Tampilkan postingan dengan label scar tissue. Tampilkan semua postingan
Tampilkan postingan dengan label scar tissue. Tampilkan semua postingan

Minggu, 12 September 2010

How to Get Rid of Scars

Keloids

Keloids result from a genetically more aggressive healing of wounds. This produces scars that go beyond the original boundaries of the wound. They are found mostly among darker-skinned people of African or Asian descent. Thick, puckered, itchy clusters of scar tissue, they are, in fact, benign tumors most commonly found over the breastbone, on the earlobes, and on the shoulders.

According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, keloids may be treated by injecting them with a steroid medication directly into the scar tissue. This will reduce any redness, itching, or burning, and may also shrink the scar. While their tendency to develop decreases with age, they have a tendency to recur, often larger than before. The scar tissue may be surgically removed and, to discourage the keloid's return, the surgeon may apply steroids injected before and during the surgery, or use radiation. The patient may also have to wear a pressure garment over the area for as much as a year. Even with all that, the keloid may return and require repeated surgery every few years.

Acne Scars

Less commonly seen in today's America than just 50 years ago, acne produces papules, pustules, or (in its most severe form) nodules on the face and elsewhere. These leave behind pits when they dry up and disappear. Severe cases leave victims with faces that appear to have been ravaged by smallpox.

Acne is caused by bacteria infecting pores that have been plugged up by oil and dead skin cells. The best way to deal with the scars is to treat the acne that causes them. The best medication to use is 2.5% benzoyl peroxide, which disinfects existing bacterial colonies and dries the skin to discourage future blockage of the pores. Precede treatment with a gentle wash with soap and water (keep it gentle; any rough treatment of the skin encourages more infection) and follow treatment with a non-oily moisturizing lotion.

Surgical treatments for deep acne scarring include subcision, punching, and collagen augmentation. For more shallow scars, dermabrasion, laser resurfacing, and chemical peels may be employed. Keep in mind that surgery of any type cannot proceed when there is any acne active on your body. Realize, too, that results of the procedures vary, that multiple treatments are generally required, and that each treatment runs anywhere from $300 to $3,000 per treatment; insurance seldom covers treatments.

For more information about acne scars and their treatments, see How to Get Rid of Acne Scars.
Contractures

When the human body experiences serious burns, the burns can go deep through the derma and into elastic connective tissue - muscle and tendons. Contractures develop when this tissue is replaced during healing by shorter, inelastic fibrous tissue which then restricts movement. Physical therapy, applied pressure, and stretching exercises do aid in controlling contracture burn scars, but surgery such as a skin graft or a flap procedure may also be required. Such new techniques as Z-Plasty or tissue expansion are also used in relief of the complications contracture scars create.
Hypertrophic Scars

Raised, red scars, these resemble keloids except that they stay within the boundary of the wound. Given time, they may disappear on their own. Most treatments, including dermabrasion, laser abrasion, surgically excising them, skin grafting, intra-lesional steroid injections, cryosurgery, radiotherapy, topical retinoids, collagen injections, silicone gel sheeting, and pressure dressings have produced results generally cosmetically unsatisfactory or inadequate; and the scars often reappear or worsen.

source: ezinearticles.com

Kamis, 12 Agustus 2010

Silicone Scar Sheets

Silicone scar sheets are the most cost-effective way to treat raised keloid and hypertrophic scars. Doctors have been using silicone scar sheets for over 20 years. It is currently the only FDA approved treatment for raised scars. The best part is they are safe and they require no surgery or painful steroid injections. In a recent study subjects who wore the sheets for 12 to 24 hours a day, showed a remarkable 56% improvement in their scars. The silicone sheets work best on newly formed scars, though they can improve older ones as well. Sheets can be cut to the appropriate size so they can cover and apply direct pressure to the scar.

Silicone gel sheets are able to change scars in three ways by: improving the texture, lightening the color, and flattening the scar. Although it is not known exactly how the gel pads work, it is hypothesized that though pressure, hydration, and oxygen, the scar sheets are able to improve the appearance of the scar.

The drawback to silicone scar sheets is that they take a really long time to work (from 3 months and up depending on the age of the scar) and must be worn 24 hours a day. Patients must be really vigilant to keep up the routine. Further, because most people are most conscious about scars that are located on visible parts of their body, it may not be practical to wear the sheet outdoors. For this reason, most people prefer to use a silicone gel such as Dermatix outdoors and use the silicone sheet when they are in the privacy of their home.

