Senin, 12 April 2010

How to Deal With Keloid Scars

A keloid is a scar hypertrophied, begin fibrous and is presented for different causes during the process of healing a wound. In order to form a keloid, it is necessary to have a wound that is healing process. This wound can be caused by acne, infection, an operation or a cut have to close. The complications are mostly in people who have a hereditary tendency to form keloids scars. A keloid is initiated when the treated skin wound or segregated, too, substances which are called "growth factor". This causes tumor growth of the scar. At the same time, the connective tissue that is under the skin starts to play, to plug the wound. In a normal person, just the fabric cover the wound, without excess, but the keloid indicates that the fibrous tissue is produced in excess. Then, it begins to lift the skin to create a fibrous tumor, hard, unsightly and very painful when you're growing.

The keloid must be differentiated from a hypertrophic scar, which are less thick and deformed. These are usually caused, for example, where the wound was a scratch by wire, the patient had a reaction to the thread sewing the wound or "lips" of the same was not hit well. Meanwhile, the keloid is a tumor that big, red, it hurts when form and then takes the color of the skin is never pre-cancerous, but it is unsightly and is totally contrindicado remove through surgery.

Treatments
There are several types of treatment for a keloid, which depend on the time it takes for this tumor formation. The reality is that as a scar tumor, big, built and very annoying, it is difficult to treat. If the wound is recent and keloid is in one of its early formative stages, it can inject steroids such as cortisone. Thus, although the tumor does not go away, was flattened. If the scar is old, due to its hardness and does not allow the entry of needle or any substance, then is removed by surgery and X-rays are applied to no longer continue to grow. The radiation dose is a very limited area of the scar. Experts agree that must never be removed surgically to a keloid, then to grow, reaching generally twice as thick, size and prominence earlier.

It is recommended that people with a family history of keloids, notify your doctor that these are prone to tumor formation. Then, the professional should be reported to operate with care, not letting blood and the wounds treated with cortisone for not forming tumors. In women, one can detect a tendency to form keloids when a small tumor in the ear after the hole made for the hoops. Also, in some patients, despite the fact that there is a tendency to keloid, this can lead to a large wound caused by, for example, an accident where they scrape the skin or a major burn. Currently, some laboratories are looking for substances to prevent the formation of keloids. In some clinics are compressions with a bandage so they do not grow strong and extends much scars.

source: ezinearticles.com

Is There a Cure For Keloids or an Effective Scar Treatment For Hypertrophic Scars?

There is no keloid cure. There are treatments. One of the most effective is an over-the-counter scar cream with silicone as the active ingredient.

For there to be a keloid cure, there would have to be a clear understanding of what causes a keloid. Doctors don't fully understand why or how these occur.

o Skin trauma appears to be the most common factor.
o Keloids form in areas where there is muscle tension, such as the chest, shoulders and back. This would lead you to think the palms and soles of feet would be just as vulnerable, but they are not.
o Infection at a wound site can lead to this type of wound.

People seek a cure for the red, painful heaps of scar tissue. Symptoms include pigmentation of the skin, itchiness, unusual sensations and pain. Silicone scar treatments are especially effective at fading color and protecting them from irritants.

Once you get one you are likely to get another.

o Half of all people who get this specific type of wound will get another somewhere else on the body. This is a prime argument for using an affordable, and effective silicone scar treatment.
o In fact, surgical removal-once thought to be a cure, often results in a larger, uglier wound.
o Some ethnic groups are at more risk of developing them. You are 16% more susceptible if you are African-American or Hispanic.

Prevention

Some doctors say that all highly pigmented people should avoid tattoos and piercing to be on the safe side. Other than that, there is no other prevention or keloid cure.

source: ezinearticles.com

Which Type of Scar Removal Product Works Best For Keloids?

There is a tremendous amount of research proving silicone works best as a scar treatment for keloids. Most research is done on keloid scars because they are so disfiguring. Another reason is that doctors don't know what causes them. They hope studying scar treatments will solve the mystery.

There have been at least two significant studies of silicone for scar therapy on keloids. Both proved silicone works.

Here are the results of a South Florida medical investigation. Keloid patients used silicone for only four months.

o Size decreased in 53%.
o Tissue softened in 45%.
o Itching stopped for 45%.
o Tenderness was reduced in 36%.

A second significant study involved darker skin. African-Americans and Hispanics are sixteen-times more likely to form keloids than Caucasians. Indian and Pakistani natives are also vulnerable. Again, no one knows why.

In the second study, in India, silicone was kept on serious scarring for 12 hours a day.

