Scars

A scar isn't so bad if it's small or in a location that's easy to conceal. But often you want a way to treat those scars other than hiding them under clothing. The truth is this: The scar will never completely go away, but there are some methods that can help reduce its size and appearance.

Scar formation is a natural part of the healing process after injury. Various factors influence how your skin scars. Of course, the depth and size of the wound or incision and the location of the injury are going to impact the scar's characteristics. But your age, heredity, even your sex or ethnicity, will all affect how your skin reacts.

These are several different types of scars including:
Keloid scars. These scars are the result of an overly aggressive healing process. These scars extend beyond the original injury. Over time, a keloid scar may affect mobility. Possible treatments include surgical removal, or injections with steroids. Smaller keloids can be treated using cryotherapy (freezing therapy using liquid nitrogen). You can also prevent keloid formation by using pressure treatment or gel pads with silicone when you sustain an injury. Keloid scars most often occur in Blacks.

Contracture scars. If your skin has been burned, you may have a contracture scar, which causes tightening of skin that can impair your ability to move; additionally, this type of scar may go deeper to affect muscles and nerves.

Hypertrophic scars. Raised and red scars that are similar to keloids, but do not breach the boundaries of the injury site. Possible treatments can include injections of steroids to reduce inflammation.

Acne scars. If you've had severe acne, you probably have the scars to prove it. There are many types of acne scars, ranging from deep pits to scars that are angular or wavelike in appearance. Possible treatments will depend on the types of acne scars you have.

Treat Scars on the Face

Scars occur when a wound to the skin fails to heal quickly. They can be the result of an injury, surgery or skin conditions such as acne. You can generally treat scars by removing the scarred tissue and allowing the skin to grow back without the scarring. The specific procedures for treating facial scars include laser resurfacing, dermabrasion, dermal fillers and chemical peels.

Use Mederma or other scar creams to prevent scars from forming on your face. Emollients that keep the skin moist can help skin lesions heal more quickly, which can keep scar tissue from forming. Consult with a dermatologist if you already a scar on your face. An existing scar generally requires medical treatment, and several options are available. Get laser resurfacing. This treatment is most commonly used on the face because it requires a longer recovery time than other methods, and the skin on the face heals especially quickly. The skin readily absorbs the light from the laser, which vaporizes the upper layers of the skin as required to remove the scar.

Receive dermabrasion. This technique removes the upper layers of skin through some mechanical means. A dermabrasion tool generally consists of a diamond-tipped head that rotates very quickly to remove the skin. A dermatologist operates the dermabrasion tool manually, so the results are highly dependent on the operator's skill. Select a chemical peel. A chemical peel consists of a solution of glycolic acid and may be performed at home or by a dermatologist. The chemical peel will remove the top layers of skin, depending on the strength of the acid. Chemical peels for home use typically have a concentration between 10 and 20 percent. Dermatologists use glycolic acid solutions as strong as 70 percent.

Receive a dermal filler. A dermatologist may inject various materials under the skin to fill out the indention caused by a scar. It's most commonly used on the deep pitted scars caused by acne. Common dermal fillers include collagen, silicone and polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA.)

Keloid & Hypertrophic Scars

Keloid and hypertrophic scars are usually thick, raised, unattractive masses of collagen at a site where the skin has been injured. They are frequently associated with a variety of characteristics including hardened, rope-like protrusions, raised surfaces and excessive discoloration.

The differences between hypertrophic and keloid scars can be confusing. Although they both have excessive collagen in common, they act differently. For instance, a hypertrophic scar forms soon after the skin has been lacerated, while keloids may not begin forming for up to a year after the injury.The tissue structure also varies between the two scar types. Collagen fiber formation in keloid scars actively spreads into the nearby healthy tissue while hypertrophic scars remain contained within the original boundary of the injury. The surrounding healthy tissue is not affected.