SiliconeScarSheets has helped prospective patients like you, read about the latest trends and developments in innovative scar technologies using silicone. On our webpage, we review all of the latest keloid and hypertrophic scar treatments.

source: ezinearticles.com

How to Remove Keloids Using the Recommended Routes

Scars are generally grouped into three categories: sunken (atrophic) scars, raised (hypertrophic) scars, and keloids. Anyone can develop any of these different types of scars, but keloid scars seem to be predominant in some people. Keloids are also one of the most difficult types of scar tissue to treat.

Keloid scars can develop from any type of wound, be it a cut, burn, or inflammatory reaction such as acne. As they develop, they begin to grow past the edges of the original site of damage and may sometimes keep growing for several years.

In other words, removing keloids can be a difficult procedure. Surgical excision is an option for people who have tried other alternatives without success. Nevertheless, the high recurrence rate can complicate the success of surgery.

Keloid Treatment: a Holistic Approach

Doctors are currently more open to trying different approaches to the more traditional scar treatments. In fact, a global treatment plan has offered the most successful way to eliminate keloid scars for good. This implies a combination of surgery, steroid injections, and compression therapy working together to help make keloid removal a success.

Steroid injections can be used before and after surgery to help flatten the scar. The doctor may also decide to inject steroids directly into the site of the scar during the excision process. Studies have shown that this helps reduce the rate of recurrence.

Compression therapy includes a garment that has been custom fitted and should be worn 24 hours a day. This type of therapy can be used instead of surgery to treat minor keloid scars. However, it can also be used after surgery to reduce the possibility of a new keloid.

Compression garments or bandages are usually worn anywhere from 6 months to a year or two. No one knows how this works, but there is speculation that the restriction of oxygen can help reduce the biological processes that leads to the development of keloids.

Other Common Alternatives for Keloid Treatment

Laser therapy is a commonly used for keloid treatment. A pulsed-dye laser can effectively flatten keloids and reduce the redness they present. However, if you do decide to undergo this type of treatment you should know that it may require several sessions before you can see positive results.

Some doctors use silicone sheets to help reduce the appearance of keloids and other types of scars. They work much in the same way as compression devices do. However, silicone sheets are worn for fewer hours during the day.

Smaller keloids are usually treated using cryotherapy. The keloid is frozen with the help of liquid nitrogen. This type of therapy helps flattens the scar but can also cause the site to take on a darkened appearance.

source: ezinearticles.com

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.
The word scar is derived from the Greek word eschara, meaning fireplace.

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.

How scarring occurs?

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.

Factors affecting scar formation -

Many factors affect the severity of scar formation, such as -

- The size and depth of the wound.

- Location of the injury on the body.

- The blood supply to the area.

- Age of the person

- The thickness, type and colour of the person's skin.

- The direction of the scar.

Once a scar forms, it is permanent. However, it may be made less visible or displaced surgically.

Can scars be completely removed?

There is no way to remove scars completely. However, a skilled surgeon can definitely improve the appearance of the scar by disguising it, relocating it, or minimizing its prominence.

Skin colour and type, age, and the size of the scar, are important factors that go on to decide the outcome of a surgery to remove a scar.

Different types of scars respond to different plastic surgery techniques. Timing of the surgery is another important factor. The younger the scar, the more satisfactory is the result of the surgery. Therefore, if you want to have your scar removed, do not wait, until as advised by the doctor.

Types of scars -

1. Keloid scars:

Keloids are itchy clusters of scar tissue that grow beyond the edges of the wound or incision. They occur when the body continues to produce the tough, fibrous protein known as collagen after a wound has healed. They are more common in dark-skinned people.

Keloids are treated by injecting a steroid medication directly into the scar tissue to reduce redness and itching. However, the disheartening fact is that keloids have a tendency to recur, sometimes even larger than before, thus requiring repeated procedures.

2. Hypertrophic scars:

These scars, unlike keloids, remain within the limits of the original wound. They often improve on their own, though it may take a year or more. They may also require steroid applications or in some cases may have to be improved surgically.

3. Contractures:

Burns or other injuries that result in the loss of a large area of skin may form a scar that pulls the edges of the skin together, a process called contraction.

Improving a contracture usually involves cutting out the scar and replacing it with a skin graft or a flap. In some cases, a procedure known as Z-plasty may be used.

4. Facial scars:

Mostly, facial scars are cut out and closed with tiny stitches, leaving a less noticeable scar. Some facial scars can be softened using a technique called dermabrasion, that leaves a smoother surface to the skin, but does not completely erase the scar.

Scar treatment procedures -

No scar can be completely removed. They will always leave behind a trace, but a number of procedures can improve their appearance.

Surgery -

Surgery will never completely remove a scar but can be used to alter its location or shape to make it less noticeable. Surgery is at times necessary to remove a scar on skin near a joint where it restricts movement, but it will leave another scar.

