Significance: Main dermal forms of fibroproliferative disorders are
hypertrophic scars (HTS) and
keloids. They often occur after cutaneous wound healing after skin injury, or
keloids even form spontaneously in the absence of any known injury. HTS and
keloids are different in clinical performance, morphology, and histology, but they all lead to physical and psychological problems for survivors. Recent Advances: Although the mechanism of wound healing at cellular and tissue levels has been well described, the molecular pathways involved in wound healing, especially fibrotic healing, is incompletely understood. Critical Issues: Abnormal
scars not only lead to increased health-care costs but also cause significant psychological problems for survivors. A plethora of therapeutic strategies have been used to prevent or attenuate excessive
scar formation; however, most therapeutic approaches remain clinically unsatisfactory. Future Directions: Effective care depends on an improved understanding of the mechanisms that cause abnormal
scars in patients. A thorough understanding of the roles of
chemokines in cutaneous wound healing and abnormal
scar formation will help provide more effective preventive and therapeutic strategies for dermal
fibrosis as well as for other proliferative disorders.