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Sunday, October 3, 2010

Scar Tissue Removal - A Treatment to Skin Damage(Skin Scars)

Skin Scars
Scar tissue removal is a therapy to remove those undesirable scars from our skin. Scar tissue is a type of regenerated tissue to replace the normal pores and skin tissue resulting from damage, pimples or surgery. It is a result of natural therapeutic process.
Scars can be classified as follows:
  1. Atrophic scar - Often formed after pimples, chickenpox or accidents. A pitted look and a sunken recess in the skin.
  2. Hypertrophic scar - Keloid scars as an example. A pink raised lump on the pores and skin caused by collagen being overproduced by our body.
  3. Stretch marks - Due to being pregnant, irregular weight gain or weight loss, the skin is stretched and loosens rapidly, this can also be considered as one type of scar.
Skin damage therapies may cost a lot of money, it may be very expensive to undergo costly therapy like laser or surgery.
It's also time consuming, you'll want to apply the treatment or medication regularly, repeatedly and on a scheduled basis just to let it heal, the therapeutic course can be slow where it could possibly take weeks and even months.
One other factor to take into consideration when in search of scar tissue removing is safety. It is fairly dangerous to certain folks as a consequence of unknown side impact, largely from remedy resembling cream or lotion. Subsequently you must do your analysis correctly before taking on any remedy, medication or cream that you'll be using.
There are numerous ways to scar tissue removal that we can consider: Self heal, laser surgery, needling, surgical procedure, steroids application, silicone sheeting, chemical peels, collagen injections and dwelling treatments, just to name a few.
On the other hand, there are also quite a number of do-it-yourself products which might be well-liked and effective, which is inexpensive in making them ourselves. Usually they can be made from mixing a mixture of pure herbs or fruit juice. A homemade product that's cheap, effective and eco-friendly.
For individuals who undergo from scarring, a successful scar tissue removal will help them regain self esteem. It could considerably improve their social life where they can face and work together with people with confident.

Skin Scars

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Scar Therapy - What's Safe and What to Avoid(Skin Scars)

Skin Scars
Many skin care experts think some scar therapy ingredients are unsafe. Potentially harmful ingredients include preservatives, fragrances, some silicones, hydroquinone and even vitamin E. Because of this, more and more people are worried about what they are putting on their skin.
SCAR SILICONE PRODUCTS
Many cosmetic products, such as creams, lipsticks, shampoo, soaps, antiperspirants and topical scar therapies use D4 and D5 silicones. D4 and D5 are 2 of about 200 silicones that recent studies suggest may be harmful for humans and wildlife.
D4 and D5 silicones are on the toxic chemicals list of the Canadian government. Reportedly, the European Union will also require registration of D4 and D5 as potentially harmful. Tests showed that they may pose significant danger.
Environmental Defence, a Canadian environmental group, says that D4 is linked to fertility problems and liver damage, while both D4 and D5 have been linked to cancer.
Fe de Leon, a researcher with the Canadian Environmental Law Association, warns people that D4 and D5 are included in hundreds of personal-care products. "These chemicals are found to be persistent, biocumulative and inherently toxic. The chemicals have the ability to travel very long distances and have been found in sewage treatment plant effluents, landfills as well as the Great Lakes." she said.
The Canadian government is planning to propose D4 and D5 limits in products and for release into the environment during manufacturing.
"This is the first step toward regulating these harmful chemicals," Aaron Freeman, policy director of Environmental Defence, said. "We urge the government to go the distance by getting these chemicals off the market."
Dimethicone silicone is not a D4 or D5 silicone and has been certified as safe.
PRESERVATIVES, PARABENS, FRAGRANCES
Synthetic preservatives like parabens are commonly used in all kinds of personal and scar therapy products. Preservatives prevent the growth of bacteria in products with high water content. They discourage bacterial growth and reduce the risk of infection. However, they also have a serious downside:
"Allergy to preservatives is one of the main reasons for contact eczema caused by cosmetics. As development and elicitation of contact allergy is dose dependent, the over preservation of cosmetics potentially leads to increased incidences of contact allergy," says Dr. Lundov, a prominent researcher.
There are about 50 approved preservatives to keep cosmetic products "bacteria-free", but the market is dominated by a just a handful: parabens, formaldehyde, formaldehyde releasers, metylchloroisothiazolinone, and methylisothiazolinone. That is bad news, since these chemicals may be among the most irritating preservatives.
"Approximately 6% of the general population has a cosmetic-related contact allergy mainly caused by preservatives and fragrances," says Dr. Lundov, and allergies to formaldehyde are as high as 9%.
Most people know that parabens cause allergic skin reactions. Recent research also shows a possible association with breast cancer after finding high paraben content in breast cancer cells. Many people are now calling for the re-evaluation of their use in cosmetic products.
Non-aqueous (non-water based) scar therapies do not include water and so do not need preservatives. Scar therapies without fragrances are also less likely to cause allergic skin reactions like dermatitis.
HYDROQUINONE
Though hydroquinone is an effective agent to lighten scars, it is not sold in some countries because of the longterm use dangers. Hydroquinone can lead to a condition called ochronosis, even at its over-the-counter strength (2%). This is permanent hyperpigmentation with sooty darkening of the skin. Ochronosis may also cause loss of skin elasticity and impaired wound healing. Other side effects include contact dermatitis (rash, redness, itching and flaking) and nail discoloration, Some researchers have questioned whether hydroquinone and related compounds may 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.
Alternative skin-lightening ingredients include L-ascorbic acid, other vitamin c esters and licorice extract.
VITAMIN E SCAR TREATMENTS
Vitamin E is a popular supplement. However, support has wavered. Studies show it does not lower the risk of cancer as previously thought and, more importantly, it actually increases the risk of heart failure. It is also popular as an antioxidant in personal care and scar therapy products. But, here too, vitamin E is being questioned because it causes contact dermatitis in up to 33% of users. For this reason, American dermatologists and Canadian pediatricians recommend not using vitamin E as a scar therapy.

