What is a thick scar resulting from excessive fibrous tissue called?

A thick scar resulting from excessive fibrous tissue is known as a keloid. Keloids occur when the body continues to produce collagen even after the skin has healed from an injury, resulting in a raised and often itchy scar that extends beyond the original wound. They can vary in size and may become discolored, which can make them more noticeable. Keloids are particularly common in individuals with darker skin tones and may occur anywhere on the body.

In contrast, hypertrophic scars are also raised but typically do not extend beyond the limits of the original wound and may improve over time without treatment. Dermatofibromas are benign growths that can feel firm and may be slightly raised, but they are not classified as scars. Atrophic scars, on the other hand, are characterized by a loss of tissue and present as depressed or sunken areas on the skin. Understanding these distinctions is vital for identifying and managing different types of scarring in esthetic practices.