Scars, burns & healingPub Date : 2023-09-27eCollection Date: 2023-01-01DOI: 10.1177/20595131231180367
Borja Salvador-Culla, Jeffrey Hogg, Arthur Okonkwo, Julie Mulroy, Gustavo S Figueiredo, Francisco C Figueiredo
{"title":"Severe chemical eye injuries - clinical outcomes and associated socio-economic factors.","authors":"Borja Salvador-Culla, Jeffrey Hogg, Arthur Okonkwo, Julie Mulroy, Gustavo S Figueiredo, Francisco C Figueiredo","doi":"10.1177/20595131231180367","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/20595131231180367","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Aims: </strong>To describe clinical outcomes, management, and socio-economic impact of severe acute chemical eye injuries in a tertiary hospital.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>37 patients required emergency admission to the Royal Victoria Infirmary eye ward between April 2013 and September 2015. Demographics, best corrected distance visual acuity (BCDVA), causative agent, degree of limbal stem cell deficiency (LSCD), management and socio-economic data were evaluated.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Mean age on admission was 34.5 years (SD 16.3; range 16-82); 30 males (81.1%); 22 bilateral (59.5%). Causative agent: alkali in 30 cases (81.1%); acid in three cases (8.1%); and unknown in four cases (10.8%). Fifteen cases (40.5%) were assaults, 12 (32.5%) work-related accidents, nine (24.3%) domestic accidents and one (2.7%) undetermined. Eleven patients (29.7%) were unemployed, 18 (48.6%) were labourers, three (8.1%) were students, three (8.1%) were retired and two (5.4%) were professionals. Mean admission time was five days (SD 3.2; range 1-12). Mean follow-up time was 170.5 days (range 1-946). Mean cost of admission was £2478 (range £274-5785). Five patients (13%; seven eyes) developed total or partial limbal stem cell deficiency, all being assaults.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Main causative agent in our study was alkali, with young men in the working age being most frequently involved. Many patients required prolonged hospital admission and costly follow-up. The majority of cases were assaults, mostly occurring in unemployed patients. All the limbal stem cell deficiency cases were due to assaults. We believe that socio-economic factors play an important role in the cause, severity and cost of chemical eye injuries.</p><p><strong>Lay summary: </strong>Acute chemical eye injuries have a significant and extensive impact on patients' visual function outcomes and vision-related quality of life, with consequent enormous burden to affected individuals, their families and society. We believe that by understanding the socio-economic environment, we may not only be able to enforce safety measures to tackle the increasing rate of severe chemical eye injuries in our community, but also to develop collaborative programmes with the community, educating the population on the seriousness of chemical eye injuries, and with the local authorities, trying to understand the clustering of assaults in areas and tackling the associated socio-economic risk factors, such as unemployment. Given the increasing rate of assaults using chemicals in recent times, it is also important to assess availability of adequate victim support programmes and develop good interaction with relevant local, regional and national authorities to ensure all aspects of community security service are in place to be able to address any potential deficiencies in line with police and home office guidelines. Keeping in mind that the best action plan is always prevention. However, ","PeriodicalId":94205,"journal":{"name":"Scars, burns & healing","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://ftp.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pub/pmc/oa_pdf/ad/94/10.1177_20595131231180367.PMC10536839.pdf","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41161840","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Scars, burns & healingPub Date : 2023-09-21eCollection Date: 2023-01-01DOI: 10.1177/20595131231202100
Eduardo Gus, Jane Zhu, Stephanie G Brooks
{"title":"Postburn breast reconstruction: a scoping review.","authors":"Eduardo Gus, Jane Zhu, Stephanie G Brooks","doi":"10.1177/20595131231202100","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/20595131231202100","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Postburn breast deformities pose functional and aesthetic concerns for burn patients, particularly when injury occurs before puberty, as normal breast development may be hindered. Postburn breast reconstruction aims at restoration of native anatomic features, as well as re-establishment of symmetry. The objectives of this scoping review are to map the literature on scar management and breast reconstruction, highlighting strategies that are particular to postburn deformities, as well as to establish optimal timing principles.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A comprehensive search of the English literature across MEDLINE and EMBASE databases, including the grey literature, was conducted. Literature of all study designs were eligible, provided it discussed the treatment of postburn breast deformities.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 64 studies were included. The most common study design was case series (58%) followed by retrospective cohorts (28%). Scar contracture release with split thickness skin grafts (26%) and various techniques for nipple-areola reconstruction (22%) were the most common reconstructive procedures.