Laser surgery & resurfacing -

The use of laser on scars is still on an experimental phase, as the safety or effectiveness has not yet been proven.

Steroid injections -

A course of steroid injections into the scar may help flatten and soften the appearance of keloid or hypertrophic scars.

Z-Plasty -

Z-plasty is a surgical technique used to relocate a scar so that it more closely matches to the natural creases of the skin, where it will be less noticeable. In this procedure, the old scar is removed and new incisions are made on each side, creating small triangular flaps of skin.

Skin grafting -

Grafting involves the transfer of skin from a healthy part of the body to cover the injured area. All grafts leave some scarring at the donor and recipient sites.

Make sure that your expectations from any surgery are realistic. You cannot expect that old scars will completely disappear; however, they will always turn flatter, paler and softer.

Home remedies to lessen scars -

o A mixture of sandalwood paste and black gram paste helps reduce the intensity of scars if started early.

o Rubbing your skin with ice cubes helps to tighten the skin.

o You can use cucumber and lemon juice on your scars.

o Vitamin E oil when applied on the scarred skin may do wonders for your skin.

o To prevent deepening of the scars, apply aloe vera gel, cod liver oil or vitamin E oil.

o Applying cocoa butter is also a good remedy in getting rid of the scars.

source: ezinearticles.com

What is the Best Treatment to Keloid Scar?

Keloid scar is a form of broken skin, a raised scar which extends outside of the discrete scar. It's often happened as a result of accident, surgery or more commonly from skin piercing. Keloid removal is part of the remedy to scar tissue removal.

Essentially the most generally recognized remedies to Keloid removal may be listed such as: steroid injection, interferon injection, surgery operation, laser treatment, silicone sheets dressing and Cryotheraphy. Nevertheless, amongst all the mentioned methods in treating Keloid scar, the very best combination would be laser surgery and the use of silicone scar sheets.

Although laser scar removal may be expensive, it's recognized to have the best result, the fastest removal time and the shortest healing period. Laser scar treatment makes use of laser to take away the layer of Keloid scar from our skin, once this surgical procedure is completed; we are able to proceed to use the silicone sheets dressing onto the treated area.

Today, silicone is being produced cheaply; additionally it is effective and popular among people who deal with Keloid scar. Silicone sheets or gel for Keloid treatment are to flatten the tissue and fade the color of the Keloid. One other benefit of Silicone is that it is extremely effective in stopping water, wind and other irritants from getting into the wound. It not only smoothes the tissue but also helps keep moisturizing it so to encourage the wound to heal.

Due to this fact, for the most effective treatment to Keloid removal, the combination of laser scar treatment along with silicone sheets dressing are the best way to get rid of Keloid scar.

source: ezinearticles.com

Kamis, 29 Juli 2010

Internal Scar Tissue

Scars illustrate our body response to injury. When the body tries to repair the injured site quickly, the body restores the tissue to its previous state or the injured tissue is replaced with an inferior barrier of scar tissue, which can not fully replace the missing tissue. But internal scar tissue forms as a result of trauma or surgery, and it is most commonly found in the abdominal region. Inflammatory diseases or heart attacks can cause internal scar tissue. A trauma or heart attack can lead to injuries like torn muscles and ligaments. Most of the times, internal scar tissue goes unnoticed by its owner, which implies that the body is able to repair itself neatly, when it is in good health. But, in some cases, internal scar tissue is responsible for the formation of an adhesion, which is a bond between two things, which were not previously joined. Sometimes, an organ is attached to the wall of the abdominal cavity by an adhesion.

Adhesions in scar tissues can obstruct the bowel movement or in some cases, adhesions caused by a pelvic inflammatory disease can cause twisting of the reproductive organs, leading to severe pain and fertility problems. As seen in the above examples, adhesions usually restrict the freedom of movement of the organ or organs involved. The frequently observed internal scar tissue pain is the main adhesion scar tissue symptom.

Internal Scar Tissue Reduction

Physical trauma, heart attack or surgeries are some of the causes of formation of an internal scar tissue. They can be caused by sports accidents or inflammatory diseases like irritable bowel syndrome, infection or radiation effects of some kind. There are more chances of formation of internal scar tissue and adhesion, when chronic conditions are developed. Doctors can suggest various treatments for internal scar tissue removal and control, ranging from steroid shots to surgery for internal scar tissue removal. Ultrasound machines can detect the adhesions. Adhesions can vary in thickness and depending upon their thickness, their images on an ultrasound machine can vary. About 93 per cent of people go on to develop adhesions after undergoing an abdominal surgery which can lead to significantly higher post-operative complications (leaks, wound infections, hemorrhages and lengthy stay in hospital) with adhesion-related perforations. Approximately 60 to 90 percent of women develop internal scar tissue after surgery and suffer post-operative adhesions following gynecological surgeries of any kind. Doctors prescribe proper medications for internal scar tissue reduction, but they aren't always efficacious. They can be ineffective and expensive too. There are some non surgical, suitable treatment options, for internal scar tissue reduction.