1. Doctors saw improvement in half of cases.
2. Improvement began within 12 weeks.
3. The researchers say immediate therapy as soon as a wound closes will help prevent keloids.
4. Of all non-invasive treatments, the doctors report silicones seem to be the only compound with no significant side effects.

Other findings: scar treatment must be applied at least twice a day. It should be used for multiple months or more to get maximum results.

Scar treatment creams are the only option for many people.

Many doctors will not even try surgery or dermabrasion on keloids. These treatments will just heal into another. It is often a bigger and uglier mark.

People prone to thick, red keloid scars are advised to avoid any elective surgery or body piercing. The outcome is a new keloid.

Keloids result when the body over-corrects after trauma or surgical incision. Keloids are heaps of spreading scar tissue.

Scar treatments work. Here are five reasons:

1. During therapy, silicone promotes healing. It helps scarred cells draw and hold moisture from surrounding healthy tissue. Moisture is essential to healing.

2. You get immediate soothing. Scars can be painful or itchy. Redness subsides when you stop rubbing or scratching. Silicone also protects the sensitive scar tissue from wind, rain and any other outside irritants.

3. It goes to work at the cellular level, encouraging healing. This results in a flatter scar which fades into surrounding skin.

4. It may "convince" damaged fibers to realign. Silicone attracts static electricity, which may encourage cells to re-form as softer, more normal tissue.

5. In fact, some doctors in Great Britain prefer to use silicone scar treatment products alongside laser medical scar removal and cortisone shots.

People with extreme scarring appreciate home scar removal creams. They can be frustrated by products that deliver the silicone on a sheet attached with tape. It might seem more protective. But they come off when skin moves. A coating of cream or gel also offers protection and is flexible. It doesn't come off.

Wearing silicone sheets for months at a time calls attention to removal therapy. Some people suffer embarrassment about their keloids. A gel is more discreet.

source: ezinearticles.com

Keloid Scars & Hypertrophic Scarring

When we are affected by for example wounds, our body has its own healing mechanism. The healing process starts with the production of fibroblasts and skin cells. If these are produced at the same rate, wound healing will happen normally leaving a small scar that in time fades, but if the production is off, fibroblasts create a dense cluster that hinders the migration of skin cells. This is an abnormality better known as hypertrophic or keloid scarring.

What are Keloid and Hypertrophic Scars?

These, also known as raised scars, are the result of the body's overproduction of collagen when wound healing is taking place. An overproduction will create a raised scar that is limited to the site of the original wound. When the scar is limited to the site of the wound, this kind of scar is called a hypertrophic scar.

Keloid scar are different in that a keloid can grow beyond the site of the original lesion. They are uneven and can grow larger with time.

Because keloid scars grow beyond the area of the initial lesion, they are quite unattractive. Factors such as itchiness, painfulness and tenderness to the touch are normally something usual when dealing with a keloid scar.

Are there Treatments for Raised Scars?

Two of the most common options to treat raised scarring are compression therapy and corticosteroid injections.

Compression therapy is one of the most common treatments for raised scars. The method is to use something to compress the scar and the area around it, to limit the growth. This has also been know to reduce the actual scar, but treatment is not always successful.

Corticosteroids, specifically intralesional corticosteroid injections, are also a regular treatment to help healing of raised scars. This treatment reduces collagen synthesis, by altering glucosaminoglycan synthesis and by inhibiting the production of fibroblast proliferation during wound healing.

source: ezinearticles.com

Which Type of Keloid Scar Treatment Really Works?

Keloid scars are part of the Hypertrophic group of scars in that they have the ability to expand in size. However, Keloids are a very unique type of scar as they are the only kind of wound which can expand beyond the original boundary of the injury. This means that a simple piercing from an earring can result in an over-sized Keloid that expands well beyond the ear.

Unfortunately, while these types of scars are considered abnormal and are less common than "normal" scars, they can still result from just about anything including a scrape, small cut, or even as the result of a common disease such as acne or chickenpox.

After A Keloid Develops...What Next?

After this type of wound develops, you do have options including using a topical Keloid scar treatment such as a silicone scar cream or gel. This is the most common type of treatment as these products are available without a prescription. Some extremely large Keloids may require surgery. However, surgically removing a Keloid results in the development of another Keloid around 50% of the time which is why surgery is reserved for only the most serious forms of Keloids.

