Hypertrophic Scarring

The formation of a scar after an injury is a normal process. This is the body's natural way of healing, by creating a fiber like connective tissue called collagen and deposit on the skin to cover the wound. But in some cases the scars tend to swell, become puffy and sometimes becoming red. This scar is known as a hypertrophic scar. Hypertrophic scarring is caused due to several reasons like burns, scratches, injections and tattoos. The other reasons for the occurrence of hypertrophic scarring can be simple things like acne that may result in the formation of scars, insect bites and accidents. Hypertrophic scarring can occur in individuals of all ages. However, in some cases, individuals tend to get hypertrophic scarring since they are genetically prone to it. Individuals with lighter skins are more prone to such scars because these scars are more visible and prominent.

Unlike keloids scars, that tend to grow indefinitely, hypertrophic scars occur only in the area of the wound. Hypertrophic scarring occurs when the body tends to produce excess collagen, which leads to the scar becoming raised than the surrounding skin. These scars form a thick, red and are darker than the rest of the skin. Hypertrophic scars usually occur in the chest, shoulders, lower face, back and on the ear lobes. These scars can develop at any time, even after the wound has completely healed. Redness, an itching sensation and pigmentation of the skin are some of the symptoms of hypertrophic scarring. The individual may also experience an unusual sensation or pain in the region of the scar. Though these scars are benign in nature, some people prefer to get rid of scars or atleast reduce the visibility of the scar. Let's see about some methods for treating hypertrophic scarring.

Hypertrophic Scarring Treatment

Given below are some methods for treating hypertrophic scarring:

* Laser Treatment: One of the most effective treatments to remove hypertrophic scars is by laser. By this laser treatment, the upper layer of the skin that consists of the scar tissue is vaporized and the lower layer of the skin, which looks natural is exposed. There are also some other laser treatment for scars that use some potent lasers that have the ability to penetrate into the lower layers of the epidermis, thereby stimulating the growth of the new collagen which gets rid of the scars completely. In order to undergo this treatment the individual may have to take local anesthesia. This procedure takes half an hour to complete.
* Radiotherapy: Mild doses of superficial radiotherapy are used to prevent the re occurrence of hypertrophic scarring. Some resurfacing techniques are also used to reduce the redness of the scars.
* Cortisone Injections: The use of intralesional steroids are administered in order to press down the hypertrophic scars thus making the scars vanish. These injections are relatively safe and painless.
* Chemical Peels: There are certain chemicals that can be applied to the scar to burn away the layer of the epidermis and exfoliate the skin. When the outer layer of the skin grows back again, the scars will be less visible. In order to treat the scars completely, one must undergo a series of chemical peel treatments.
* Dermabrasion: The process of removing the surface of the skin using a specialist's equipment is called dermabrasion. The procedure is carried out under general anesthesia and is useful to treat raised scars as in the case of hypertrophic scarring.

Though hypertrophic scarring does not cause any major problem, individuals having these scars tend to get them removed for cosmetic reasons. The above mentioned treatments must be taken under the guidance of a dermatologist. Hope you found this article on hypertrophic scarring informative.

source: buzzle.com

Scar Removal Home Remedies

You are thinking of getting ready for that grand party or get together with good old friends. You plan your outfit, hairdo and the new look. But as you look into the mirror, you suddenly notice the ugly scar that seem to mar your perfect face. A scar can be caused due to a variety of reasons like acne, burns, etc. You may wonder, is possible to get rid of scars quickly? Yes, it is possible with the help of scar removal home remedies. Let us take a look at the different methods of treating scars on face.

Home Remedies for Scar Removal

There are several natural scar removal products that can be easily found at home or bought from the market. The following are home remedies for removal of scars caused due to acne, wounds, etc.

* Rubbing ice on the face is one of the easiest method of get rid of scars, tighten the spores and treat pimples.
* Cucumber juice is one of the best natural remedy for scar removal. Apply a teaspoon of cucumber juice on the scar, let it remain for 15 - 20 minutes and wash off with cool water.
* Aloe vera is another option used as a facial scar removal home remedies. However, aloe vera proves to be more effective when used on fresh scars. Fresh aloe vera can be rubbed on the scar or you can even apply aloe vera juice available in the market.
* Lemon juice also helps in healing scars naturally. You can either apply lemon juice or cut the lemon into half and apply it over the scar.
* When thinking of how to get rid of acne scars, home remedies like using sandalwood paste is considered as one of the best method. You should mix sandalwood powder with rose water, apply and let it remain overnight, and wash it in the morning.
* Applying honey is also one of the most effective burn, acne scar removal home remedies. You can apply honey directly on the scar 2 - 3 times a day.
* Cocoa butter and shea butter are other effective scar removal products that are easily available. You can apply either of them directly on the scar. However, one should remember only to buy products that do not contain artificial flavors or colors. Cocoa and shea butter even help in making skin smooth and soft.
* Tomato extract is one of the best scar removal home remedies. You can apply tomato extract or juice directly on the scar to get rid of the scar effectively.
* Essential oils like lavender can also be used for natural acne scar removal. You should dip a cotton ball in the essential oil and apply it directly on the scar regularly. Tea tree oil can also be used for the same.
* Lastly, vitamin E can be used for chicken pox and pimple scar removal. Vitamin E pills are available in the market which contain vitamin E oil. A single pill can be burst with a pin and the oil can be directly applied on the scar.