Internal Scar Tissue Remedies

* Exercise: After consulting with your physician and a gym trainer, you can start exercising regularly. Exercises can help reduce the internal scar tissue complications to some extent.
* Physical Therapy: You can opt for physical therapy under the guidance of a physician or physiotherapist as it will focus on exercises and massage, taking into consideration the problem due to internal scar tissue.
* Lifestyle Changes: You have to willingly accept some lifestyle changes, suggested by the doctor, so as to prevent the situation from worsening. For reducing scar tissue adhesions, doctors might ask you to stop drinking alcohol and avoid smoking completely. The doctor might advise you to follow a high fiber diet for easy bowel movement or he might ask you to avoid indulging in sexual intercourse for sometime, if fertility organs are twisted due to internal scar tissue.
* Ayurvedic Medicines: According to Ayurveda, Arjuna (terminalia arjuna), a cardiac stimulant, which is rejuvenating too, is prescribed for heart disease and angina and it can heal heart scar tissue after surgery. Ashwagandha (commonly known as ginseng root) also helps to heal the tissues.
* Surgery: When none of the above remedies work and the internal scar tissue pain continues, laparoscopic surgery can be suggested by the doctor, for the removal of internal scar tissue with adhesion symptoms. It is known as key-hole surgery since only a small cut is required, due to which there is a decreased risk of new adhesion forming. It may take two to four hours. But the patients are discharged on the same day of the procedure and they can return to full activity within one week of the procedure. The surgery involves some risks too. According to the available statistics, surgery to remove the adhesions (adhesiolysis) can cause more adhesions to form, in around 70% of cases.

It is clear from the above article that you should immediately consult your doctor if there is severe pain due to internal scar tissue or adhesion, as it can otherwise lead to more complications.

source: buzzle.com

Scar Tissue

A scar is a natural protective barrier which is formed by the body in order to heal itself from cut, injury, surgery, etc. As the body does not have the ability to re-create healthy skin or tissue, it tries to put together new fibers in order to form the barrier. These fibers are known as scar tissues and they can be found on any tissue of the body. These may include areas like that of the skin or internal organs, which were inflicted upon by some kind of an injury, cut or a surgery, and then healed. The scar formed is usually, silvery in appearance and has a color of pale pink to brown.

Scar Tissue Symptoms

Scar tissue is a symptom in itself. It has limited blood supply, and this the reason why it appears paler and denser. As it is thicker than the surrounding tissue, it is quite conspicuous. During the healing period the body puts together the scar tissue in place of the destroyed tissue. However, it does not serve the function of the original tissue and this makes it to be limited in function, movement, circulation and sensation. A scar tissue is also characterized by damaged sweat glands, inability to grow hair and developing less resistance to ultraviolet radiation. Initially the scar may remain flat and pale and less noticeable. But with time as the body produces more of such fibrous scar tissues, the scar may become thick, raised and prominent. Other symptoms include decreased range of motion, due to the feeling of tightness or inability to move the joints normally. Numbness, tingling, pain, decrease muscle strength, restricted range of motion and feeling of the muscles being stuck.

Scar Tissue Removal

The formation of scar tissue after surgery can be reduced or delayed with the help of applying topical ointments such as, corticosteroids, anesthetic ointments and antihistamine creams. These products help the process of recuperation to speed up, while diffusing the scar tissue, and ultimately minimizing the scar. People suffering from scar tissue pain can go for a regular massage. This technique is especially beneficial for internal scars tissue, particularly on the muscles. Regular massaging enhances and stimulates circulation. This in turn aids in getting more oxygen delivered to the tissues for faster healing, and lightening of external scars.

Complete scar tissue removal is not possible, but the condition can be kept from getting worse, by taking regular medications and also, with the help of some natural home remedies. Common ones include treating the affected area with cucumber and lemon juice or with ice cubes. Application of vitamin E oil, using paste of sandalwood and black gram, massaging with Aloe vera gel or cod liver oil, or simply applying cocoa butter, provides great deal of help in reducing scar tissue.