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Scar contracture releases predominate when there is normal breast development under a contracted skin envelope, and should be performed as soon as breast mound development is restricted. Surgical techniques widely used for postmastectomy reconstruction are required for patients with amastia or hypoplastic breasts.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Given the heterogeneity of defects, availability of donor sites, and patient preference, no standardized guideline is available. Surgeons should combine basic scar management principles with postmastectomy techniques, adapting the surgical approach to features that are particular to thermally injured patients, as well as taking into account ideal timing considerations.</p><p><strong>Lay summary: </strong>Breast deformities secondary to burn scars pose functional and aesthetic concerns for burn patients, particularly when injury occurs before puberty, as normal breast development may be hindered. Postburn breast reconstruction aims at restoration of native anatomic features, as well as re-establishment of symmetry. This literature review aimed at summarizing the available techniques to treat postburn breast deformities, as well as establishing optimal timing guidelines, given these issues may occur at any phase of breast development. When there is breast development under a scarred skin envelope, treatment entails scar contracture release and should be recommended as soon as the diagnosis is established, in order to allow the breast to further develop in an unrestricted manner. When there is absence of breast tissue, surgical techniques widely utilized for breast cancer reconstruction are warranted, and should be delayed until no further breast development is expected. Given the heterogeneity of deformities, avai","PeriodicalId":94205,"journal":{"name":"Scars, burns & healing","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2023-09-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10512695/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41127402","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Case study: Pilot testing of a local acupuncture intervention protocol for burn scars","authors":"C. Tuckey, S. Kohut, D. Edgar","doi":"10.1177/20595131211058430","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/20595131211058430","url":null,"abstract":"Background Following burn injury and a prolonged duration of healing, scars may become hypertrophic, causing movement restriction, increased scar thickness, colour and pliability, and symptoms such as pain and itch. Acupuncture has emerged as a potentially beneficial treatment for neuroinflammation, which perpetuates the negative features of hypertrophic scars. The aim of this study was to pilot test an evidence-based methodology for applying and measuring the clinical effects of localised acupuncture for symptomatic scars, in a patient with a healed burn injury. Methods A 71-year-old caucasian male presented with a hypertrophic scar that was painful and itchy after burn injury and subsequent skin grafting. He received acupuncture and massage treatment local to his scar as per the local (verum) group of the author's clinical trial under recruitment. Needles were inserted around the circumference of the skin grafted area and adjacent to areas of raised scar tissue within the grafted area and stimulated via bi-directional rotation. Outcome measures included a Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) for pain and itch, Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale (POSAS) self-assessment component and SF36 quality-of-life measure to capture any non-specific acupuncture effects. Conclusion Acupuncture applied locally around the scar was associated with short-term relief of symptoms and significantly reduced his subjective outcome measure scores relating to scar thickness, redness and pliability out to six months after injury. Some short-term increase in symptoms occurred on several occasions following treatment; however, treatment was well tolerated supporting the use of this protocol for a larger future clinical trial. Lay Summary Following injury to the skin, scars can become raised, red and reduce movement. Other common symptoms may include pain and itch. Previous studies suggest acupuncture may help symptomatic scars, but more research is needed to confirm this with larger samples of patients. This case study tested the active treatment protocol for a clinical trial using acupuncture on symptomatic scars. A 71-year-old white man had a burn scar on his torso after a workplace accident. His treatment involved scar massage and local acupuncture. The acupuncture needles were inserted around the skin graft borders and thickened bands of scar tissue. Outcomes were measured using surveys recording symptoms, scar characteristics and quality of life. These were used to assess treatment effect and how well the protocol was tolerated. Over the course of treatment both pain and itch improved This case report showed that the treatment protocol was well tolerated, and that local acupuncture was associated with improved scar symptoms and physical characteristics up to six months after injury.","PeriodicalId":94205,"journal":{"name":"Scars, burns & healing","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"42871616","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