There is also the option of injection therapy, but again this is reserved for extremely serious wounds. Typically, skin and health care professionals suggest using a silicone based treatment due to the fact that this method has been clinically shown to diminish both the size and color of Keloids. While you may purchase silicone scar sheeting, many consumers prefer to use a gel based product as this option is not only generally more cost effective, but it also allows the scar to remain completely protected during movement.

source: ezinearticles.com

What is a Hypertrophic Scar?

What is a Scar?

A scar is when fibrous tissues bond to replace skin that has been damaged through an injury or surgery. This is a normal process that happens to repair any wound on the skin and deeper tissues in the body. Scars are a very natural occurrence during the process of healing. Most lesions, unless they are minor in nature, wind up scarring in some fashion.

Scar tissue is different from the skin. Hair does not grow back for one thing. Also, it is usually not as flexible and elastic as the skin it replaces.

A Hypertrophic Scar

A hypertrophic scar is a red thick scar and it can happen from an injury to the skin or surgery. Hypertrophic scars grow only in the immediate area of the skin injury. It is the keloid scars that can grow outside into the area outside the injuries. Both scars can be similar in size and shapes at times.

Unlike the keloid scar, however, the hypertrophic scar heals by itself. It can take about 12 to 18 months for the size to decrease and the tenderness to subside. These scars do not totally disappear though.

Hypertrophic scars and keloid can be caused by similar events. They can happen from injections, surgery (including skin surgery), injury, but also from acne and body piercing.

Hypertrophic scars have nothing to do with family history or ethnic background as the keloid scars. But in both types of scars, the collagen levels are higher than in average scar tissue. Hypertrophic scars usually form on the ears, shoulders, and breastbone, but they can form other places on the body too.

The Healing of Hypertrophic Scars

The hypertrophic scar usually heals with no assistance, with the swelling and sensations of pain decreasing in about 12 to 18 months. Certain things can be done to speed up this process. One such thing is by using injections of steroids or the topical application of steroid cream or ointments. These can assist the scar in decreasing in appearance.

Hypertrophic scars removal can be surgically accomplished by using such methods at Z-plasty, this can produce very noticeable results. The only drawback to this is that hypertrophic scarring can occur from this method due to its surgical nature. This should only be done by a board certified plastic surgeon.

Today though modern technology also has provided the use of silicone sheets to help hypertrophic and other scars heal. The individual wears the silicone sheets for a certain length of time daily to get results. The silicone stimulates the skin to heal itself. Over time, the scars improve in appearance greatly.

A person needing to treat a hypertrophic scar to speed up healing needs to consult a physician to make sure which path to take. But, as explained in this article, there are many methods for either speeding up healing or hypertrophic scars removal. There is a method to suit the needs of all people suffering with these scars. Just be sure to follow a doctor's advice to get maximum results.

source: ezinearticles.com

The Most Extraordinary Keloid Scar Removal Methods

You will find various kinds of scars that may vary from small imperfections up to the more serious and constricting kinds. The type of treatment method you utilize will be based significantly upon the sort of scar as well as the degree of the injury. Keloids are probably the most challenging type of scarring to treat.

Exactly what are Keloids?

Keloids are not really scars. They're, in reality, harmless fibrotic tumors that contain atypical fibroblasts. Also, they are identified by the abnormal quantity of components that make up the skin, specifically: collagen, elastin in addition to proteogylcans.

Typically, keloid scars consist of relatively acellular centers and possess a thick and a considerable amount of collagen bundles that form nodules in the deep dermal portion of the particular lesion. They might hurt, itch, and result in disfigurement. The primary complications dealing with keloid scar treatment are continuous growth as well as the excessive rate of recurrence.

Keloid scar tissue are generally small or fairly large. Both size and area assist to figure out the severeness of this kind of scar tissue. If your keloid appears over a joint, it may cause mobility difficulties and also pain.

Discover Ways to Deal with Keloids

There are numerous ways of dealing with keloids. These consist of compression therapy, steroid injections, cryosurgery, silicone sheeting, surgery, and radiation and laser treatment. Cryosurgery along with the use of steroid shots is quite a good method of dealing with smaller keloids. Nevertheless, if you are attempting to take care of bigger keloids then you will most likely need to go through a surgical procedure.

Nevertheless, the most effective types of keloid treatment methods are not just regarding keloid removal. Effective keloid scar treatment must always consist of treatments which are applied prior to, during, and following surgery. Here is a fast breakdown of keloid scar removal.

Previous to as well as during surgery, a professional may inject steroids into your scar tissue to help you reduce the scar. Research has demonstrated that this facilitates to reduce the rate of recurrence. When the keloid is taken out, the location should be looked after meticulously.

