Have you ever been slicing onions, and through the tears you realize you cut your hand? “That’s going to leave a scar.” Many people say this more often they would like to admit. But don’t worry. We found some great scar removal creams for you, pulled from a few scar removal websites. Continue Reading Article >
5 Questions to Ask Your Dermatologist
Many people get flustered when going to the doctor’s office. Whether it’s the bland waiting room, the crisp pinch in the air, or the anxiety of someone poking you all over asking, “does this feel weird?” The answer is yes; it does feel weird when you apply pressure to my abdomen! Is this a medical pain…? Probably not, but now all you can think about is how to get out of there with minimal emotional suffering.
If that sounds anything like you I would recommend adding a medical mantra to your pre-doctor routine. Most insurance plans will cover a yearly check up and dermatologist visit. This means you only get one chance to ask all of those questions you keep hidden in the back of your mind. While at the dermatologist it’s always important to show your doctor any large or irregular moles, but that should go without saying. Here are 5 questions to ask your dermatologist in regards to scar treatment, acne scars, and remedies.
1. What kind of scar do I have?
There are three main types of scars: atrophic, keloid, and hypertrophic and all are treated differently. Read more about these types of scars here.
2. How do I get rid of acne scars?
The more recent the scarring the easier it is for them to heal. While nothing besides medical procedures have been proven to completely erase a scar, other processes have had significant impacts on lessening the appearance of acne scars.
3. Will over the counter creams work to remove scars?
Because all scars are different it is hard to say what does and what does not work. One popular over the counter scar removal cream that has documented success is Mederma. Click the link to read about Mederma success stories.
4. What are the medical solutions for scars?
Medical treatments for scarring on the body have the highest success rates. These medical procedures include: laser therapy, surgical removal, microdermabrasion, and filler treatments. Read this blog for more information about medical procedures used to remove stretch marks.
5. Do you recommend a specific type of scar treatment?
No single person will scar in the same way and because of that it makes selecting a treatment procedure difficult. A dermatologist will take into account your age, time of scarring, severity, and location when counseling.
Acne scarring can be especially traumatic because it usually occurs in young adults during a time of hormonal imbalances, and growth. Though adult acne scaring can also cause discomfort and anxiety. The most important thing to remember is that all scars will fade over time, and if one treatment isn’t working for you be patient, wear sunscreen, and try something new.
By Maren Burns
Where Scars Happen & How To Treat Them
Life might get you down, and if you’re clumsy… life might get you down a little more often than the average person. These accidental injuries can lead to scarring on the body, and other instances such as: surgery, burns, rapid weight gain, intentional harm, illnesses such as chicken pox, and severe acne can also leave unwanted scarring. Whether you are dealing with facing scarring, back scarring, etc., there are various scar treatments that can help your scars.
The Most Common Scars And How To Prevent Them
Scars form on the skin when it is injured from scratches, acne, burns and serious tears in the skin. Younger people heal better than older people and often medicines affect how the scar looks. Scars are embarrassing and often lower the self-esteem of the person with them. There are many types type of scars and different treatments for them.
It’s hard to prevent scars because accidents happen. One way to prevent scars is to get them treated by a dermatologist or doctor immediately. Get stiches if cuts are deep and far apart. Add petroleum jelly and non-stick bandages to keep the wound moist. Avoid sun to prevent discoloration and apply Vitamin E crème daily to help reduce scarring. Let them heal naturally and remember to be patient.
Types of Scars and Treatments
There are many different types of scars and scar treatment. Before you get treated for a scar, it is important for you to know the type you have. Atrophic scars are flat and often depressed against the first layer of skin. Sometimes they develop a darker color than rest of the skin caused by tissue damage. It is known as hyperpigmentation. Dermatologists have several treatments for hyperpigmentation. They have skin lightening creams, skin lightening mask, and light and laser scar treatment.
Hypertrophic scars form due to infections and wounds. They are elevated in appearance and rise off the skin. Often excessive tissue forms over the wound. It can be treated with silicone sheets and steroids successfully. Silicone is a chemical that is produced in different forms for its healing properties. It comes in gels, liquid and sheets. Silicone sheets for scars are band aid like strips covered with silicone. It is worn over the wound. Sometimes a gel is given that is put directly on the scar twice a day.
Keloid scars form when body uses all its resources to heal a scar and it does not work. It rises above the skin and has smooth skin and pink or purple color. The infection often travels to other tissue. Keloids often develop after surgery or a serious wound. They form on the chest, back, shoulders and earlobes. Doctors don’t know why they form. They are treated by surgery, laser scar treatment, silicone sheets, cryotherapy or by freezing them with liquid nitrogen and injections of interferon.
When you are burned the scar is called contractures. There are different degrees of damage with burns from very serious--as in fires and combat injuries--and minor burns. The scars often form on joints and creases, damaging the flexibility of movement. When deep, they often affect the muscles and nerves around them. There are many different treatments for contracture scars. Steroid and corticosteroid shots are given, applying silicone gel, pressure garments, skin grafting, and laser treatment.
Stretch marks caused by being pregnant, gaining weight or losing weight too fast are skin tears. They form on the buttocks, stomach, and thighs. They often look red or purple in color than lighten up. Acne and pimples often leave scarring. Many teens and adults have acne scars. These types of scars are treated with lotions and crèmes, steroids, dermabrasion, and lasers.
Treating cuts, scratches, burns and wounds is the best way to prevent scars. There are many scar treatments designed to fix the problem. The doctor can recommend over the counter and prescription scar products that help heal the skin from scar damage. You don’t have to suffer the embarrassment of ugly scars because there are many treatments available to treat them.
Written by: Joan Russell