What are the common classifications of scarred skin

People with scar-prone constitution often have scarred skin. Different types of scarred skin have different symptoms. Scarred skin mainly includes superficial scars, hypertrophic scars, atrophic scars and keloids. Different scarred skin have certain differences in their manifestations, which can cause great harm to patients, especially in exposed skin areas, which will affect the overall appearance.

1. Superficial scars

It usually involves the epidermis or superficial dermis, the skin surface is rough or has pigmentation changes, the local area is flat and soft, and there is generally no functional impairment. Over time, the scar will gradually become less obvious.

2. Hypertrophic scars

The damage involves the deep layer of the dermis, the scar is significantly higher than the surrounding normal skin, and the area becomes thicker and harder. In the early stages, due to capillary congestion, the surface of the scar appears red, flushed or purple. During this stage, itching and pain are the main symptoms, and scratching may even cause surface ulcers.

Generally speaking, the hyperplasia period is longer in children and young adults, while it is shorter in the elderly over 50 years old; the hyperplasia period of scars occurring in areas with rich blood supply, such as the face, is longer, while the hyperplasia period of scars occurring in areas with poor blood supply, such as the extremities and anterior tibial area, is shorter.

3. Atrophic scars

The damage is generally severe, involving the entire layer of skin and subcutaneous fat tissue. Clinical manifestations: The scar is hard, flat or slightly higher than the skin surface, and is tightly adhered to deep tissues such as muscles, tendons, and nerves. The local blood circulation of the scar is extremely poor, and the scar is light red or white in color. The epidermis is extremely thin and cannot withstand external friction and weight. It is easy to rupture and form chronic ulcers that do not heal for a long time.

4. Keloid

It generally manifests as a lump that is higher than the surrounding normal skin and continues to grow beyond the original site of injury. It is hard to the touch, has poor elasticity, and causes local itching or pain. In the early stages, the surface is pink or purple, and in the late stages it is mostly pale, sometimes with excessive pigmentation, and has a clear boundary with the surrounding normal skin.