Skin Scars

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A Powerful Way to Remove Scars!(Skin Scars)

Skin Scars
Our skin is the largest organ in our body. It is the most physical visible thing that we see on a person. If we have scars on our skin, it will be one of the noticeable things that people will see. The appearance of scars on a person can be very unattractive and can even lower self-esteem. Hence, if we can remove or hide the scar, we can appear to look more attractive or have more self-esteem.
The use of Scarguard is one of the best ways to remove or hide scars that will help you to look more attractive!
Scarguard is one of the many treatments used to remove or minimize scars we had from accidents and/ or surgical procedures. It is topically applied and does not need a medical prescription from your doctor.
Scars are formed due to the over production of collagen during the process of healing of wounds. The excess collagens are melted away by a collagenase. Collagenase is produced by the body solely for this purpose. But still, it is not enough, therefore a scar is formed.
Scarguard is composed of 5 elements. These 5 elements are proven to reduce, if not prevent scar formation during wound healing process. These five elements are:
o Corticosteroids- Corticosteriods prevents formation of collagen and at the same time increase its degradation. It also triggers the production of collagenase and reduces swelling, itching, and irritation which are related to scarring.
o Vitamin E- This vitamin reduces the inflammatory response in the wound. It is also an antioxidant and it prevents collagen synthesis. It decreases fibroblast (cells that makes collagen) proliferation and it acts with silicone to maximize its effect.
o Silicon gel- This element provides obstruction and hydration to the wound surface. It also provides a negative ion charge that prevents collagen formation.
o Occlusion- Occlusion may lessen the formation of collagen, formation of capillaries, and activity of mitogens. It also helps the wound reach its optimal healing by hydrating it.
o Pressure- Pressure is needed to increase the surface tension which is needed to promote production of collagenase.
Scarguard is very easy to use. You just apply it in the area where there is a scar or wound. It dries off quickly and is not easily washed away by water. It is also almost negligible. A make-up can also be applied over it if necessary.
Scarguard is not just for scars too. It can also be a help to remove other skin discoloration and also protects us from ultraviolet rays.

Skin Scars

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Minimize Skin Scarring(Skin Scars)