A different treatment method utilized right after keloid scar removal surgery, is using compression therapy or silicone sheets to keep the keloid from recurring. Compression may well last as prolonged as 12 months.

Laser and radiation treatment are an additional solution that will help you cope with keloids. Laser therapy involves utilizing a laser to create a shallow peel. When laser therapy is used along with silicone sheeting or steroid injections, an increased success rate occur.

Radiation therapy is best when it's implemented immediately after surgery. When this kind of treatment is used while the injury continues to heal, it becomes all the more effective.

Gels and/or topical applications can also always be applied for scar treatment. Researching into this kind of remedy you should look at solutions that are 100% silicone, they are the very best types for this kind of treatment. Products that includes onion extract are also proven effective when dealing with lots of post traumatic injuries. Actually, they've even been recognized to assist in the healing process.

Regardless of which gel or cream you apply, you have to always be persistent. This is the most important and single method in which virtually any remedy will be successful.

source: ezinearticles.com

Keloid Scars Can Be Treated With Incisive Treatments

After the initial pain and shock of an injury, we often are occupied with the question of whether it will leave a scar. Most frequently, injuries are beyond our control like falls, accidents, or even acne. Yet, some develop from events we decide on ourselves, like types of tattoos or piercings. In any case, one would hope to prevent these unsightly marks and to treat existing scars in order to preserve the beauty of their skin.

Wound Healing

Wound healing consists of three phases. The first is the inflammatory phase when the blood clots, inflammatory cells accumulate, and growth factors cause cells to speed their rate of division. Bacteria and damaged tissue are eliminated by macrophages which also help in the formation of a new extracellular matrix. The next phase, the proliferative phase, starts with the presence of fibroblasts and their work toward constructing a new matrix with collagen. During this phase, the wound contracts and prepares for new tissue. The final phase is called the maturation and remodeling phase, and consists of the remodeling of collagen to be better aligned with the skin's natural tension lines. Cells used during the healing process are also eliminated.

Types of Scarring

The type of scar that results can depend on the nature of the injury as well as small alterations in the general wound healing process. Two general categories of scarring are atrophic and hypertrophic. Atrophic scars are associated with tissue loss while hypertrophic or keloid scars are formed due to the overproduction of collagen that causes the scar to rise above the skin's surface and in the case of keloids, extend beyond the bounds of the original wound. The latter scar types mentioned are more severe and often prompt people to take action in treating and removing them. Doctors still are uncertain why hypertrophic scars form instead of atrophic, but some suggest that certain people have a genetic or cellular tendency toward their development. They are common as a result of deep cuts, burns, and piercings; however, they can also form as a result of less serious injury and even acne. Both men and women seem to develop keloids equally, however, women's numbers are sometimes higher in piercing keloids or ear keloids because of their higher likelihood to get piercings. This leaves women, as well as men, searching for types of piercing keloid treatment or general keloid scar removal procedures that could possibly erase them of these unsightly scars.

Keloid Scar Removal

There are various methods of keloid scar removal. Procedures include surgeries that scrape or excise the scar tissue, cortisone injections that help smooth the area, laser treatments that reduce redness, or the freezing off of scar tissue known as cryotherapy. These options, however, should be last resort as they are generally expensive and painful.

Another treatment option is offered by natural skin care product lines that have developed a new treatment for keloid scars using an organic ingredient made by the Helix Aspersa Muller. This serum contains activators of skin growth factors and antimicrobial peptides that aid with the quick and clean reformation of the skin during the healing process. Helix Aspersa Muller secretions also contain enzymes that work to dissolve damaged proteins in order to release their amino acids that can help in the regeneration of healthy cells. Communicator molecules differentiate damaged tissue from healthy tissue in order to manage the rebuilding of collagen and other structural elements of healthy skin. The compound's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory components clear a clean slate for new healthy skin tissue by removing all damaged skin cells. The treatment and removal of keloid scars has never been this easy!

source: ezinearticles.com

Keloid and Hypertrophic Scars

Abnormal scarring can be a very troublesome problem and can occur as a result of trauma, skin piercing, or surgery - basically anytime the skin is broken. Keloids or hypertrophic scars occur can occur in any skin types but are more common in African American and Hispanic skin types. A previous history of keloids speaks to an increased risk, but the risk is not one-hundred percent. For patients who experience these conditions, there are many possible treatments but none that have proven to be effective in all cases. Often several treatments must be combined to get optimal results.

