Burn Scar Treatment

Burn scars can be categorized into three different types. They are: keloid scars, hypertrophic scars and contracture scars. Keloid scars are those where the scarred tissue overgrows. Most of the time, the overgrowth of the scarred tissues is not just confined to the injury site but goes beyond it. Hypertrophic scars make the affected skin very thick and is found in slightly raised condition due to overgrowing of the scarring tissue. However, these overgrowth occur only at the affected part and do not get extended to surrounding areas. Contracture scars is the most severe form of burn scar which occur when the underlying muscles and nerves are affected by the burns. As a result, the skin is tightened up permanently. So the burn scar treatment for this type of scar is slightly complicated as compared to other burn scars.

Treatment for Burn Scars

The initial treatment for keloid scars and hypertrophic scars involve administration of pain relieving medicines after a gap of 4 to 6 hours. Cortisone injections and steroid injections may also be required to control the swelling and pain. The swelling has to be checked more because if the burned part is inflamed, then the risk of burn scars increases.

Pressure garments are one of the best non surgical treatments for minor burn scars. However, it is effective only if it is applied at the time of healing. It does not work well on old burn scars. With continuous application of the pressure, the possibility of growth of the scarred skin tissue is lessened. Pressure garments help to prevent the swelling of the area and thus scarring can be controlled.

Lotions and ointments that contain vitamin K as an ingredient are good for treating the scars resulting from burns. Like pressure treatment, it should be done at the time of the healing only. The fatty substance of these ointments when penetrate into the scarred tissues and the normal surrounding tissues of the skin, it brings down the inflammation quickly and reduces the chance of formation of new scar.

Contracture scars are firstly given physical therapy accompanied by pressure treatment and some exercise to normalize the affected part. If they fail to show any result then skin grafts may be carried out by the plastic surgeons. This involves removal of the scarred tissue and replacement by the skin from some other unaffected part of the body. Old keloid scars can be removed with the help of surgery too. It is a simple surgery done under local anesthesia where the scarred tissue is cut out by surgical procedure.

Home Remedies for Burn Scar Removal

The remedies that we have discussed in the following lines are useful for lightening the scar to a great extent provided the burn is not very serious. Those scars caused by serious burn injuries have to be removed under the supervision of the professionals only.

* A good massage of a mixture of vitamin E oil and aloe vera gel on the affected part during healing can start regeneration of skin cells fast as well as lighten the already developed scars.
* Lemon juice can also be used for this purpose, but it has to be used after complete healing of the injury, or else it will give a lot of irritation when applied on the open wounds. Apply the juice daily once and wait for about 15 minutes and then wash off.
* Fenugreek seeds is also an excellent remedy for burn scar. Soak one teaspoonful of fenugreek seeds in water overnight. Paste the soaked seeds in the morning and apply it on the scars.
* You can also mix equal quantities of olive oil and coconut oil and apply it on the fresh new scars. This should be done daily before going to bed and you will find the scars fading away very soon. Read more on how to get rid of burn scars.

The success of the non-surgical form of burn scar treatment largely depends on how early it has been started. One can get instant effect of the treatment provided adequate measures were taken at the time of healing to restrict the development of the scars. The result can also vary from person to person. The treatment is mostly a time-taking process, and hence one should be patient and continue with the treatment.

ource: buzzle.com

Scar Removal Product for Sensitive Skin

When it comes to lessening the look of scars on the skin, most people can go to their nearest drug store and pick up some Mederma or similar scar removal product. Unfortunately, the fine print on these products state that people with sensitive skin can suffer from redness, itching and discoloration of the scar tissue.

Did you know that many of the ingredients in scar removal creams and other skin care products can actually cause skin rashes? A quick look at the ingredients list will tell you that there's a lot you may not know about the product you are putting on your skin.

Another challenge with these kinds of products is that for the most part, their effectiveness varies quite a bit. You could easily spend a lot of money, and risk getting a skin rash in the process of trying to find an effective way to remove scars.

What can a person with sensitive skin do to remove scars when the "approved" products on the market hurt more than help?

There are natural methods of scar reduction that work just as well as any scar removal product. Unlike the scar removal product however, these natural remedies will cost far less and tend to be less irritating on the skin. As is the case with any natural remedy, the time it takes to see a change in scar tissue may take a little longer, but the protection of sensitive skin is well worth the wait.

Even more natural scar healing remedies may cause an allergic reaction for those who have sensitive skin, so be sure to do a skin test first by applying a small amount to the inside of your arm, or behind your ear, before trying any new scar remedy.

* Lavender Essential Oil - Research has shown that the essential oil of lavender has medicinal properties that can help to fade scars and assist the skin to regenerate.
* Lemon Juice – One effective natural scar removal product is lemon juice. Simply cut one lemon in half and rub the cut side on the skin for a minimum of three to five minutes, twice a day. The lemon juice will naturally bleach out the skin leaving the scar looking less pink or red. Eventually, the scar will fade into the color of the surrounding skin and appear less noticeable.
* Tomato Juice – If the lemon juice is still a bit too irritating for your sensitive skin, tomato juice will work just as well as a scar removal product. The tomato is also acidic, but less so than the lemon. The juice can be used to bath the scar for the same three to five minutes, twice a day. The reduction in scar darkness and blending with the skin may take a little longer due to the reduction in acidity, but over time, the scar will fade.
* Fuller’s Earth – This is a natural form of clay with natural bleaching and absorbent properties. If your scarring is associated with a skin burn, a normal scar removal product may not work. Instead, mixing two tablespoons of fuller’s earth (also known as multani mitti ) with two tablespoons of lemon juice is a great start to burn scar removal.

Once combined, add enough rose water to make a paste. Apply the paste to the scarred skin and allow to dry for 15 to 20 minutes. Once dry, rinse the skin with cold water. This process can be repeated two times a day to reduce the off color of the scar.

It is important to understand that no scar removal product will truly remove a scar. Scar tissue is permanent unless surgically removed. A scar removal product simply works with the body to fade the color of the scar to match the surrounding skin. Once the two colors match, the scar will only be visible up close. A natural scar removal product will protect the integrity of the skin and eliminate the need for harsh chemicals that may worsen skin conditions for people with skin sensitivity.

source: buzzle.com