If all such scar removal treatment and methods fail to improve the condition of a scar tissue, then patients may opt for laser treatment. This procedure works by destroying the blood vessels of the scarred area. This results in the formation of new cells and production of collagen, which help the scar to recuperate inside out. There is this another treatment known as magnetic therapy, which encourages blood circulation and breaks up the scar tissue at the affected area. This keeps the surrounding muscles from withering away. If nothing else works, then there is plastic surgery. Although, it cannot cure or remove the scar tissue, it can mask it and make it less noticeable.

So, this is it about scar tissue, its possible symptoms, and recommended treatment methods. A scar, once it develops, remains for the rest of the life. What best can be done is to address it at the earliest, so as to keep it from getting worse over time.

source: buzzle.com

Scar Tissue Pain

Scar tissue is also known as adhesion and is formed when the original tissue is damaged by a serious physical injury, surgery or repetitive motions. As the tissues of the muscles, tendons, ligaments or nerves suffer any kind of damage, our body uses its natural mechanism to heal them up. In this process, it creates some new connective tissues that are fibrous in nature and it act as a barrier for the wound which when heals up lead to formation of scar tissue. However, this newly formed tissue is thicker and denser than normal tissue as it gets limited supply of blood and oxygen. When this weak and inflexible tissue is pulled, it cannot make movements like any other healthy tissue. This causes nerve inflammation and results in scar tissue pain.

Scar Tissue Pain Symptoms

The intensity and symptoms of the scar tissue pain largely depends on a number of factors such as severity of the injury that caused the scar, location of the scar, etc. A newly formed scar tissue is more painful and is often accompanied by itching, redness and tenderness. In some cases, the pain can be so severe that it may affect one's night sleep. Scar tissue pain after hysterectomy or any other abdominal surgeries is often accompanied by more serious symptoms as it restricts the movement various internal organs. The scar tissue can lead to intestinal obstruction and it give rise to abdominal pain, swelling of the abdomen, infrequent bowel movements, nausea and vomiting. In a more serious complication, where the bowel may get strangulated and the abdominal pain intensifies and affect the entire body system. As a result, the patient may suffer from mild to sever fever, low the blood pressure, high pulse rate, etc.

If a nerve gets compressed by the scar tissue, then the severity of the pain depends on the how badly the nerve is compressed. The pain could be continuous if the nerve is under constant compression. Otherwise, the pain would be felt intermittently as and when it interferes with the functioning of the nerve while doing some activities like sitting, walking, standing. In this condition, the accompanying symptoms include numbness and tingling sensation that can be felt not just in the affected tissue but in other parts of the body as well. For instance, trapped nerve in the cervical area can give symptoms on the hands. When the pain arises due to scar tissue putting pressure on the adjoining muscles, then weakness is felt that particular part of the body.

Scar Tissue Pain Relief

Those who get mild to moderate scar tissue pain infrequently can reduce it with the help of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory. When irritation is felt along with the pain, then topical ointments like antihistamines and corticosteroids are used to provide relief. Besides, there is a medicine known as interferon which is administered through injection and it promotes growth of healthy collagen tissue. Sometimes, surgical option is availed to treat the pain in the scar tissue. However, surgical option is not suitable for all kinds of scars. It is good particularly if it is thin and linear. For this reason, scar tissue pain after c-section can be reduced to a great extent with help of surgery.

Alternatively, the pain can be treated with silicone gel sheeting that improves the elasticity and flexibility of the scar tissue. Sometimes, ultrasonic waves are used to heat the scarred tissue which in turn make them less rigid and aid in scar tissue removal. Massaging the scar also helps to soften up the tissues. It should be done by a trained therapist who will massage the skin by moving the fingers on the scar in circular motions. This will release the tension from the thick tissue normalize blood supply to certain extent. The massage is followed by application of vitamin E lotion that have a soothing effect on the painful site.

Pain in the scar tissue after surgery can be prevented only if the wound is well taken care of during healing. Compression bandages should be used for closing up of the wound properly. Application of vitamin E creams and oral intake of vitamin E supplements can speed up the healing process and help in reducing scar tissue. It is also important to protect the wound so that the size of the opening does not increase any further.

Selasa, 29 Juni 2010

Vitamin E for Scars

Vitamin E is an antioxidant, which means that it snatches up free radicals, mostly in the skin, and transports them elsewhere for removal from the body.
You'll find many people touting the use of vitamin E on scar tissue these days. They will often claim that it can make any kind of scar disappear within a few months. The honest truth is that vitamin E doesn't appear to help heal scar tissue.


In a 1999 study following patients after cancer surgery, doctors applied an ointment containing vitamin E to a part of the scar tissue and applied an ointment without the vitamin to the other half of the scar. The scar tissue healed at the same rate with both ointments and on a negative side the vitamin E ointment gave some patients contact dermatitis, which is red and itchy skin.

