Dermal Fibrosis and Beyond: The Full Spectrum of Cutaneous Scarring Disorders

Dermal fibrosis is a pathological process characterized by excessive extracellular matrix deposition, particularly collagen, resulting in skin thickening, architectural distortion, and functional impairment. It underpins a diverse spectrum of cutaneous scarring disorders, from acne scarring and hypertrophic scars to keloids and scleroderma, each with distinct clinical presentations but overlapping fibrotic mechanisms. These conditions pose significant therapeutic challenges, often leading to chronic symptoms, aesthetic concerns, and psychosocial burden. Despite their prevalence, the underlying biological drivers remain incompletely understood, and current treatments are largely empirical or palliative. Advances in immunology, mechanotransduction, and molecular profiling have begun to illuminate the cellular and signaling networks involved in fibrotic remodeling. A deeper understanding of these processes is essential to identify actionable targets and develop precision therapies. This Research Topic aims to unify diverse scar phenotypes under the umbrella of dermal fibrosis, fostering cross-disciplinary insights and translational innovation in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of fibrotic skin disorders.

The overarching goal of this Research Topic is to catalyze a truly multidisciplinary exploration of dermal fibrosis, integrating molecular insight, clinical relevance, and therapeutic innovation. Fibrotic skin disorders such as keloids, hypertrophic scars, and scleroderma, are driven by complex biological orchestration involving immune dysregulation, fibroblast heterogeneity, mechanotransduction, and metabolic reprogramming. To unravel these processes, we invite contributions from a wide range of scientific domains: molecular biology, immunology, systems biology, developmental biology, and regenerative medicine.

Comparative studies across species or tissue types are also encouraged to uncover conserved and divergent fibrotic pathways.

We welcome submissions employing omics technologies (transcriptomics, genomics, proteomics, metabolomics), as well as population genetics and familial studies that illuminate predisposition and phenotypic variability. Equally, we seek insights from bioengineering, pharmacology, and materials science, particularly those exploring therapeutic frontiers such as biologics, small molecules, biomechanical devices, and energy-based interventions. Contributions leveraging patient-derived models, organotypic platforms, and spatial profiling are especially valuable for validating targets and personalizing treatment strategies.

By embracing basic science, translational research, and clinical application, this initiative aims to unify fragmented insights into a coherent framework for understanding and managing dermal fibrosis, ultimately accelerating progress toward scar-free healing and precision therapeutics.

This Research Topic invites contributions that explore the full spectrum of dermal fibrosis and cutaneous scarring disorders. We welcome original research, clinical case series, and comprehensive reviews that address molecular mechanisms, immune cell dynamics, fibroblast heterogeneity, and tissue remodeling in conditions such as acne scarring, hypertrophic scars, keloids, and scleroderma. Submissions may also focus on emerging therapeutic strategies, including biologics, small molecules, gene therapies, and device-based interventions. We encourage studies employing advanced methodologies, such as single-cell analysis, spatial transcriptomics, and organotypic models, to elucidate the fibrotic microenvironment. Manuscripts that highlight patient stratification, biomarker discovery, and personalized treatment approaches are particularly encouraged. Authors may also contribute perspectives or mini-reviews that synthesize current challenges and future directions in the field. By defining this inclusive scope, we aim to foster interdisciplinary dialogue and accelerate translational progress in understanding and managing dermal fibrosis. All submissions will undergo rigorous peer review to ensure scientific excellence and relevance.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Clinical Trial
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Clinical Trial
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Review
• Systematic Review

Keywords: keloid, hypertrophic scars, skin scarring, dermal fibrosis, cutaneous scarring, molecular mechanisms, therapeutic strategies, Fibroblast Heterogeneity, Precision Medicine

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.