Epidemiological and Clinical Features of Hypertrophic Scar and Keloid in Chinese College Students: A University-based Cross-sectional Survey

Background: Hypertrophic scar (HS) and keloid (KD) are common dermal fibroproliferative growth caused by pathological wound healing. HS's prevalence is currently undetermined in China. Though it primarily occurs in dark-skinned individuals, KD can develop in all races, and its prevalence among Chinese people is poorly documented.

Objective: To explore the present epidemiological status of them in Chinese college students.

Methods: We conducted a university-based cross-sectional study at one university in Fujian, China. A total of 1785 participants aged 16-34 years (mean age, 20.0 ± 2.0; 58.7% female) were enrolled and statistical analyses were performed.

Results: HS and KD were observed in 5.2% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.2-6.2) and 0.6% (95% CI: 0.3-1.0) of the population respectively. There was a significant difference by sex in HS ( < 0.05), but not in KD. The prevalence of HS and KD both showed a significant difference by age ( < 0.05), but not in ethnic and native place distribution. The occurrence of HS and KD were both concentrated in individuals 9-20 years old (HS: 77.2%; KD: 81.8%). They were mainly distributed in the upper limbs (52.1%; 64.3%), and the main cause was trauma (51.0%; 35.7%). In addition, male sex was a risk factor for HS (adjusted  < 0.001), and KD was associated with age ≥22 years and family history (adjusted  < 0.050).

Conclusion: HS and KD are common in Chinese college students, and more attention and research is warranted.