Butzelaar L, Ulrich MMW, Mink van der Molen AB, Niessen FB, Beelen RHJ. Currently known risk factors for hypertrophic skin scarring: A review.
J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg 2015;
69:163-9. [PMID:
26776348 DOI:
10.1016/j.bjps.2015.11.015]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2015] [Revised: 07/20/2015] [Accepted: 11/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
The study aims to provide an overview of risk factors for hypertrophic scarring.
BACKGROUND
Hypertrophic skin scarring remains a major concern in medicine and causes considerable morbidity. Despite extensive research on this topic, the precise mechanism of excessive scarring is still unknown. In addition, the current literature lacks an overview of the possible risk factors in the development of hypertrophic scars.
METHODS
PubMed searches were performed on risk factors for hypertrophic scar (HTS) formation.
RESULTS
Eleven studies suggesting nine factors associated with HTS formation were found. Studies concerning chemotherapy, age, stretch, infection, and smoking have a moderate to high strength of evidence, but some other factors have not been studied in a convincing manner or are still disputed.
CONCLUSIONS
Risk factors for HTS formation are young age, bacterial colonization, and skin subjected to stretch. Chemotherapy, statins, and smoking seem to play a protective role in HTS formation.
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