Some observations on the surface structure of collagen in hypertrophic scars.

The structure of the interface between epidermis and dermis was examined in normal skin and in hypertrophic scars using the scanning electron microscope. The hypertrophic scar was found to show a completely different structure of fibrous tissue (collagen) at this surface when compared to normal skin. As the hypertrophic scar matured this surface was remodelled to resemble more closely the surface observed in normal skin. The study suggests that the attachment of epidermal cells to the surface of the fibrous tissue developing in the burn wound may be an important aspect of the pathogenesis of hypertrophic scarring.