The fact is that the use of Silicone Gel Products is one of the few proven methods to help prevent hypertrophic and keloid scars.If you know you are susceptible because of previous scarring or a predisposition to this condition then you can exercise extra caution. Make sure you inform your medical professional of your condition prior to any surgery. Be aware that any time you have a body piercing, a tattoo or an injury to the skin, a hypertrophic or keloid scar is likely to form. The Biodermis Scar Management Products are designed to help prevent scarring as soon as your skin is completely healed.

Scar Natural Fix

Seeing scars on your body means that your body is healing. They can be the product of cuts or wounds, surgery, or acne. They can be anywhere on your skin, and be any color, size or shape. There are keloid scars, which can be very large and unsightly, and hypertrophic scars, which are more common and easier to treat. Even though it is a completely natural process, they can be ugly and annoying. Preventing scars can be made easier by following a few simple steps.

The best way to naturally prevent scar formation is through a healthy life style. Doing small things every day help your skin look great, as well as prevent scars, by maintaining a good level of collagen. Eating a balanced diet will help your healing process, minimizing scar tissue. Keeping protein in your diet will help your skin's ability to re-build itself. Vitamins and minerals, especially zinc, are great for your skin as well. Try not to eat foods with too much sugar, starch, or fatty acid. Also, for fast scar healing, don't smoke.

Staying hydrated is another way to prevent scars. Drink lots of fluids to maintain your body's electrolyte levels and promote the healing process. Try to avoid drinking alcohol because it can further dehydrate your body. Apart from a healthy lifestyle, sometimes we get unpreventable injuries that can lead to scars. It is important to act quickly with any skin injury in order to prevent scarring. When the wound is fresh, new skin cells rush to the area to create scar tissue. In these cases, protecting the area on your skin and applying a natural scar prevention cream can help your skin heal without problems.

It is important to protect the area of your skin that is injured or affected. It needs time to heal, so it is important to avoid further damage to your skin. This may include covering the spot with a bandage or clothing, using sunscreen, and avoiding any activity that could potentially harm your skin. Try not to touch the area either, because you could hinder the healing process. Finally, there are some very effective scar prevention products on the market to minimize scar formation. Creams with collagen or vitamin E help effectively prevent and remove scars. Apply the cream over time to see the best results.

Best Scar Treatment for Dark Scars

Hydroquinone can be very effective in helping to lighten dark scars. However, it is no longer sold in some countries because of its long-term use dangers. Though rare, hydroquinone can lead to a condition called ochronosis, even at its over-the-counter strength of 2%. Ochronosis is permanent hyper-pigmentation with sooty darkening of the skin. Ochronosis may also cause loss of skin elasticity and impaired wound healing. Other side effects of hydroquinone include contact dermatitis (rash, redness, itching and flaking) and nail discoloration. Some researchers have questioned whether hydroquinone and related compounds may even cause cancer. As a result of these fears, hydroquinone is only available by prescription in Europe and it is highly regulated in Asia. The skin-lightening effects of hydroquinone decrease with prolonged use and with sun exposure. Hydroquinone does not improve any other aspect of the scar other than the dark pigment.

Kojic acid - like hydroquinone, kojic acid is effective in lightening dark scars, brown spots and even melasma. Unfotunately, some studies suggest that skin exposed to kojic acid on a regular basis becomes more sensitive. Skin sensitization is bad because it can lead to allergic contact dermatitis. Like hydroquinone, koijic acid does not improve any other aspect of the scar other than the dark pigment.

Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) is a very effective and safe pigment lightening agent when used in concentrations of 10% (or more). It also encourages production of normal, healthy collagen so it is also a very good scar treatment in general. The problem with vitamin c is stability. Most forms of vitamin C used in skin care products are unstable and turn brown after the container is opened. This is a sign that the vitamin C has become oxidized and therefore no longer works. Products that are brown to begin with should best be avoided as many manufacturers color the cream brown so that users cannot tell when the cream becomes oxidized. Choose a product which specifically address this vitamin C stability issue (usually by combining ascorbic acid with a second form of vitamin C) and is not brown to begin with).