While additional research must be done, it appears that keloids and hypertrophic scars are not separate entities but on a continuum with one another. Hypertrophic scars are raised scars which remain in the line of the scar. Keloids are also raised but extend outside of the discrete scar. In order to minimize the risk of either, great care must be used in wound closure to ensure that no tension exists on the wound.

If a person suffers from a keloid or hypertrophic scar, there are several options for repair. Direct excision is always an option though this solution alone will almost certainly result in a recurrence of the process. Topical or injection therapies offer good adjuncts to surgical excision to help prevent recurrence. Though no treatment has shown 100% efficacy at preventing recurrence, several are used with good results depending on physician preference. Intralesional steroid injections, often with kenalog, is a useful tool not only to help prevent recurrence but also to help decrease keloids that are present. Additional therapies with the chemotherapy drug 5-FU directly into the lesion and imiquimod applied to the top of the excised area can be helpful in decreasing recurrence rates. Several studies have been done with the application of silicone sheeting for several hours a day for several days to months after surgical excision of a keloid with very favorable results. The mechanism of action is not entirely known but thought to be related more to the moisturizing effect on the wound than the silicone itself.

For keloids which are particularly troublesome, large, or recurrent, a short course of radiation therapy after excision can be beneficial. Because of the potential side effects of radiation, this therapy is reserved for particularly troublesome cases but can be very useful in the right circumstances.

source: ezinearticles.com

Managing Hypertrophic and Keloid Scars With Silicone Sheets

A scar is simply where the skin has had to heal after being injured in particular way. The skin cannot heal back to its original state and therefore creates fibrous tissue in the place of the wound. As a result of this, a scar forms. Scar treatment is often called for.

There are many ways that people can get scarred. Some scarring always happens from certain surgery, such as with breast cancer surgery. Acne can cause the face and other parts of the body to be scarred. Different types of injuries can also create scarring on the skin.

When a hypertrophic scar forms, it stays within the immediate area of the wound. These scars can be treated with a variety of treatments successfully. Keloid scars on the other hand spread past the area and often have a tumor-like appearance. Keloid scars can become so severe that surgery is merited.

There are types of scar treatment available today from rubbing creams and oils on these scars to having surgery done on them. Some of the creams and oils work well and some don't do the job at all. Scars are seldom removed completely even through plastic surgery; their appearance can be minimized, though.

Laser treatments are often done on scars today. This does have certain side effects though. The skin will stay red for several days following treatment. Women can hide this redness through using makeup, but men can't so this might be an issue.

One of the best treatments today is the use of silicone sheets on the scars. Wearing a sheet of silicone over a scar stimulates the skin to heal itself, therefore the scar's appearance is not as pronounced. This usually takes several weeks to accomplish maximum results. This scar treatment can be used on scars that are old too. The older scars can be successfully minimized.

The regimen is usually to start out wearing the silicone sheets for about 30 minutes a day. Then the person should gradually increases the length the sheet is worn until they are wearing it all day. The sheets are worn until the maximum results are reached. At that time, the scar will be minimized as much as it can be. The silicone sheets produce amazing results on most scars.

The silicone sheets usually have to have some tape applied over them to allow them to be secure on the skin. They should only be worn during the day; the skin should be allowed to breathe at night. These sheets can work on hypertrophic and keloid scars both. The best results will be seen on the hypertrophic scars though.

If one suffers from scarring of any kind, they should try these silicone sheets first before other kinds of treatments. They may find that no other kind of scar treatment is necessary. It would be better than having to have surgery done on the scars. Most people are very satisfied after using the sheets of silicone to remove or minimize their scars.

source: ezinearticles.com

Keloid Scars Are a Type of Hypertrophic Scar Nobody Wants

Hypertrophic scars are also known as raised scars and a result of a hyper production of collagen. While they are a bit difficult to deal with, they are much less problematic than keloid scars.

Keloid scars are actually an overgrowth of fibrous tissue. Unlike hypertrophic scars, keloids extend beyond the original site of the wound and can keep growing indefinitely. These are two of the reasons that keloid scars are difficult to treat and deal with.

Keloid scars can take on a puckered appearance. The puckering gives them an irregular shape. Unfortunately, these types of raised scars will usually get worse with time instead of getting better.

Their appearance is a pinkish or red color and they have a tendency to become quite large and unattractive. They can also be tender to the touch, itchy and sometimes painful. Keloids can show-up anywhere on the body, but are usually seen on the breastbone, ear lobes and shoulders.

The biggest problem with keloids is that they have a tendency to recur and require repeated treatments. Fortunately, the predisposition to develop keloids diminishes with age.