Skin Scars
Skin scars occur when the deep, thick layer of skin (the dermis) is damaged. Scars are areas of fibrous tissue that replace normal skin after injury. Scar tissue is not identical to the tissue which it replaces and is usually of inferior functional quality. Scar tissue can form on the skin or on internal wounds. People with conditions like liver cirrhosis, heart disease, and pancreatitis often have scar tissue on their liver, heart or pancreas. A scar is a natural part of the healing process. Larger spots may coalesce to form a broad band of dappling. A scar results from the biologic process of wound repair in the skin and other tissues of the body. Scars can also take the form of stretched skin. Most skin scars are flat, pale and leave a trace of the original injury which caused them. The redness that often follows an injury to the skin is not a scar, and is generally not permanent.
Scars form differently based on the location of the injury on the body and the age of the person who was injured. It has become a problem when old orchards are top worked, and the new is susceptible to the viroid that had been symptomless in the original cultivar. Two types of scars are the result of the body overproducing collagen, which causes the scar to be raised above the surrounding skin. Hypertrophic scars take the form of a red raised lump on the skin, but do not grow beyond the boundaries of the original wound, and they often improve in appearance after a few years. Keloid scars are a more serious form of scarring, because they can carry on growing indefinitely into a large, tumorous (although benign) growth.
Some people, especially those with deeper skin tones, have a tendency to produce prominent raised scars. Scars and stretch marks are generally considered unsightly, disfiguring and unacceptable by many people. No scar can ever be completely removed. Some treatment for scar minimizing scarring including do not wipe fresh wounds with hydrogen peroxide. The bubbles make is feel like something good is happening, but hydrogen peroxide actually destroys new skin cells that immediately begin to grow. Do cover a cut. The old wives tale about allowing a "fresh" cut to breathe will actually not support rapid healing. Do apply constant pressure on a fresh wound with a sterile bandage or silicone sheeting pad. Do not expose new scars to the sun.
Minimize Skin Scarring Tips
1. Do not wipe fresh wounds with hydrogen peroxide.
2. Do cover a cut. The old wives tale about allowing a "fresh" cut to breathe will actually not support rapid healing.
3. Do not fall for the tale about treating with Vitamin E.
4. DO apply constant pressure on a fresh wound with a sterile bandage or silicone sheeting pad.
5. Do not expose new scars to the sun.
6. Do gently massage the scar once the surface is healed.
7. Gentle massage helps breakdown the dense bands of skin.
8. Newer and shallower stretch marks and scars respond better than older and deeper scars and stretch

Skin Scars

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Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Treating Skin Scars.(Skin Scars)

Skin Scars
Scars are areas of fibrous tissue that replace normal skin after injury. They are formed when all but the most minor wounds heal. Though skin scars do not pose a threat to health, they can be a source of shame or embarrassment. Some people complain that they are disfiguring, especially if they develop on the head, face, or neck. Though no blemish can ever be completely removed, there are a number of treatment options available which can diminish their appearance. If you decide that you want to undergo any treatment to diminish the appearance of one of these marks, you should contact your doctor or a cosmetic surgeon.
Needling is a process whereby the affected tissue is continuously pricked with a needle. The pricking promotes the production of collagen in the skin. Collagen helps to reduce redness, but it does not smooth the skin. Once the process is complete, the affected area is again allowed to completely heal. Needling is inexpensive, and home kits are available for those willing to perform the process themselves. It is crucial to work with sterilized equipment, as infection can worsen the appearance. Needling should be performed under professional medical supervision when used on the face or any area of the body surrounding major nerves.
A new treatment has been developed to reduce the redness of scar tissue. It is called laser resurfacing and has become an increasingly popular option in the cosmetic treatment of these blemishes. Like needling, however, it does not flatten the wounded area and is not an effective treatment option for abnormal scarring, like keloid and hypertrophic scars. The FDA has recently approved several cosmetic lasers for the treatment of severe acne scars, which often leave depressions in the skin.
If the skin mark is abnormal, then a doctor may recommend a steroid injection series. Every four to six weeks, a medical professional will inject a steroid into the affected tissue. This treatment option can reduce redness, flatten, and soften abnormal blemishes. Because the steroid is injected directly into the scar tissue, very little of the steroid enters the blood stream and side effects are minimal. Still, this treatment option thins the affected area and so it may pose a risk in rare cases of post-operative tendon scarring.
Dermabrasion is used to flatten disfigured tissue. A general anesthetic is used to numb the surrounding tissue and specialized equipment is used to remove the surface layer of the affected skin. This treatment option is only effective in treating raised scars; scar depressions, such as those caused by acne or chicken pox, will not readily respond to this treatment option. This treatment option may be paired with another in order to reduce redness in the affected tissue.
Skin Scars

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White Scars & Hypopigmentation: Their Causes & Cures.(Skin Scars)