Licorice extract - like vitamin C, licorice also makes an excellent scar treatment: it has strong anti-inflammatory properties and accelerates skin renewal. Both vitamin C and licorice inhibit tyrosinase, the enzyme that causes pigmentation in response to sun exposure and skin injury. Interestingly, licorice boosts the scar lightening effects of vitamin C so the 2 should be combined for best results. As a bonus, licorice also has anti-acne effects (both prevention and treatment).

Regardless of the treatment you choose, be patient. It takes time to get rid of dark scars. Improvement does not happen overnight. Also keep applying sun block (over the scar treatment) as prolonged sun exposure will only make dark scars even darker.

Drug could prevent scars

A new healing drug has the potential to prevent unsightly surgery scars, research has shown. The drug, a synthetic cell-signalling agent, is injected under the skin at the site of the wound before and after an incision. Three trials of the treatment were conducted, and panels of volunteers and experts judged that it significantly improved the appearance of scars.

Varying doses of the drug avotermin, an artificial form of transforming growth factor beta3, were injected at the wound site both before and 24 hours after injury. These studies suggest avotermin has potential to provide an accelerated and permanent improvement in scarring. TGFbeta3 has been one of the 'holy grails' of anti-scarring therapy for some time.

Great skin care

Beauty and skin care are the two most important things to a woman. Making your skin beautiful takes a lot of work. Eating a balanced diet, especially foods rich with beta carotene, and taking some skin care treatments are crucial. Good skin care is essential to maintain the youthful glow of your face and skin. Skin care can also help in keeping the adequate moisture needed for your skin, not only helping retain the appearance of youth, but to ensure the health of it. A skin care regimen doesn't really take hours, but nevertheless having a routine can have an important role.

Some of us are not born perfect , having a smooth complexion to complement a perfect smile. Some of us may have marks, scars, or blemishes. For older women, imperfections can take the form of wrinkles. However, you can still enhance or do something about it, with the proper care. This means a change of habits or lifestyles for those who live hectic schedules. Another piece of advice is minimizing stress and anxiety, which also have some effects on your skin.

The skin is the largest organ of the human body and it protects the body from infection, injury, and harmful ultra-violet rays, so it isn't a surprise that most women take good care of it. The skin consist of two main layers: ? the inner layer, or the dermis ? the outer layer, or the epidermis. The skin should be exfoliated at regular intervals to remove dead skin cells and give your skin's surface a radiant kind of glow. The dermis, meanwhile, is responsible for giving the skin its elasticity. However, it also needs to be protected from the sun and other harsh elements. When the skin loses its elasticity, which is a sign of the aging process, it becomes sagging and wrinkles started to form.

Cleansing wash your face with any gentle, fragrance-free cleanser. It is preferable to use one labeled with balanced ph levels. If you have oily skin on your face, use a cleanser that contains a small concentration of benzoyl peroxide. The more polluted the surroundings, the more you will need to perform skin cleansing. 2. MOISTURIZING - excessive cleansing sometimes has the tendency to strip the skin of its beneficial oils. Those oils helps retain moisture and serve as a barrier between the polluted environment and yourself. You can remedy this by using a lightweight moisturizer during the day, with the option of using a night cream before sleep. 3. PROTECTION - the last step for good skin care is protecting it from the sun's harmful rays, which can cause lasting damage to your skin, as well as cause problems like skin cancer. Use a sunscreen with a minimum of SPF15 every time you go outside, especially if you're going to a beach and will be doing some sun bathing.

Whenever you have certain injuries such as cuts or allergic skin reactions, there are specialized skin treatments like creams and lotions available. For stretch marks, there is a specialize gel for it, though you also have the option to try herbals and organic skin care products. For extreme cases, you should consult a dermatologist. For some minimal skin scars and other blemishes, some simple make over magic can be done by using a concealer. Just use a small make-up brush to dab concealer or foundation directly onto the blemished area.