There are several different ways of keloid scar removal for both hypertrophic and keloid scars. Two of the most common treatments are corticosteroid injections and compression therapy. Here is a short introduction to both types of treatments.

Compression therapy is about the application of pressure to the scar. Some studies have shown that when pressure is applied to the scar it reduces the cohesiveness of collagen fibers and inhibits the formation of hypertrophic scars and keloids. Some of the elements used in compression therapy include compression wraps, ACE bandages, elastic adhesive bandages, spandex or Lycra bandages.

Compression therapy has shown positive results on existing scars, however, it is generally used to prevent the formation of scar tissue, especially keloids.

Scar healing can also be achieved by using regular corticosteroid injections which can be applied before, during, and after surgery. Intralesional corticosteroid injections help treat both raised scars and keloids by deterring the production of collagen.

Surgery and microdermabrasion are two types of scar removal options that can be used to treat raised scars. Surgery for keloids is a complicated topic because keloids tend to recur, however, microdermabrasion seems to be a safer option for both keloids and hypertrophic scar removal because it works slowly by gradually wearing down the skin until it is practically gone.

Hypertrophic scars can often be treated with one of the previously mentioned alternatives, however, keloid scar removal most often relies on a combination of all of these treatments to be successful. If you want further information you should talk to your doctor about scar removal treatments for these types of scars.

source: ezinearticles.com

Understanding the Cause and Treatment of Keloids and Hypertrophic Scars

Keloid scars as well as hypertrophic scars are very unique in that they can actually grow and expand. While Hypertrophic scars are able to grow, Keloids are the only type of scar that can expand beyond the boundaries of the original wound area. Both of these types of scars are caused by the excessive deposition of collagen. Unfortunately, some of those affected by these types of wounds end up with extremely large, cyst like growths on their body. Furthermore, Keloids can develop at multiple locations on the body at the same time.

The Development of Keloids

Keloids can develop following any trauma to the skin including a minor abrasion. This means that a simple cut can turn into a very large and discolored wound. However, in some instances Keloids can develop spontaneously while Hypertrophic scars always develop following an injury.

Both of these types of wounds typically occur in the ethnic groups such as from African, Polynesian, or South Pacific origin. However, any group can develop these types of wounds. One of the most common reasons for the development of Keloids is a puncture wound such as a body piercing.

Hypertrophic and Keloid Scar Treatments - Options

There are a variety of treatment options to choose from once you develop either a Hypertrophic or Keloid. While some may assume that surgery is the best overall option, consider the fact that surgically removing this type of wound is not only expensive, but it also runs the risk of another scar returning 50% of the time. These are not very good odds considering the risk and cost of surgery.

Injection therapy

Another keloid scar treatment option used to reduce the appearance of Keloids is injection therapy. This method involves multiple injections given per week. While this method has shown to have some positive results, there are some significant drawbacks such as the potential to develop multiple side effects. Additionally, these injections are very expensive.

Silicone Keloid Scar Treatments

A silicone based keloid scar treatment is considered by many skin care professionals as the best overall option for reducing the size, color, and pain associated with Keloids and Hypertrophic scars. Please click on the links provided below to compare a variety of scar products.

source: ezinearticles.com

Five Effective Techniques For Hypertrophic Scar Treatment

Hypertrophic scar treatment is a unique method of repairing scars. Scarring of the skin are usually of two kinds - keloid and hypertrophic. Skin marks are considered hypertrophic when the injured tissue heals and forms a reddish lump which does not extend beyond the actual wound. Though these are abnormal looking, these skin blemishes repair with time. But in some cases, they become permanent and then hypertrophic scar treatment is required for their removal.

There is a wide variety of scar treatments. You must know that whatever might be your process for removal, scars can never be actually removed. Scar removing treatments leave a trace behind. A few techniques are elaborated below:

Needling treatment - This is one of the most affordable hypertrophic scar treatments. One of its advantages is that it can be done at home with special scarring needles.
Silicone treatment - This hypertrophic treatment erases the most of the scarring traces. This method is normally used by plastic surgeons. Silicone gel sheets moisturize the scar and fade out the discoloration so that it matches the surrounding skin.
Steroid injections - Steroid injection is a very common method that is used in hypertrophic scar healing. Here, steroids are injected directly into the scar every month until the scar is suitably flattened.
Collagen injections - Just like a few cosmetic procedures, collagen injections are also used in hypertrophic scar treatment. This type of treatment pertains to those scars which sink into the skin. This method of treatment helps to maintain the scar level.
Radiotherapy - In severe cases, scars can be open to the elements of radiotherapy or can also be stitched up. However, these treatments are risky as it involves opening the wounds.
New and improved treatments methods are being developed with proper research, for the treatments of scars. Now, with such advanced technology, these scars are no more a cause of worry.

source: ezinearticles.com

Boxcar, Ice Pick, Hypertrophic & Keloid Scarring

Acne is something almost everyone has to deal with once in their life, either as a teenager or believe it or not as an adult. The most horrible thing about acne is that it can leave your skin with different types of scarring. Boxcar, ice pick, hypertrophic and keloid scars are some reminders left by acne.