Skin Scars
White scars and hypopigmentation (loss of skin coloring) can result from trauma to the skin.
Scars take on a white appearance because melanocyte production has been impaired. Melanocytes make melanin- the pigment that gives the skin its color. If melanocytes are damaged, so is the skin's ability to produce darker skin tones.
After damage to the skin, whether or not hypopigmentation or white scarring occurs depends on how the injury took place.
Causes of hypopigmentation and white scarring
For example, if you were riding a bicycle, fell and only scrapped your knee, this would have created a superficial abrasion on the skin. A scab would develop to protect the wound. Over the course of the few days, the scab would fall off. Once the scab shed away, the skin would then produce pigment in response to sun exposure and eventually, the color of the scar would match that of the rest of the skin.
On the other hand, had the bicycle fall involved a deep gash to the knee, most of the pigment producing layers of the upper skin would be damaged while the deeper layers of the skin would need to repair the injured tissue.
To start the dermal repair process, the skin would then knit together collagen and elastin to protect blood vessels beneath the skin. If blood vessel damage occurred, increased amounts of inflammation would accompany the wound healing process. Under these circumstances, a mild form of fibrosis, or excessive scarring, may happen because of the increased in skin damage and inflammation.
With this build-up of scar tissue, melanocytes may not reach the surface of the skin where they make melanin and give color to the skin. This results in white, coarse scar tissue.
Laser resurfacing & hypopigmentation
Unlike bicycle accidents, laser re-surfacing is a form of intentional scarring. Since laser resurfacing corrects skin damage by inflicting tiny wounds in the skin, laser treatments can cause hypopigmentation. At times, the hypo-pigmented spots may not show up until two to six months after the laser treatment.
Treatments for white scarring and hypopigmentation
Treatments for white scarring that result from acne scars or accidents include medications for vitiligo. Vitiligo is a skin disorder of unknown cause involving loss of pigmentation in patches of otherwise normal skin.
Dermatologist Dr. R.W. Urbanek, reported to E Skin and Allergy News that a product know as V-Tar helps combat the effects of hypopigmentation. According to Dr. Urbanek, this compound causes the skin to produce melanocytes which in term create melanin and restore the skin's normal pigmentation.
Dr. Urbanek has seen improvements with using V-Tar in as little as eight daily applications. However, side effects of V-Tar include a burning sensation when exposed to direct sunlight. This can be mitigated with using a sunscreen. You can ask you doctor for V-Tar.
Ironically, when hypopigmentation results from skin resurfacing, the treatment could involve more laser resurfacing. In a study published in Dermatologic Surgery, Dr. James E. Fulton revealed his method for treating hypopigmentation that resulted from laser or chemical skin resurfacing.
Dr. Fulton gave 22 patients who had hypopigmented scars a pre-treatment with a vitamin A and glycolic acid lotion. Next, the patients received a series of laser and chemical resurfacing treatments. After the resurfacing treatments, researchers specially bandaged the treated hypopigmented scars and allowed them to heal.
At the conclusion of the study, melanocytes did return to the previously hypopigmented area and ultimately the skin spot blended with the rest of the skin's natural tone.
Preventing hypopigmentation and white scarring
Since hypopigmentation and white scarring have historically proven themselves difficult to cure, the best treatment is really prevention. You can help prevent hypopigmentation by properly bandaging deep wounds immediately after they happen. In the case of skin resurfacing, ask your health practitioner what steps she is taking to avoid post hypopigmentation and what you can do, in addition to wearing a good sunscreen, to prevent possible hypopigmentation.
Skin Scars

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Monday, December 14, 2009

Skin Scars and Lasers .(Skin Scars)

skin scars
Laser is commonly used now days to resurface the facial problems. Problems such as- wrinkles, blotches, age spots, fine lines and scar marks are very easily treated with lasers. Other surgical procedures such as chemical peeling and dermabrasion are also used to remove the blemishes from the skin, but laser is becoming more popular because of reasons such as-
1. Laser resurfacing is a bloodless process

2. Doctors can control the resurfacing more accurately with lasers.

3. The risk of infection is also low with this procedure.

New types of lasers are being developed regularly and are revolutionizing the procedure of facial resurfacing. Laser treatment is not always performed alone. Sometimes this procedure is combined with other procedures such as face lifting etc to give a total shape to the facial skin and make it look new. The main effort is to remove blemishes with as little discomfort as possible and get the best results in short time. To know more about how laser surfacing is done, let us first know more about lasers.
What are lasers?
Laser is focused high energy light. The scientific name of laser is Light Amplification by Stimulated Emission of Radiation. Ordinary light emits photons in all the directions and consists many wavelengths. Unlike that laser emits photons in a single direction and consists of a single wavelength. Laser therefore has very high energy and can be focused on any object or in any direction.
Effects Of laser resurfacing- in laser skin resurfacing; the laser burns away the unwanted skin tissues bloodlessly and gives a new shape with precise control. Laser removes the skin layer by layer and is used to improve- scars including acne scars, uneven pigmentation, blotchy spots, wrinkles and fine lines, smoker’s lines, crows' feet and other skin blemishes.
Procedure-
Laser resurfacing does not hurt as it is performed under local or general anesthesia. Healing takes place over about two weeks depending upon the area treated and the depth of treatment. Your doctor will give you ointment to occlude the treated part and skin may remain red for long time. Sun protection is a must after treatment. After laser resurfacing, you will find your skin has more even tone and looks brighter.
This article is only for informative purposes. This article is not intended to be a medical advise and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult your doctor for your medical concerns. Please follow any tip given in this article only after consulting your doctor. The author is not liable for any outcome or damage resulting from information obtained from this article.
-skin scars-

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