Red scars

Most scars will be red during the healing phase and in most cases this will fade spontaneously. Persistent redness in scars may respond to Candela V-beam™ laser treatment, the same laser used to remove blood vessel blemishes and birthmarks.

Some people have a tendency to develop brown pigmentation in areas of damaged skin. It is usually transient but if it persists beyond nine months, treatment with the Q-Switched YAG laser or the Q-switched Ruby laser may help fade the pigmentation. Treatment with a prescription "fading" cream such as Hydroquinone 3% may be helpful.
Raised (hypertrophic) scars and keloid scars. In extreme cases, scar tissue may "over grow" causing thickened, raised scarring. This condition is known as hypertrophic scarring. It will usually settle spontaneously over 12 months. This improvement can be accelerated with treatment. Unfortunately, in some individuals, these changes do not settle and treatment may be required.

In some people this scarring reaction is so severe that even a scratched mosquito bite results in a thick scar. People who are prone to this type of "over healing" are usually aware of the problem and this is one situation where early intervention is appropriate. After taking a history and inspecting other scars, a dermatologist is able to abort the over growth of scar tissue with regular micro-injections of cortisone solution. If the problem is not identified until after scar formation, the tissue may still respond to micro-injection treatment. Silicone sheeting designed to flatten scars may also have a role in the treatment of raised scars.

Keloid scars are a more severe problem and the tendency is often genetic. It is more common in darker skin types. The classic feature of keloid scarring is that it grows and invades beyond the site of the actual injury. It is also often exquisitely sensitive and prone to itching. Keloids scarring commonly occurs in acne scars on the chest and back. Treatment for keloid scarring is similar to that outlined for hypertrophic scarring. It also has the tendency to recur over the years and require repeated courses of treatment. People prone to keloid scarring should consider preventative treatment as early as possible following injury and avoid unnecessary surgery.

Treatment for scars

Scars are usually the result of injuries. These are areas of fibrous tissue that usually replace the normal skin right after an injury. This is part of the healing process of the skin and part of the skin's action to repair itself. Every wound right after an accident with the exception of minor lesions will usually contribute scarring on the skin. The worse the damage on the skin, then the scar will be worse as well.

The scar on a person may form differently based on the location of the injury and the age of the person as well. Most of the time, the scar that can be seen on the skin will be flat and pale and will usually leave a trace to the original injury that caused them. Most of the time redness on the area will follow. This redness is not a scar and this isn't permanent. This will go away after some time. If there is a cut in the skin of the person, then the body of the person will react by laying new collagen fibers. This is what is referred to as the fortuna scar, a situation where in the body of the person can no longer rebuild the tissue exactly as it was. There are two more types of scars and these cars are due to the over production of collagen in the body.

The hypertrophic scar is usually seen as a raised lump of skin but doesn't usually grow too large. This scar will usually improve in appearance after some time. The keloid scar on the other hand is the more serious between the two scars. This type of scar can grow into large and tumurous growth. These two types of scars are usually common on the younger and darker-skinned people. These two scars are caused by surgery, accidents and can be caused by acne as well. Scars that can be seen on the skin of a person may take the form of a stretched skin. These scars are known as striae.

Once a scar presents itself on the skin of a person, then this scar can no longer be removed. And though there may be some treatments out there, traces will always be there. Some of the more popular treatment methods that are used now are the corticosteroid therapy, pressure garment therapy and silicone gel sheets that was introduced in 1980s. The uses of topical treatments are popular approaches in addressing scars. The silicone gel and the silicone gel sheets are often applied to the affected area of the skin.

These two are easier to use and offer lesser risks of side effects to the user if compared to surgical excision, injections, and pressure therapy and cryotherapy treatments. Pressure garments on the other hand are used with the supervision of a professional. Steroid injections can be taken as well and this can help flatten and soften the appearance of the keloid and the hypertrophic scars. Other popular treatments used now are dermabrasion, collagen injections, laser surgery and resurfacing, surgery, radiotherapy and the use of natural remedies.