Types of Scars

Ice Pick Scars. These are characterized by deep pits in your skin. These are the most common type of scarring left from acne.

Box Car Scars. These are similar to ice pick scars but are angular scars that usually occur on the temple and cheeks. These scars can be either superficial or deep and are very similar to chicken pox scars.

Hypertrophic Scars. These are raised scars caused by the overproduction of collagen. They can be easily recognized by the raised, hard tissue after the skin has healed.

Keloid Scars. Keloid are similar or a form of hypertrophic scarring but a keloid occurs when the scar tissue grows beyond the borders of the initial wound.

Acne Scar Removal and Prevention

The best way to prevent acne scars is to keep your acne controlled with an acne treatment cream. Which creams work best depends on your type of skin, but natural skin care products are the best form to protect your skin from breakouts. Natural products are a good alternative because they do not cause any secondary effects like chemically based products that can irritate your condition instead of controlling your breakouts.

If you already have acne scars and are looking for a treatment that will get rid of those reminders, the best way to go is to try a home microdermabrasion cream. By gently exfoliating the very top layer of the skin, to gradually remove scarred or discolored epidermal tissue. Home microdermabrasion products are great for boxcar scars or ice pick scars, but they are not recommended for raised scars as those types of scarring can be more sensitive.

For raised scars, a cream that contains the secretion of the land snail Helix Aspersa Muller is a great option. The snail secretion has properties to control collagen production, in other words, stop the growth of raised scars. It has also been known to reduce the size of both old and new keloid scars without irritating the skin.

The best way to prevent acne scarring is to control your acne before it damages your skin. If you have those unsightly reminders, use a home microdermabrasion product or a natural skin care cream that contains the secretion of the land snail Helix Aspera Muller to gradually eliminate your acne scars.

source: ezinearticles.com

Effective Strategies to Attack Keloid and Hypertrophic Scars

After an injury the body has a natural way of healing any open wounds. The production of skin cells and fibroblasts are the first step in the reparation process. The fibroblasts generate a set of connections where the skin cells migrate and close the wound.

In a healthy healing process, the fibroblasts and skin cells have the same rate of production and produce a normal scar that will fade with time. However, if the fibroblasts reproduce faster than the skin cells, they will form a dense band that impedes the migration of the skin cells to the wound. The result, in this case, is a raised formation on the skin known as a keloid scar or hypertrophic scar.

What is the difference between the two? The following article will examine the differences between these types of scars as well as hypertrophic and keloid scar treatment

Keloids

Keloids exceed the area of the original wound. Their appearance is like a puckered cluster of tissue that emerges from the surface of the skin. This type of raised scars are irregular in shape and, unlike other types, they usually do not fade with time, but grow larger.

They can be pinkish or red and have a tendency to become fairly large and unattractive. They can also be tender to the touch, itchy and sometimes painful. On a histological level, keloids are composed of thick and abundant collagen bundles that form lumps deep within the skin.

Hypertrophic Scars

Hypertrophic scars are the result of the body overproducing collagen. The result of this anomaly is a raised scar like a keloid scar. However, unlike keloids, hypertrophic scars do not grow beyond the limits of the original wound.

Treating Hypertrophic and Keloid Scars

There are several treatments for raised scars. But, we will take a look at a couple of the most common ones: compression therapy and corticosteroid injections

Compression therapy involves applying pressure to the scar. Reports have stated that by applying pressure to the scar, there is a reduction in the cohiesiveness of collagen fibers. Compression treatments include ACE bandages, elastic adhesive bandages, compression wraps, spandex or Lycra bandages among others.

Corticosteroids, specifically intralesional corticosteroid injections, have been a constant form of treatment to aid hypertrophic scar healing. Intralesional corticosteroid injections help inhibit the development of scar tissue by reducing collagen synthesis, by altering glucosaminoglycan synthesis, and by inhibiting the production of fibroblast proliferation during wound healing.

Surgery, cryo treatments and laser therapy are other alternatives for the treatment of raised scars. Check with your doctor to choose the best alternative for you.

