A scar is an abnormal response from your skin to mild or severe trauma. A scar can be raised, flat or indented. Raised or ‘thickened scars’ are an overgrowth of fibrous tissue that the body produces in response to an injury. There are two types of thickened scars: hypertrophic and keloid.

Hypertrophic scars occur at the site of the wound and are characteristically thick and often rubbery. They tend to diminish in size and the pink or red colour begins to fade over a period of 12-18 months, although they may not disappear completely.

Keloid scars extend beyond the borders of the original wound and they may not diminish without treatment. The cause of keloid scars is unknown, but occur primarily in people aged between 10 and 30 years of age and more frequently in darker-skinned people.

Like hypertrophic scars, keloids are thick and often rubbery. They may also be itchy, produce a mild, burning-type pain, or sensitive when in contact with clothes or other skin. If formed over a joint, a keloid scar can restrict movement.