Keloids and hypertrophic scars

Keloids are raised, reddish nodules that develop at the site of an injury. After a wound has occurred to the skin both skin cells and connective tissue cells (fibroblasts) begin multiplying to repair the damage. A scar is made up of 'connective tissue', gristle-like fibers deposited in the skin by the fibroblasts to hold the wound closed. With keloids, the fibroblasts continue to multiply even after the wound is filled in. Thus keloids project above the surface of the skin and form large mounds of scar tissue.

Keloids may form on any part of the body, although the upper chest, shoulders and upper back are especially prone to keloid formation. Symptoms include pigmentation of the skin, itchiness, redness, unusual sensations and pain. It is estimated that keloids occur in about 10% of people. While most people never form keloids, others develop them after minor injuries, even insect bites or pimples. Darkly pigmented people seem to be more prone to forming keloids. Men and women are equally affected.

A hypertrophic scar looks similar to a keloid. Hypertrophic scars are more common. They don't get a big as keloids, and may fade with time. They occur in all racial groups. Keloids are considered a benign tumor, but they are mainly a cosmetic nuisance and never become malignant. Operating on a keloid usually stimulates more scar tissue to form, so people with keloids may have been told that there is nothing that can be done to get rid of them. Keloids may be often be prevented by using a pressure dressing, silicone gel pad or paper tape over the injury site. These are left on for 23 of 24 hours each day. This treatment is after healing of the wound or injury, usually within a month. Once they have formed, there is no completely satisfactory treatment for keloids. Treatments include cryosurgery (freezing), excision, laser, x-rays, and steroid injections.

The best initial treatment is to inject long-acting cortisone (steroid) into the keloid once a month. After several injections with cortisone, the keloid usually becomes less noticeable and flattens in three to six month's time. Hypertrophic scars often respond completely, but keloids and are notoriously difficult to treat, with recurrences commonly seen. People who have a family history of keloids have a higher rate of recurrence after treatment. Cryosurgery is an excellent treatment for keloids that are small and occur on lightly pigmented skin. It is often combined with monthly cortisone injections. Earlobe keloids are often surgically excised and followed with several steroid injections. In addition, a drug called alpha-interferon has been injected into the scar immediately after keloid removal with very promising results. Laser treatment is very good at improving skin texture and color, but doesn't always flatten out the keloid.

For severe cases, the keloid can surgically excised and given x-ray treatments to the site immediately afterwards, usually the on the same day. This works in about 85% of the most severe cases. Electron beam radiation can be used, which will not go deep enough to affect internal organs. Orthovoltage radiation is more penetrating and slightly more effective. There have not been any reports of this causing any form of cancer in many years of use, but it is very expensive. Silicone pads and creams are sold over the counter for use on keloids. These do benefit hypertrophic scars but will not cure a true keloid. However, they can reduce pain, swelling and itching from a keloid. They usually take 3 months or more to work.

Remove scars and acne scars

Scars are fibrous tissue which replace normal skin after the dermis, which gets deteriorated following a wound or sore. A skin usually appears in the brownish, blackish or pinkish color. Scars though ugly looking are a natural way of the skin to repair itself from injury. The word scar owes its origin to the Greek word eschara' which means fireplace. An injury becomes a scar only after the sore or wound is completely healed. Let us see how you can treat and remove scars and acne scars from your body:

Apply vitamin E oil directly on the healing tissue two or three times a day. Vitamin E is used to help the skin regenerate, and the gentle massage that you do will help the tissue grow smoothly. You can even use Vitamin E capsules. Break the capsule and smear the oil of these capsule in the area which has scars. - Aloe vera paste can be combined with the oil of vitamin E capsules to remove the scars effectively.

