and location of the original injury, wound healing, skin tension and individual characteristics.

Understanding the different types of scars can make it easier to understand what is happening as your skin heals.

What Is a Scar?

A scar forms as part of the body's repair process after an injury reaches deeper layers of the skin.

Very superficial injuries may heal without leaving a visible scar. When the damage extends deeper into the skin, however, the body produces replacement connective tissue.

This scar tissue is different from normal skin.

It can have a different texture, colour and level of elasticity, particularly while the scar is still maturing.

Normal or Flat Scars

Many wounds eventually leave a relatively flat scar.

Fresh scars may initially look red, pink or darker than the surrounding area. Their appearance can gradually change as the scar matures.

Scar maturation can continue for many months.

Hypertrophic Scars

A hypertrophic scar is a raised scar that remains within the boundaries of the original wound.

It develops when an excessive amount of connective tissue forms during healing.

Hypertrophic scars can appear thicker or more elevated than the surrounding skin and may sometimes feel firm or tight.

Keloid Scars

A keloid is also raised, but unlike a hypertrophic scar, it can grow beyond the boundaries of the original injury.

Keloids may continue developing after the original wound has healed.

Anyone concerned about a possible keloid should consider seeking medical advice, particularly if it is growing, painful or causing discomfort.

Atrophic Scars

Atrophic scars are sunken or indented scars.

They occur when insufficient tissue is formed to completely fill the damaged area.

They are often associated with conditions or injuries that cause loss of underlying tissue, including some acne and chickenpox scars.

Why Do Fresh Scars Look Red?

Fresh scars often have a red or pink appearance because new blood vessels form during the healing process.

This colour may gradually fade as the scar matures.

Scar tissue can also look lighter or different in colour from surrounding skin because healed scar tissue does not behave exactly like normal skin.

Why Can Scars Feel Tight?

Scar tissue generally has different elasticity from normal skin.

As a result, some scars can feel harder, tighter or less flexible.

Scars around joints or areas of frequent movement may be particularly noticeable if they affect flexibility.

If a scar causes significant discomfort or limits movement, seek appropriate medical advice.

When Can Scar Care Begin?

Scar-care products should generally be considered only after a wound has fully closed.

Contractubex manufacturer guidance recommends beginning treatment after the wound has closed or stitches have been removed.

Never apply scar gel directly to an open wound unless specifically instructed by an appropriate healthcare professional.

Contractubex Scar Gel 20g

Contractubex Gel combines onion extract, heparin and allantoin and is designed for scar care after wound closure.

Contractubex USA offers Contractubex Scar Gel 20g with English-label packaging and multiple pack-size choices.

You can also read our How to Use Contractubex Scar Gel 20g guide for application information.

For current packaging, ingredients, pack options and pricing, visit the Contractubex Scar Gel 20g product page.

When Should You Speak to a Healthcare Professional?

Consider seeking professional advice if a scar:

• grows significantly beyond the original wound

• becomes increasingly painful

• is associated with signs of infection

• causes substantial itching or discomfort

• restricts movement

• changes unexpectedly

• causes you concern for any other reason

Important: This guide provides general educational information and should not be used to diagnose a particular type of scar. A physician or other qualified healthcare professional can evaluate an individual scar when necessary.