Keloid research: current status and future directions

Abstract

Lay SummaryRecent research indicates that the formation of keloids and hypertrophic scars clearly associates with genetic, epigenetic, systemic, and local risk factors, particularly skin tension around scars. These findings suggest that molecular, cellular, and/or tissue-level approaches that target one or more of these risk factors may be promising scar therapies. Further research into scar-related genetics, epigenetics, and mechanobiology is needed, as it is likely to help identify more effective prophylactic and clinical treatment strategies for wounds and scars.