Massage scars with water and little baking soda to gently shed off the dead issue on the top layer of the skin. Massage the scat with baking soda for atleaset one minute, twice daily. Rinse with warm water and apply some olive oil to revitalize the tissue. An expensive yet permanent form of scar removal is by using laser scar removal. The cost of the treatment will depend on the size and the area where the scar exists. Sandalwood paste can effectively get rid of scars. Soak sandalwood in night overnight. The next morning apply the paste on scar affected areas and you will find improvements in your skin tone.

Olive oil or aloe vera gel can also reduce the scar from intensifying. Apply lemon juice on the area where scars are present. Otherwise you can also trying rubbing lemon on the affected skin areas, by cutting the lemon into two halves. The citric quality of lemon helps in not only cleansing the pores but also removing the scars. Apply fresh tomato juice on the affected areas of skin to remove the scars. Rub your skin with ice-cubes to pale the scar. This is the simplest way to reduce scars on the face or other areas of skin. Fuller’s earth can also be used well to remove scars. Take two tablespoons of fuller’s earth and mix it with lemon juice. Mix them well, add rose water to the mixture. Apply the paste on the scars and the scars will reduce considerably. Allow it dry for 15 minutes before washing the area with cool water. If you do this twice a day, the scar will be completely cured.

Gently massage almond oil on the affected skin area to remove scars effectively. Fenugreek seeds are also useful in scar removal treatments in a herbal manner. Take fenugreek seeds and dissolve them in a glass of water. Let it boil for about 5 minutes or so. Then let the solution cool and wash the affected area of scar with this solution. Washing the face with fenugreek water solution can also work wonders to add glow to your face. Mash a ripe banana and apply the resultant paste on the scar. Leave on for ten minutes and then was the skin with cold water. You will be able to remove scars naturally this way. Apply an extract of cucumber on the scar affected area and leave it like that for 15 minutes. Rinse your skin with cool water after 20 minutes. This method can remove the darkest of scars.

Applying honey directly on the scar area can also completely remove the scar. You must apply honey regularly on the scar affected area, till it goes away. Dab some green tea on a cotton and massage it on the scar affected area. Oils like olive oil, coconut oil and the aforementioned almond oil , if regularly applied on the skin several times a day can reduce scars effectively. If the scar is due to an acne or pimple, do this: Mix a tablespoon of yoghurt, sour cream , a tablespoon of ground oatmeal and a some drops of lemon juice and mix together thoroughly. Apply this paste onto the face for ten minutes. Then rinse off with cold water. Do this several times a day. Se low fat sour cream if you have an oily skin. Cut a clove of garlic into two parts and massage it on the acne or pimple area. This helps to cure the scar and its traces effectively.

Home remedies for scars

A scar is the pinkish or brown patch of skin that grows in the place where you once had a wound or sore. They are areas of fibrous tissue that replace normal skin tissue after destruction of some of the dermis. A scar is thus the skin's natural way of repairing itself from injury. Most people have scars.

Every skin injury or wound heals with a scar. The appearance of a scar however depends on the type and extent of the wound, as well as how an individual's body heals. Scar tissue is not similar to the tissue that it replaces and is usually of inferior quality. There is no hair growth on the scar tissue, and the skin there becomes less resistant to ultraviolet radiation.

Scarring occur when the deep dermis layer of skin is damaged. The deeper the damage, the worse the scar. Many skin scars are pale and leave a trace of the original injury that caused them. The time that a scar takes to form may range from a few days to, in some serious and rare cases, several years. Various treatments can speed up the process in serious cases. To repair the damage, the body has to lay down new collagen tissues As the body cannot re-build the tissue exactly as it was, the scar tissue will have a different texture and quality than the surrounding normal tissue. An injury does not become a scar until the wound has completely healed.

Many factors affect the severity of scar formation, such as size and depth of the wound, location of the injury on the body, blood supply to the area, age of the person, thickness, type and colour of the person's skin, direction of the scar. Once a scar forms, it is permanent. However, it may be made less visible or displaced surgically.