These are some effective scar removal home remedies that can be easily carried out at home. It is advisable to consult your doctor or skin specialist before going for these home remedies on a regular basis. In minor cases, these home remedies for scar removal are effective. But if none of them are effective, you can think of the effective, yet expensive, methods like surgery, skin grafting or laser treatment. Take care!

source: buzzle.com

How can I get rid of my scars

There might be the case when you ask your friends on how to get rid of scars. Let’s know what this article exactly talks about and what the scars are? When there is an injury, our skin automatically produces more cells in order to re-grow the injured skin. This tissue is known as scars. These scars are easily visible because the cells that grow in making up the scars are of lesser quality than the original cells. They are less resistant to UV radiation and are not able to grow any hair since they have no follicles.


When we look for the questions likes ‘how can I get rid of my scars’ or ‘how can I remove my scars’, we should be well familiar with the fact that scars can never be completely healed. There are a number of medical and cosmetic methods to cover up scars, but none of them can claim to remove them completely.

There are many natural and herbal treatments to remove scars. These herbal methods are safe, simple and cost effective. These methods are generally simple home treatments, and they have no harmful effects. You can try these methods before going in for complicated surgical procedures.

Herbal remedies to remove scars

There are several natural and herbal remedies to prevent and treat scars by opening the kitchen cabinet. These herbal methods are inexpensive and safe to use.

- Cucumber - The cucumber is very helpful in the removal of scar tissues. Prepare a paste of cucumber and apply directly onto the scars. This will help the scars to smoothen out after a few applications left overnight.

- Indian Gooseberry - The Indian gooseberry (amalaki) is very beneficial in the prevention of scars after healing. Gooseberry is a good source of vitamin C, which is very essential for cementing the open wounds.

- Garlic - Cut a clove of garlic into half and rub it on the acne scars. This helps to treat the acne without leaving a scar behind later on.

- Aloe Vera - Aloe Vera is also an effective herbal remedy for the treatment of residual scars. Its juice acts as natural bleach. When applied directly onto the scars it helps the scar to slowly reduce and vanish.

source: buzzle.com

Get Rid of Scars and Wrinkles

Having wrinkles is not something we all face with utmost enthusiasm. Aging is not something we welcome with arms wide open. Most of us try to intervene with methods that we develop along the way in our continuing struggle against father time.

The problem is many of the methods that are usually suggested, especially those that are tagged as DIY home aging remedies, are actually not espoused by experts because, to state it simply, they do not work. Below are such methods that do not have any scientific and clinical proof to tell us that they are worth the money and time that many people pour into using them in the hopes of a little respite from the ravages of time.

1. Facial Exercises – this can actually aggravate skin wrinkles because one of the causes of pre-mature wrinkling are habitual facial expressions that leave those familiar lines on the face. Furthermore, there is no scientific proof that exercising the face will facilitate the re-building of damaged skin tissues essential to healing scars and wrinkles.

2. Electrical Stimulation – it is known that jolts of electric current causes the skin and facial muscles to "lift" but this is but a temporary effect. There are methods that aim to solve this problem but they are still being assessed for safety and efficacy by the US FDA.

3. Food and Fruit Masks / Oil Treatment – there is no clinical proof that putting food (like honey, banana and egg whites) and fruits on your face will solve facial wrinkles. Rubbing fruit on your face may help in exfoliation but nothing more than that. On the other hand, putting oil (e.g. olive oil) may clog up your pores which can lead to acne.

4. Vitamin E Creams – clinical trials have indicated that vitamin E does not help in clearing scars and wrinkles and may even cause allergic reactions.

What Works?

Aside from the various medical intervention that involves surgical procedures, some topical applications have also been shown to help but you will need to get your doctors prescription for them. They are creams that contain tretinoin or retinol. When used with good exfoliation program that involves effective exfoliants like alpha hydroxyl acid, the chances of success are even higher.

For scars, silicone based scar cream products or creams used with silicone sheets are showing the best promise.

The fight against skin wrinkles is something that many engage in but a huge percentage of those wrinkle warriors are misled into thinking that the four methods enumerated above will help them. Hence, they go about their self wrinkle treatment quite clueless about the fact that the odds are against them succeeding.

source: buzzle.com