Unlike other scars that may fade more smoothly, a hypertrophic scar often looks raised, red and can feel tight or itchy. It does not grow beyond the original wound edges, as a keloid scar can, but it may still cause discomfort and change the look of your skin. Understanding this type of scar helps you support healing and reduce symptoms.
A hypertrophic scar is a type of raised scar that forms after the skin has healed from an injury, surgery or burn. It results from the body producing too much collagen during wound healing. Unlike a keloid scar, it does not extend beyond the boundary of the original wound.
These scars are often red or pink at first and may feel firm or tight. Over time, some hypertrophic scars flatten, but they can remain noticeable for months or years.
Hypertrophic scars can develop when:
People with darker skin tones and younger individuals are often more prone to developing hypertrophic scars.
Hypertrophic scars often:
Because they can limit movement and cause discomfort, they are more than just a cosmetic concern.
It’s common to confuse hypertrophic and keloid scars. Both are raised scars, but there are key differences:
You can read more about keloid scars here.
Healing can take months to years. Many hypertrophic scars flatten and fade gradually within 12–24 months. However, symptoms such as itching, redness and stiffness can continue during this period. Supportive care is often needed to keep the scar hydrated and comfortable.
Doctors may recommend treatments such as:
These treatments are usually prescribed when scars cause pain, restrict movement, or remain thick for a long time.
Daily care plays a major role in scar recovery. A hydrating cream can:
Applying a medical hydrating cream such as ALHYDRAN helps restore the skin barrier and keep the scar tissue supple.
Daily care also includes protecting your scar from sun exposure, as UV light can darken and thicken the scar tissue.
A medical scar cream like ALHYDRAN SPF30 offers both hydration and effective UV protection, helping to prevent further damage to vulnerable scar tissue.
Hydrates, softens and helps prevent scarring
On the advice of the plastic surgeon, I bought Alhydran SPF 30. I wasn’t familiar with this brand myself. What a fantastic cream, economical to use and it feels great on the skin. I also bought the scar cream. I use it twice a day and can see my scars improving. Alhydran, truly recommended! A very satisfied customer.
I had a knee replacement five months ago, and since then I’ve been applying Alhydran to the scar three times a day. It’s healing beautifully and fading more with time. I can’t say what it would look like without the cream, but I’m very happy with the results.
After a melanoma was removed and later an additional piece of skin through a re-excision, I was left with quite a bare spot on my head where the surgeon placed a skin graft taken from my upper leg. To take proper care of this area, I looked for a good product WITH SPF. Alhydran SPF 30 is an excellent product. It cares well for the graft site and provides protection against the sun. (Because I sometimes forget to put on my cap, it gives me that extra protection.)
A raised scar that develops after skin injury, caused by excess collagen. It stays within the wound edges.
It looks raised, red, or darker than surrounding skin, and often feels tight or itchy.
They form when a wound heals slowly, under tension, or after burns, surgery, or piercings.
Many scars flatten within 12–24 months, but supportive care is needed to relieve symptoms during this time.
Scars cannot be fully removed, but scar treatments like silicone therapy, laser or hydrating creams can reduce thickness and discomfort.
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