Hypertrophic Scars vs Dermatofibroma

Raised scars that stay within the boundary of the original wound. A common benign fibrous skin nodule.

Research updated 2026-10-23

AI-generated educational illustration: Adult shoulder with a firm pink raised linear healed scar confined to the original wound boundary, no open wound.

Key differences What is it?What it looks like Diagrams When it starts Triggers Daily Care Treatment Outlook Complications When to get help Questions

Key differences

The same eight facts on every condition comparison.

Usual age

After a wound or surgery

Adults

Where

Prior wounds, burns, surgery

Limbs, especially lower legs

Main sign

Raised scar within the wound line

Firm bump that dimples when pinched

Itch or pain

Can itch

Sometimes itchy

Contagious

Long term

Often flattens over 1–2 years

Harmless; stays

Scars

Is a scar

Removal leaves a scar

Who gets it

Wounds under tension; burns

Adults, often after a bite or shave nick

What is it?

Hypertrophic Scars

Dermatofibroma

What is it?

What it is
Raised scars that stay within the boundary of the original wound.

What it is
A common benign fibrous skin nodule.

What it looks like

Hypertrophic Scars

A shoulder with a short raised pink scar and small marks along its edges.

Hypertrophic Scars A narrow pink ridge follows the line of the healed wound.

Dermatofibroma

A lower leg with a small brown raised bump and a circular magnified detail.

Dermatofibroma An enlarged inset highlights the bump's shape and surface.

Skin tones

Adult shoulder with a firm pink raised linear healed scar confined to the original wound boundary, no open wound.

A small raised dermatofibroma on the lower leg.

In the skin

Healing produces excess collagen and a raised scar. Unlike a keloid, the thickening stays within the original wound boundary.

A localized growth of fibrous cells forms a firm skin nodule. The reason the growth develops is often uncertain.

When it usually starts

010203040506070+

Hypertrophic Scars. Develops after relevant injury, inflammation or tissue change; age depends on the cause.

Dermatofibroma. Most often noticed in adults.

Causes and triggers

Causes

Excess collagen accumulates during healing, unlike a keloid which extends beyond the wound.

A local fibrous-cell proliferation forms a stable nodule; the cause is often uncertain.

Risk factors

Prior skin inflammation or injury, Individual healing tendency

Adult age, Sometimes prior minor skin injury

Trigger

● Hypertrophic Scars

● Dermatofibroma

No established short-term flare trigger

Not a typical trigger

Daily Care

Hypertrophic Scars

Dermatofibroma

Daily care

Habits that help

Care for the original wound until it has fully closed
Follow the treating clinician’s dressing and infection-prevention instructions.
Protect healed exposed scars from sunlight
Broad-spectrum sunscreen and clothing help limit persistent color changes.
Use moisturizer on healed skin if it feels dry or itchy
Do not massage an open or fragile wound.
Use silicone or pressure treatment only as advised on healed skin
The choice depends on the scar and should not interfere with wound healing.
Seek review if the scar limits movement or keeps growing
Pain, troublesome itch or functional problems may need additional treatment.

Avoid

Avoid: Repeated friction, picking and excess tension across the scar
Ongoing injury can maintain irritation and thickening.

Habits that help

Leave a stable, clinician-confirmed benign lesion alone
It may not need treatment if it is comfortable and not changing.
Reduce rubbing from clothing, shaving or hair tools
Repeated injury can make a harmless lesion sore or cause bleeding.
Notice meaningful changes without repeatedly squeezing it
Arrange examination for rapid growth, persistent bleeding or a change in appearance.

Avoid

Avoid: Cutting, burning, freezing or acid removal at home
Home removal can cause infection, scarring and delay the correct diagnosis.

Treatment differences

Evidence labels come from each condition’s own treatment list.

Treatment

● Hypertrophic Scars

● Dermatofibroma

Over-the-counter

Silicone gel or sheets

Listed

May help a healed raised scar; do not place over an open wound.

None listed

Injections

Intralesional corticosteroid

Listed

Can reduce selected raised scars under clinician supervision; thinning and pigment change are possible.

None listed

Procedures

None listed

Excision

Listed

Pain, growth or diagnostic uncertainty may justify removal or tissue assessment.

Outlook

Long term

Raised scars often soften and flatten over months to years, although some remain noticeable. Treatment may improve symptoms and appearance, but the response and need for repeat treatment vary.

A confirmed dermatofibroma is harmless and often stays for years. Removal is optional when troublesome, leaves a scar and may not prevent recurrence if the lesion is incompletely removed.