Vitamin E is an antioxidant, which means that it snatches up free radicals, mostly in the skin, and transports them elsewhere for removal from the body. It also protects other antioxidants from oxidizing and becoming dangerous in the body, such as Vitamin A. It is involved in the metabolism of cells, but doesn't change cells such as skin tissue. Therefore it should have no direct effect on the improved appearance of scar tissue when applied topically. It is a nice supplement for your skin in general and will help prevent damage caused by free radicals that leads to premature aging.

People who have gained a visual improvement to their skin from applying Vitamin E probably gained it due to the massaging motions of their fingers while rubbing in the oil. Scar tissue is actually skin tissue with a lot of collagen fibers in it. When a wound is healing the collagen served as a bridge connecting the skin. It is tough and firm, but scar tissue can be broken down with continuous regular massage. Also Vitamin E is fat soluble and usually sold as an oil. The oil helps to soften skin tissue and makes it look better overall, if you don't have an allergic reaction to the vitamin E. Unfortunately some people are genetically predisposed to getting scar tissue when a wound heals, while others are not. It may be that those who claim a benefit from applying the vitamin E are simply people who aren't genetically disposed towards developing scar tissue.

A good way to prevent scars is to avoid picking at a scab. This will tear at the collagen fibers and make the wound look worse. Make sure to keep your wound clean and covered with a Band-Aid or gauze. There is the idea that wounds heal better when left open to the air, but many kinds of wounds need moisture to heal and the air will simply dry it out. Also you may think about taking an oral vitamin C supplement. Vitamin C is involved with the creation of new skin tissue and this can help your wounds heal better.

source: buzzle.com

Reducing Scar Tissue

Reducing a scar tissue becomes quite a problem to some people. Now, with the advent of formulation using systemic enzymes, reducing scar tissue is easier. With the right dosage and consistent effort for some periods of time, generally the patient condition can be improved.

The formation of scar itself is actually known as the natural process in order to fix the damage of the tissues in human. When there’s a wound resulted from a surgery, a cut, or a disease, the scar will be formed as the healing process. This can happen whether in our skin or internal organs.

Scar tissues, while playing an important role in the body’s repair mechanism, could potentially be dangerous. Fibrosis which is the formation of scar tissues in those who have excessive fibrin in their bodies can be one that leads to that situation. When there is fibrosis in a tissue, the tendon sheaths are thickened, impeding free and normal movement. This can be reduced or erased with the use of systemic enzymes.

How do they work? The ones with serrapeptase and or nattokinase in them have the ability to eat up scar tissue, erase any evidence of injury on our skin or other parts and regulate the normal fibrin production in our body.

It is recommended that a person who seeks treatment for injuries, whether severe or minor condition, to take about three capsules three times a day. As they’re from natural sources, there are no adverse side effects that can be expected from taking them. However, you always need to be cautious on what you consume.

Many enzymes practitioners have used and recommended vitalzym x for an effective treatment in reducing the scar tissue. This natural plant based systemic enzymes is a fibrin fighter that digests the excess fibrins in the blood.

source: 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

Senin, 12 April 2010

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

Kamis, 11 Maret 2010

Considering Scar Revision

Before considering scar revision, the treating physician must have an understanding of wound healing and how scar tissue forms. Wound healing progresses in 3 phases: an inflammatory phase, a granulation phase, and the final, remodeling phase.

Inflammation is an immediate physiologic response to any injury to the body. In the skin, it serves the additional role of helping to contain and repel any organisms or foreign materials introduced into the tissues by a variety of traumas, including surgical incisions. The various mediators of inflammation are the first materials released in the wound, including activated complement, transforming growth factor-beta, circulating monocytes, tissue macrophages, neutrophils, platelets, clotting factors, and serum proteins, among others. Damaged collagen fibers promote platelet aggregation in the wound. Later, collagen provides the scaffold for wound healing as the major constituent of the extracellular matrix. This primary phase of wound healing typically lasts for 1-2 days.

The granulation or proliferative phase involves fibroblast proliferation within the wound bed. These cells are responsible for the production of the collagen extracellular matrix. Cytokines present in the wound bed at this time also promote the process of angiogenesis and the appearance of granulation tissue, a characteristic of the healing wound. Once collagen is laid down as an extracellular matrix and cells have grown on this scaffold, the wound enters the remodeling phase of wound healing.

The remodeling phase involves the reassortment of collagen fibers laid down in the preceding proliferative phase. Remodeling is the longest period of the wound healing process; it may continue for up to a year. However, 2-3 weeks is a more common interval for this final phase of wound healing. During this time, the net amount of collagen does not increase, but the formation of a more orderly arrangement of fibers helps to greatly increase the wound's tensile strength. When healed properly, the final wound strength reaches 70-80% of prewound strength.

