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

BackgroundHypertrophic 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.ObjectiveTo explore the present epidemiological status of them in Chinese college students.MethodsWe 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.ResultsHS 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 (P < 0.05), but not in KD. The prevalence of HS and KD both showed a significant difference by age (P < 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 P < 0.001), and KD was associated with age ≥22 years and family history (adjusted P < 0.050).ConclusionHS and KD are common in Chinese college students, and more attention and research is warranted.