J. Tran, S. Lultschik, J. Ho, S. Sapra, Kevin Dong, Klaudija Gusic
{"title":"Concomitant therapy of surgical shave excision and intralesional injections for ear keloids: Early results from a retrospective cohort study","authors":"J. Tran, S. Lultschik, J. Ho, S. Sapra, Kevin Dong, Klaudija Gusic","doi":"10.1177/20595131221098531","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/20595131221098531","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction Keloids are hypertrophic scars that commonly arise in the ear region. The authors’ objectives were to (1) evaluate effectiveness of surgical shave excision followed by intralesional triamcinolone acetonide and onabotulinumtoxinA injections; and (2) evaluate safety and patient satisfaction. Methods and Materials This study was a retrospective chart review of patients who received treatment of extralesional surgical shave excision followed by intralesional triamcinolone acetonide and onabotulinumtoxinA injections to treat ear keloids at a single outpatient dermatology clinic. A prospective patient questionnaire was administered to the same patient population to collect recurrence and patient satisfaction. Results A total of 45 patients were included, consisting of 84.4% females (n = 38) and 15.6% males (n = 7) with a mean age of 25.5 years. Through retrospective chart review, early recurrence was seen in 6.7% of patients (n = 3), and via the prospective patient questionnaire, 11.1% of patients noted early keloid recurrence (n = 5). Of the patients who expressed their level of satisfaction in-clinic, 96.0% (n = 24) reported being satisfied or very satisfied and 4.0% (n = 1) were dissatisfied. Satisfaction was also assessed through the prospective patient questionnaire; of those who consented to the questionnaire, 100.0% (n = 24) were satisfied or very satisfied. Only 20.0% (n = 9) of all patients reported experiencing side effects, consisting of pruritus (11.1%; n = 5), tenderness (4.4%; n = 2), pain (2.2%; n = 1), and mild atrophy (2.2%; n = 1). Conclusion Extralesional surgical shave excision followed by intralesional triamcinolone acetonide and onabotulinumtoxinA injections may represent a promising treatment option for ear keloids. Evidence Level: 3 retrospective cohort study. Lay Summary Keloids are a type of raised scar, which can be painful and itchy for patients. Keloids can occur on various part of the body, including on the ear. They are challenging to treat and tend to come back. There are many treatment options, however, there is not one universal best treatment for keloids on the ear. We hoped to discover if shave excision followed by intralesional triamcinolone acetonide and onabotulinumtoxinA injections is effective at treating keloids on the ear. In order to answer this we completed a chart review of clinic patients, who have already completed the following combination treatment for keloids on the ear. The keloids were treated first by physically removing the bulk of the keloid with a scalpel, which is called shave excision. After the removal, triamcinolone acetonide and onabotulinumtoxinA were injected directly into the keloid. The rate of patient satisfaction and the rate of the keloid returning were collected during in-clinic visits and an optional post-clinic patient questionnaire. The treatment effectiveness and side effects experienced were reported during in-clinic visits. This indicated that with the low rate of ","PeriodicalId":94205,"journal":{"name":"Scars, burns & healing","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"48871611","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Kinesio taping to address post-sternotomy scars in pediatric patients: A case report","authors":"Elizabeth G Harvey","doi":"10.1177/20595131221095355","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/20595131221095355","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction The role of postoperative scar tissue adhesion and its impact on motor control in infants with congenital heart disease has not been explored in the literature. Elastic therapeutic tapes, such as Kinesio tape, are designed to affect the integumentary system. This case report aims to demonstrate the safety and present the observations following use of Kinesio tape to treat scar tissue in a pediatric patient after open-heart surgery in conjunction with standard rehabilitation. Method This retrospective case report presents observations of an infant's sternotomy scar adhesion and gross motor development after six applications of Kinesio tape. The sternotomy and drain tube scars were treated with Kinesio tape fascia applications in addition to standard physical therapy (PT). Discussion Several domains showed positive changes. The scar mobility and appearance improved. The patient's motor skills improved, possibly due to skin stretch's role in motor learning. The taping application did not cause discomfort, and there were no adverse reactions. Conclusion In this infant, the three-month-old sternotomy scar improved in adherence and appearance after six applications of Kinesio Fingerprint tape; motor skills also increased in the presence of standard PT. There were no adverse reactions noted with the protocol. Kinesio tape may provide a safe adjunct to treat scar tissue adhesion in infants with median sternotomy scars. Lay Summary Issue being explored Sternotomy scars can cause physical and psychological harm. Sensors (receptors) in the skin help with movement and balance responses. The impact of scar stiffness (adhesion) on developing motor control has not been reported in infants. Treating the scar in the remodelling phase with elastic tape may improve the scar's appearance and ability to move, thereby improving development.","PeriodicalId":94205,"journal":{"name":"Scars, burns & healing","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"48190801","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The conservative management of self-inflicted chemical burns: Case report and literature review","authors":"Amenah Galo, M. Farid, R. Almasharqah","doi":"10.1177/20595131221080545","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/20595131221080545","url":null,"abstract":"Introduction Chemical burns, particularly injuries related to psychiatric illnesses, are underreported in the literature. We present two cases of self-inflicted alkali chemical burns managed conservatively. Frequent clinical review of the burn was aimed to ensure appropriate healing and compliance with the treatment plan based on regular dressing changes. Case 1 A 24-year-old woman presented during the first day of the initial injury with a minor self-inflicted chemical burn to the right forearm. The causative agent was an oven cleaner containing sodium hydroxide triggering an alkali-based burn. The surface area of the injury was 0.5% total body surface area (TBSA) full-thickness burn. The patient had a complex psychiatric history diagnosed with personality disorder, anxiety and depression. Case 2 A 55-year-old woman presented with a self-inflicted left forearm full-thickness burn (0.5% TBSA). This was five days after the initial injury from an oven cleaner containing sodium hydroxide. The patient had a psychiatric history of anxiety and depressive disorder. The mainstay of burn management was conservative with regular dressing changes and a topical agent. Telemedicine via a designated email address was given to the patient for virtual clinical burn review and any urgent issues. Photograph of the initial burn was taken, and clinic visits were scheduled to determine healing progress. Conclusion Self-inflicted chemical burns are to be managed within a multidisciplinary setting including early psychiatric involvement. We advocate a holistic approach to determine conservative or operative management, taking into account patient factors, burn complexity and clinician's judgement to streamline the treatment plan. Lay Summary Chemical burns due to self-harm are rare to see in clinical practice. A review of two cases secondary to intentional burns sustained using an oven cleaning material. Patients had psychiatric issues and were on medications to control symptoms. Close observation with regular dressings and topical cream would allow burns to heal without the need for an operation. Our recommendation would be to treat these burns with dressings and regular follow up in the clinic or virtually till healed.","PeriodicalId":94205,"journal":{"name":"Scars, burns & healing","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2022-01-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"46816439","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Scars, burns & healingPub Date : 2019-08-27eCollection Date: 2019-01-01DOI: 10.1177/2059513119867297
Ioannis Goutos
{"title":"Intralesional excision as a surgical strategy to manage keloid scars: what's the evidence?","authors":"Ioannis Goutos","doi":"10.1177/2059513119867297","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/2059513119867297","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Keloid scars are a particularly challenging clinical entity and a variety of management approaches have been described in the literature including intralesional surgery. The current literature lacks a summative review to ascertain the evidence base behind this surgical approach.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A comprehensive English literature database search was performed using PubMed Medline, EMBASE and Web of Science from their individual dates of inception to March 2018. We present the different rationales proposed for the use of this technique, the clinical outcomes reported in the literature as well as the scientific basis for intralesional excision of keloid scars.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>A number of arguments have been proposed to support intralesional excision including avoiding injury to neighbouring non-keloidal skin and the deep layer of the dermis, removal of the most proliferative fibroblastic group as well as debulking to facilitate the administration of injectable steroid. The most current literature does not provide sufficient support for the adoption of intralesional excisions based on data emerging from basic science as well as clinical outcome studies.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Emerging evidence supports the extralesional excision of keloid scars based on current mechanobiological, histological as well as clinical outcome data. Further trials comparing extralesional and intralesional surgical practices are eagerly awaited to ascertain the role of intralesional excisions in the keloid management arena.</p>","PeriodicalId":94205,"journal":{"name":"Scars, burns & healing","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-08-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1177/2059513119867297","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41224354","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Scars, burns & healingPub Date : 2019-08-21eCollection Date: 2019-01-01DOI: 10.1177/2059513119868345