When abnormal scar healing creates raised scars, you have a large range of treatment alternatives. Deep tissue massages and skin exfoliation are also alternatives for raised scars treatments.

source: ezinearticles.com

Hypertrophic & Keloid Scar Removal

Hypertrophic Scars

Hypertrophic scars grow indefinitely but they are restricted to the site of the wound. They form due to the overproduction of collagen which is what makes the scar raise. It's usually pink or flesh colored and occurs mostly on the chest, back, shoulders and ear lobes. They can be caused by a number of factors which include burns, insect bites, injections and/or tattoos. However, the formation seems to be caused by a hereditary factor.

Keloids

Keloids are formed after the skin has gone through some kind of trauma. The body attempts to heal the lesion by generating collagen, but people who are prone to keloids create too much of this substance. This causes the scars to grow past the limit of the wound. Keloids are basically characterized by that they don't know when to stop.

Keloids are pink, brown, purple or flesh colored and are irregularly shaped. They tend to grow progressively and they unfortunately do not subside. Keloids can be especially difficult to have because they can be very tender to the touch and itchy.

How to Treat Raised Scars

Both imperfections are very difficult to eliminate. Nevertheless, there are some scar removal options:

Laser Therapy: One of the most effective ways to remove hypertrophic and keloid scars is by undergoing laser therapy. The procedure peels off its top layer to encourage proper healing.

Steroid Injections: This treatment is normally used when the scar is just beginning to grow. It prevents it from raising beyond what it should. It may also reduce the size of preexisting marks. Nevertheless, these injections are quite painful and require anesthesia.

Surgery: You may choose to get rid of keloid or hypertrophic scars by undergoing surgery. It's often followed by compression therapy to prevent the scar from rising. Unfortunately, in most cases a raised scar will replace the old keloid, albeit in a smaller size.

source: ezinearticles.com

Label

abnormal scar acne acne scar acne scar removal acne scars allergic allergies allergy aloe vera artrophic Artrophic Acne Scars atrophic scars bacteria beauty birthmark blemishes botox box car scar boxcar scar Boxcar scars Burn Scar cancer chemical peel chemical treatment clearing scars collagen collagen injection contact dermatitis contracture scar contracture scars cosmetic cream cyst Deep Acne Scars dermabrasion dermatitis dermatology dermis discoloration disease drug eczema epidermis erase scars external scars face lift facial scar fading scars fresh scars get rid of my scars get rid of scars getting rid of pimple scars getting rid of scars hair transplantation heal heal scars healed healing process healing properties healing scars health home remedies home treatment hyperpigmentation hyperthrophic scars hypertrophic hypertrophic scar hypertrophic scar treatment hypertrophic scars Hypertropic scars ice pick scar ice pick scars incision infection inflammation inflammatory injection injuries injury Internal Scar irritation keloid keloid scar keloid scars keloids keloids scars laser laser hair removal laser resurfacing Laser Scar laser skin resurfacing laser surgery laser teraphy laser treatment lesion mederma medical medication microdermabasion micropigmentation minor scars moisturize mole natural new scar non-surgical noticeable scars operation pigment pigmentation pimple pimple scarring Pimple Scars plastic surgery pregnancy pregnant Prevent a Wound prevent scar Prevent Scarring prevent scars preventing scars problem scars procedur punch grafting red scar reduce scars reducing and removing scars reducing scar reducing scar tissue reducing scars remedy remove acne scars remove moles remove scar remove scars removing scar removing scars repair process repairing residual scars resufacing rolling scar Rolling scars rosacea scar scar cream Scar formation scar healing scar management scar occurs scar reduction Scar Remedies scar removal Scar Removal Cream scar removal procedure scar removal treatment scar remover scar revision scar tissue Scar Tissue Reduction scar tissue removal Scar Tissue Symptoms scar tissues scar treatment Scar-reducing scarantibiotic scarring scarring healing scars Scars illustrate scars removal Scars Treatment silcone silicone silikon gel skin skin cancer skin care skin condition skin graft skin grafting skin resurfacing skin scars skin tag skin to heal slicone gel small scars steroid steroid injection stirae stretch mark stretch marks sunlight surgeon surgery surgery scars surgical tattoo The pain after surgeon therapy thread vein treatment tissue toxin treat acne scars treat scars treating scars treatment treatment for scars tummy tuck tumors ugly scars unsightly scar varicose veins vascular vitamin wound wrinkle Wrinkles Z-plasty
 

Copyright © 2009 by pimp my scar