Hypertrophic scars are a type of scars that are raised and red, often caused by an injury or surgical incision. The spelling of "Hypertrophic Scars" can be explained through the use of the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The first syllable "hy-per" is pronounced as "haɪpər", with the "y" sound being represented by the "aɪ" diphthong. The second syllable "tro-phic" is pronounced as "trofɪk", with the stress on the first syllable. The final syllable "scars" is pronounced as "skɑːz", with the "a" being represented by the long "ɑː" vowel sound.
Hypertrophic scars are a type of scar tissue that forms during the natural healing process of the skin following an injury or surgical procedure. These scars are characterized by their raised, thickened, and firm appearance, often resembling a slightly elevated mound or ridge on the skin's surface.
Unlike other types of scars, hypertrophic scars do not extend beyond the boundaries of the original wound site. They typically develop within a few weeks after the initial injury or surgery and gradually undergo changes over time. The excessive growth of collagen, a protein responsible for the skin's structure and integrity, is a key factor in their development.
Hypertrophic scars can be red, pink, or flesh-colored and might cause itching, discomfort, or tenderness. Although they are considered benign and do not pose any health risks, these scars often persist for a long time, sometimes indefinitely, if left untreated.
Various factors can contribute to the formation of hypertrophic scars, including the type and severity of the injury, genetic predisposition, and the individual's age, ethnicity, and overall health. Treatment options for hypertrophic scars can include silicone gel or sheeting, compression therapy, corticosteroid injections, laser therapy, and surgical interventions.
It is important to note that hypertrophic scars differ from keloid scars, another type of raised scar tissue that extends beyond the wound site and invades surrounding areas. While hypertrophic scars tend to regress and fade over time, keloid scars can be more resilient, requiring more aggressive and specialized treatment approaches.
The term "hypertrophic" originates from the Greek word "hupertrōphos", which is a combination of "huper", meaning "over" or "beyond", and "trōphos", meaning "nourishment" or "growth". "Hupertrōphos" refers to excessive or abnormal growth.
The word "scars" comes from the Old Norse word "skǫr" or the Dutch word "schaar". Both words mean "notch" or "cut". Scars are formed as a result of healing after an injury or wound, causing a mark or indentation on the skin.
Therefore, "hypertrophic scars" refers to excessive and abnormal growth of scar tissue resulting from the wound healing process.