Robin Kikuchi, Abdullah J Khalil, Christopher I Zoumalan
{"title":"Gene expression analysis in scars treated with silicone cream: a case series.","authors":"Robin Kikuchi, Abdullah J Khalil, Christopher I Zoumalan","doi":"10.1177/2059513119868345","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/2059513119868345","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>In contrast to fetal scar tissue, adult scar tissue presents with visible scarring. Topical silicone creams have been shown to improve the appearance of scars. This case series compares the genetic expression of post-surgical scar tissues that received topical scar treatment with silicone cream, SKN2017B, or no treatment. SKN2017B is a recently formulated silicone-based scar cream that contains selective synthetic recombinant human growth factors, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin C. We hypothesise that scars treated with silicone-based scar creams have a more favourable genetic expression resembling a well-healing scar.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Women who had undergone an abdominoplasty were included in this investigation and randomly assigned to treat part of the scar with topical silicone, another part with SKN2017B, and to leave a third part untreated. After four weeks, punch biopsies were taken and the RNA sequenced. Healthy abdominal skin was biopsied as baseline data. Genes of interest were identified and median values were calculated for the samples.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>SKN2107B-treated scars demonstrated the lowest collagen type I to collagen type III ratio. Other key genes of interest in wound healing showed the lowest (favourable) expression of fibroblast activation protein alpha, lysyl oxidase and cartilage oligomeric matrix protein; the highest (favourable) expression of fibronectin type III domain containing 1 and matrix metallopeptidase 9 were found in scars treated with SKN2017B.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The results of this small case series demonstrate a trend that those scars treated with topical silicone cream, notably SKN2017B, display the most favourable gene expression for wound healing.</p>","PeriodicalId":94205,"journal":{"name":"Scars, burns & healing","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-08-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1177/2059513119868345","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41224353","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Scars, burns & healingPub Date : 2019-08-19eCollection Date: 2019-01-01DOI: 10.1177/2059513119868659
Chia-Hsuan Tsai, Rei Ogawa
{"title":"Keloid research: current status and future directions.","authors":"Chia-Hsuan Tsai, Rei Ogawa","doi":"10.1177/2059513119868659","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1177/2059513119868659","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Keloids and hypertrophic scars are fibroproliferative disorders of the skin that result from abnormal healing of injured or irritated skin. Multiple studies suggest that genetic, systemic and local factors may contribute to the development and/or growth of keloids and hypertrophic scars. A key local factor may be mechanical stimuli. Here, we provide an up-to-date review of the studies on the roles that genetic variation, epigenetic modifications and mechanotransduction play in keloidogenesis.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>An English literature review was performed by searching the PubMed, Embase and Web of Science databases with the following keywords: genome-wide association study; epigenetics; non-coding RNA; microRNA; long non-coding RNA (lncRNA); DNA methylation; mechanobiology; and keloid. The searches targeted the time period between the date of database inception and July 2018.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Genetic studies identified several single-nucleotide polymorphisms and gene linkages that may contribute to keloid pathogenesis. Epigenetic modifications caused by non-coding RNAs (e.g. microRNAs and lncRNAs) and DNA methylation may also play important roles by inducing the persistent activation of keloidal fibroblasts. Mechanical forces and the ensuing cellular mechanotransduction may also influence the degree of scar formation, scar contracture and the formation/progression of keloids and hypertrophic scars.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Recent research indicates that the formation/growth of keloids and hypertrophic scars associate clearly with genetic, epigenetic, systemic and local risk factors, particularly skin tension around scars. Further research into scar-related genetics, epigenetics and mechanobiology may reveal molecular, cellular or tissue-level targets that could lead to the development of more effective prophylactic and therapeutic strategies for wounds/scars in the future.</p>","PeriodicalId":94205,"journal":{"name":"Scars, burns & healing","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":0.0,"publicationDate":"2019-08-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://sci-hub-pdf.com/10.1177/2059513119868659","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"41224355","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}