New insights into the prevention and treatment strategies for hypertrophic scars and keloids

Hypertrophic scars and keloids are fibrosis abnormalities associated with the accumulation of collagen and extra cellular matrix components. These scars are caused by abnormal wound healing, which may occur after skin injuries caused by surgery, trauma, burns, etc. and may have a large impact on the patients’ quality of life. Hypertrophic scars and colloids in addition to aesthetic problems can cause functional disruption due to tissue contraction and itching. Large numbers of research are currently being performed in the area of scar prevention or treatment, but since the physiopathological mechanisms of scar formation have not been fully elucidated, the current strategies are still unsatisfactory. In this review, we discuss the recent biological advances in scar formation and current and future strategies for the prevention and treatment of hypertrophic and keloid scars.