How to get rid of scars. Most of us have been affected by scars at some stage in our lives. Quite simply a scar is a visible mark on the skin that’s left on the skin after an injury or wound has healed.
Scars may not just a have a physical effect – the psychological effect can be just as bad, if not worse. It can lead to a lack of self-confidence, social isolation and depression.
Scars are a completely natural stage of the skins healing process. They’re a result of fibrous tissue which has replaced normal skin as a result of the skins natural wound repair process. Whilst scar tissue is made up of the same collagen as found in normal, healthy skin the way the fibres are composed is different and it’s this that makes them pronounced and visibly different.
There are different types of scars and various degrees of scarring. Many will become paler and fade over time but many will not completely disappear.
Types Of Scars
Atrophic Scars:
Atrophic scars are indentations in the skin as a result of a wound healing underneath the normal layer of skin tissue. Also called “ice pick scars”, they are single or, most often, multiple pitted holes resembling large, open pores. The most common causes of this imbalanced atrophic scaring are severe chicken pox or acute acne.
Hypertrophic Scars:
Hypertrophic scars are raised, often red scars that form within the area of wound. Unlike atrophic scars which form indentations as a result of tissue loss, hypertrophic scars are raised up over the injured area as a result of too much collagen tissue developing.
Keloid Scars:
Keloid scars are similar in formation to hypertrophic scars in so much that they are as a result of excess collagen forming raised, red areas over the wound. What makes them different is that these scars are as a result of overly aggressive healing and so they keep growing, even after the wound has healed. They aren’t confined to just the area of injury but will spread to form darker, raised scars over a larger area of skin.
Scar Contractures:
Scar contractures are usually formed as a result of burns. They may not be just surface scars but go deeper down to affect nerves and muscles thus, not just leaving the skin tight but affecting normal movement of the affected area.
Stretch Marks:
Stretch marks (or striae to give then their proper name) are also a form of scarring. They occur, as the name suggests, when the skin has been exposed to rapid stretching – during pregnancy or after rapid weight gain or growth spurts.
Stretch marks are very common and so we have a specific section on these: Natural Ways To Get Rid Of Stretch Marks – Read Here >>>
How To Get Rid Of Scars
When it comes to how to get rid of scars – first the bad news! It’s not possible to completely remove all traces of a scar. That said, most scars will naturally fade over time – some to a point where they’re hardly visible at all. There are various treatment options that can significantly.
Silicone Gels Or Sheets
These can help flatten raised scars. They will also soften the scar and reduce any associated itchiness and general discomfort.
Steroid Corticosteroid
Injections or impregnated tape can also flatten and soften scarred areas.
Laser Therapy
This can reduce any redness associated with scarring. It works by targeting the blood vessels in the scar tissue, to remove the outer layer of skin and to stimulate the production of collagen.
Cryotherapy
This is the process whereby liquid nitrogen is applied to freeze scars. This stops them growing (particularly helpful when it comes to keloid scars) and flatted the raised scar area.
Dermal Fillers
These are injections (similar to botox) which are used plump up and level out pitted scars.
Micro-Needling
Also called skin needling. This procedure involves a small roller which is completely covered in minute needles being rolled across the affected area of scar. All the tiny “wounds” caused by the needles encourages the skin’s production of collagen and elastin. This in turn helps repair the entire area of scarring.
Surgery
Only is an option in certain cases. Your dermatologist will discuss available options which include plastic surgery and skin grafts.
Pressure Dressings
Specialist long term solutions typically supported by silicon. Designed to be worn for up to a year. Intended to soften and flatten scar areas.
Make-Up
Whilst not a treatment there are certain products which are specially designed to cover and camouflage scars.
How To Get Rid Of Scars With Treatment Creams
Scar creams are very popular and can be quite effective in helping the skin repair, improve skin health, stimulate the production of collagen and elastin and to diminish the visible signs of scarring. Certain vitamins (particularly vitamin E) appear to help, a good moisturiser is vital to keep the scar are supple and sunscreen is also important as scars provide less natural protection against the suns rays.
Recommended Scar Treatments
Dermefface FX7
Renown as one of the best scar reduction therapies on the market today.
Dermefface FX7™ Scar Reduction Therapy is a natural process that works with the skin’s 28-day regeneration process.
It works by stimulating a healthy balance of collagen production. This pushes ‘scarred’ skin cells to the surface where they’re shed and replaced by normal, healthy skin cells. This results in a visible reduction in scarring. Comes with a full money back guarantee if you are not satisfied with results.