The ideal scar is narrow and fills but does not eclipse the original volume of the wound bed. In fact, the wound often decreases in size upon healing due to contractile forces involved in scar formation. Occasionally, scar formation may be exuberant, as in the cases of hypertrophic scarring or keloid formation. Although discussed in detail in Keloid and Hypertrophic Scar, a brief mention of these unwelcome sequelae of wound healing is warranted.

Hypertrophic scars do not extend beyond the original boundaries of the wound laterally, but scar tissue may rise above the level of the surrounding skin. This commonly results in a very noticeable, irregularly contoured scar. A more extreme example of exuberant growth of scar tissue is the keloid. Keloid scars extend beyond the original borders of the wound, resulting in a raised and expanded scar relative to the original defect. These are often very noticeable, and they occur with increased frequency in persons with dark complexions. In both hypertrophic scars and keloids, components of the extracellular matrix are increased. Thus, while the number of fibroblasts present is normal, the cells present are apparently overactive in their wound healing response.

Selasa, 09 Maret 2010

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.)

Treat Scars on the Nose

The way in which you treat a scar on the nose is really dependent on the type of scar. For many people with a scar on this area of the face, it's usually a result of acne or chickenpox. Others may experience scarring due to trauma or other medical conditions. Regardless of how the scar formed, it's often possible to reduce its signs with medications and medical procedures. There's even a self-care method that can bring about positive results.

Try massaging the scar. Raised scars can respond favorably to regular massage. You're essentially breaking down scar tissue so that it flattens out with the rest of the skin. This method may take several months to provide results.

Talk to your doctor about corticosteroids. The American Osteopathic College of Dermatology recommends corticosteroid injections along raised scars on the skin, causing them to soften and even out with the rest of the skin. Even those affecting the nose can respond to this type of treatment. However, you may need to use a cortisone tape on such a sensitive area.

Invest in a silicone-based gel. This type of treatment is best for raised scars, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Simply apply the solution onto the scar to cause it to soften and flatten with the rest of the skin.

Consider a soft-tissue filler. The Mayo Clinic recommends this type of procedure for acne scars that are sunken into the skin. Collagen or fat can be injected under the scar to level it with the rest of your skin. This is a temporary treatment, as the filler dissipates over time.

Talk to a dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon about a resurfacing procedure. Both dermabrasion and laser therapy are considered skin resurfacing. They can work on both raised and sunken scars. The top layer of the skin is removed, prompting new skin growth, while the lower layers are stimulated, which can cause the production of collagen. Collagen can firm the skin, reducing the signs of scarring on the nose.

Think about cosmetic surgery. While this is probably the most expensive method of scar removal, you may be able to completely eliminate the appearance of scarring on the nose with cosmetic surgery. Punch grafts use donor skin from another area of the body to replace scarred tissue. A small suture is needed to attach the graft, but it can be less noticeable than the original scar.

Senin, 08 Maret 2010

Prevent a Scar

There are a lot of myths and rumors out there when it comes to scar prevention. There are also a lot of conflicting opinions about how to perform proper scar prevention. So how do you know which techniques are correct? Doing the wrong thing can make your cuts heal much slower and make your scars much more noticeable. On the other hand, if you know how to prevent a scar the correct way, you'll enjoy scar-free skin later on.

1) Take it easy with the hydrogen peroxide. After the initial wound, clean it out with rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide ONE TIME. Repeated application of hydrogen peroxide to a wound will kill the newly forming skin and slow down the healing process drastically. I know it feels good to see the wound bubbling up, and you think you're killing bacteria, but you're also killing the new skin cells that are trying to form. This will prolong the healing process and make your scar worse in the end. Instead, clean it just once with hydrogen peroxide, then apply an antibacterial ointment like Neosporin. Neosporin keeps the wound moist and clean without damaging the new skin cells.

2) Keep it covered. There's a common myth out there that says you should let the cut breathe. This is actually incorrect. During the initial healing stages, you will want to keep the wound covered with an antibacterial ointment and possibly a bandage whenever possible. Keeping the wound moist and clean provides the optimal healing environment for your cut. Scabs perform a similar function, but they can easily be ripped off, which will make your scar much worse.

3) Protect from the sun. One thing that many people fail to realize about fresh scars is that they are very sensitive to the sun. Scar tissue burns much easier than regular skin and will ultimately become hyperpigmented. Exposing a scar to the sun will turn it red and eventually it will end up darker than the skin around it, making it much more visible.

