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Keloids: the natural history
African Journal of Medicine and Medical Sciences
|March 1, 1976
Summary
Keloids and hypertrophic scars represent distinct phases of a single wound healing process. Hypertrophic scars are the initial stage, with all keloids developing from this precursor phase, clarifying scar nomenclature.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Wound Healing
- Pathology
Background:
- Keloids and hypertrophic scars are common fibroproliferative disorders of the skin.
- Previous literature presents conflicting views on the relationship between keloids and hypertrophic scars.
- A clear understanding of scar progression is crucial for effective clinical management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the relationship between keloids and hypertrophic scars.
- To establish a clinicopathologic correlation for scar formation.
- To resolve nomenclature confusion in scar classification.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing clinical evidence.
- Analysis of histogenetic data.
- Synthesis of literature findings.
Main Results:
- Abundant evidence supports keloids and hypertrophic scars as sequential stages of one process.
- Hypertrophic scars are identified as the earlier stage.
- All keloids demonstrate progression through a hypertrophic scar phase.
Conclusions:
- Keloids and hypertrophic scars are not distinct entities but represent different points in a continuum.
- The hypertrophic scar is the precursor to the keloid.
- This understanding clarifies scar nomenclature and facilitates clinicopathologic correlation.