What type of scar develops as a result of excessive collagen production following injury?

Keloid scars are a type of scar that result from an overproduction of collagen during the healing process after an injury to the skin. When the skin is injured, the body responds with inflammation and subsequently begins to repair the affected area by producing collagen, which is a key protein that helps to form tissue. In some individuals, this healing response can become exaggerated, leading to the formation of a keloid.

Keloids are characterized by their raised, thickened appearance that extends beyond the original injury site. They can vary in size and are often darker in color due to the density of collagen and fibroblast activity. These scars do not reduce in size over time as most scars do, and they can be itchy or painful.

This excessive collagen production differentiates keloids from other types of scars, which do not typically involve the same level of fibrous tissue overgrowth. Understanding the specific nature of keloid scars helps in developing targeted treatments and management strategies for individuals who may be prone to developing these significant scars after wounds or surgical procedures.