There are many more important scar prevention methods that can help you escape from a wound scar-free. Proper early scar treatment and the right diet can drastically reduce scarring in a fresh wound.

Minggu, 07 Maret 2010

The Best Scar Removal Treatment

Scar removal up until now has usually involved expensive and risky procedures and surgeries that many people aren't willing to endure. For those who opt for a more natural option were forced to pay for expensive scar creams that rarely delivered the results they claim. There hasn't really been many good options when it comes to scar treatment until lately. Fortunately, with the advancement of medical research, there are now many natural scar removal products and tricks that can reduce scarring without the high prices and risks associated with invasive procedures and expensive scar creams.

Here are a few natural scar removal products and tricks you can use:
Lemon Juice - If you have a darkened scar, lemon juice might be a good product for you. Its a natural bleaching agent and also contains high amounts of citric acid which can help exfoliate the top layers of the scar. There are also other over the counter products which can more effectively lighten a scar as well.

Pure Aloe Vera - Aloe direct from an Aloe Vera plant is very good for the skin and has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. This makes it a good option for early scar treatment. Avoid Aloe Vera lotions and gels as the processing they go through usually destroys any healing properties it may have had. Sunblock - Always cover a scar with sunscreen for at least 6 months after the skin damage. Scar tissue is very sensitive to sunlight and will burn easily. This will make the scar red and much more noticeable. Once a scar becomes discolored, it is difficult to bring it back to its natural color.

There are many other effective scar removal products and techniques that can deliver excellent results for many people. They are not the most common or easily found methods, but they do exist. Always do your research before applying a topical product to the skin on a daily basis. There are many common products, like Vitamin E, that cause dermatitis and rashes in many people, so use caution. Natural scar removal is possible with the right information, so don't give up.

Types of Scars

Keloid scars
Keloids are itchy clusters of scar tissue that grow beyond the edges of the wound or incision. They occur when the body continues to produce the tough, fibrous protein known as collagen after a wound has healed. They are more common in dark-skinned people. Keloids are treated by injecting a steroid medication directly into the scar tissue to reduce redness and itching. However, the disheartening fact is that keloids have a tendency to recur, sometimes even larger than before, thus requiring repeated procedures.

Hypertrophic scars
These scars, unlike keloids, remain within the limits of the original wound. They often improve on their own, though it may take a year or more. They may also require steroid applications or in some cases may have to be improved surgically.

Contractures
Burns or other injuries that result in the loss of a large area of skin may form a scar that pulls the edges of the skin together, a process called contraction. Improving a contracture usually involves cutting out the scar and replacing it with a skin graft or a flap. In some cases, a procedure known as Z-plasty may be used.

Facial scars
Mostly, facial scars are cut out and closed with tiny stitches, leaving a less noticeable scar. Some facial scars can be softened using a technique called dermabrasion, that leaves a smoother surface to the skin, but does not completely erase the scar.

Scar Removal Home Remedies

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. The word scar is derived from the Greek word eschara, meaning fireplace.

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.

Embarrassing scars

When skin is burned, cut, scraped, or otherwise injured, special cells called fibroblasts produce a substance called collagen to fill and close the wound. Collagen is a tough, fiber-like protein that makes up the most part of scar tissue. Collagen exists in normal skin, too, but in scar tissue, collagen fibers are more numerous and more haphazardly arranged. This is why scars can appear discolored or otherwise noticeable to the eye. Scars change over time. Some fade on their own, though this may take months to years, while others gradually change color and/or shape.

It's not possible to completely remove a scar, but a few treatments might help make your scars less noticeable Onion Extract acts as an anti-inflammatory and seems to inhibit the over-production of collagen in a scar. Onion extract is available in the United States as a gel by itself, but is also an ingredient in Mederma gel, a widely used scar treatment that you referred to in your question. Onion extract, by itself or as part of another course of treatment, requires consistent use over several months in order to produce any effect.

Silicone, available either as a gel or in rubber-like sheets, has been found to lighten and flatten scars. You apply the gel directly to the scar or use medical tape to cover the scar with the silicone sheet. It isn't known exactly how silicone helps scars heal — some researchers think that static electricity from the silicone helps align collagen fibers in the scar, while others think it might help trap moisture, which can help make scars fade.

Alpha Hydroxy Acids are natural fruit acids that are used to exfoliate (remove) dead skin cells. This process can improve the appearance of acne scars and reduce redness, as well as wrinkles and signs of aging. If you decide to use alpha hydroxy, investigate the various strengths and use the mildest. For people with sensitive skin, alpha hydroxy can cause irritation, stinging, and other problems. A health care provider or dermatologist can advise you on which types and concentrations of alpha hydroxy acids you can try.

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