Dec 13

The Process of Scar Formation

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Author: Maggie Jankowskibr
Source: ezinearticles.combr
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A scar can be defined as a visible area on a skin that has been wounded and healed. When the skin is accidentally or intentionally (as for medical procedures) cut, our body initiates a healing mechanism. Immediately, blood clotting takes place to minimize the blood loss. As a result, scar formation takes place and a hard crust appears on the top of the cut. This crust serves as a natural protective covering on the wound, while the body continues to heal it.

Our body produces collagen that is a naturally occurring protein generally found in the second layer of our skin. Collagen fibers fill the hole of the wound, but this does not mean that the wound is completely healed. It may take several months or even years for the skin to regain its original shape and structure, depending upon the depth of the wound. Some scars are permanent, and they need some special skin treatment to fade away. A simple rule is that the deeper the cut is, the longer will it take to heal, and the greater will be the probability of it being a visible scar.

A scar formation can result due to chickenpox or some acne infection. However, whatever the reason for the scar is, it is said that a skin that has gone through scar formation can never be as strong as it was before the injury. In fact, studies say that a normal area of our skin has 80% stronger tissues than the scarred area. Furthermore, the part of the skin that has scars may not be able to produce hair follicles. To prevent scar formation, you may want to use an effective and clinically proven gel which is available as an over-the-counter product.

The time scars take to diminish may vary depending upon the location of wound on the body and the age of the individual that has been injured. The scars are more likely to fade away in children and young people due to the production of new Collagen fibers. This is the reason why cuts that occur later in life take more time to heal, and hence, the scars take long to go, if they go at all.

When our body overproduces Collagen, i.e., more than what is required to cover the wound, it causes the scarred skin to be raised above the surrounding skin. There are two main types of such scars: Hypertrophic and Keloid. The Hypertrophic scars look like red raised lump, but they do not grow beyond the boundaries of the original wound. Keloid scars, on the other hand, continue to grow indefinitely. Although Keloid scars may occur on any skin type, yet studies show that they are more commonly observed on dark-skinned people. In addition to accidental wounds, such scars may result from body piercing and acne.

Although scar formation is a natural process and no one gets scarred intentionally, yet, there are ways to minimize scar formation and to make sure the skin is properly healed. Remember to always cover a wound as the healing process for an uncovered wound may become retarded up to 50 percent. The wound should be daily cleaned with an antibiotic ointment to avoid the production of micro-organisms.

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Nov 19

Acne Scarring – What Are My Treatment Options?

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Author: Adam Sharp
Source: articleage.com

Acne Scarring can have serious effects on a person’s self-image and emotional state. Fortunately there have been significant advances in the treatment of acne-related scarring in recent years. It is important to note that nothing will completely heal the majority of scars.

Laser Therapy – Using lasers to treat scars is a new technology, but is one of the most promising options for severe scarring. The lasers remove the scarred skin, and encourage growth of new skin in its place. After treatment, the skin will be pink and swollen for a week or so. During this time, bandages need to be kept over the skin to prevent infection. It takes months for the skin to return to normal, but most people will see less noticeable scars and smoother skin. Laser scar treatment can be quite expensive, however.

Surgical Therapy (Dermabrasion) – This form of scar treatment uses a motorized burr, which usually contains diamond particles. Diamonds are very strong abrasives when in a powder-form. A scab will form once the procedure is completed. Once the wound is healed, a smooth pink layer of new skin will appear. Multiple treatments are often necessary, and each one can cost $1500.

Creams and Gels – There are many topical treatments that claim to reduce the appearance of scars. Some contain Vitamin E and other nutrients. Mederma is a popular brand name. Many people report that it can improve scars in as little as 8 weeks for new scars, or 6 months for older scars. Results with topical ointments like this will vary from person to person.

Collagen Injection – This is a temporary fix, where the patient’s own body fat or collagen is injected into the scar site. This works well for some people with deep-pitted scars. The material injected serves to raise the skin, and reduce the pitted appearance, and wrinkling from the scar. However, this procedure needs to be repeated every 6 months and can be expensive.

Read more at www.adult-acne.org.

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Nov 17

Scary Scars – Know How To Treat It The Non-surgical Way!

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Author: Matt Webb
Source: isnare.com

What are scars & why scars arise?

Scars occur after healing of a wound caused by accident, burn, or surgery. Scars form on the human skin and look like fibrous tissues. Skin is a very sensitive and soft part in the human body. Scars naturally form on the wounded area when the healing process is complete. Skin problems like acne and infections like chicken pox will also leave scars on various areas of the body. Most of the wounds leave scars on the body, and the size of the scar is related to the size of the wound.

The damaged area of the skin is repaired and collagen fibres are formed over the wound by the cells called fibroblasts. The fibrous tissue or scars resultant of wound do not possess the qualities of the skin. They are not resistant to ultra violet radiation and the hair follicles don’t grow on these spots. These scars cannot be removed completely from the body, but there are various treatment methods to enhance the appearance of the affected area.

Types of Scars

Keliod scars: These scars take a tumor like shape and bulge beyond the wounded area. These scars protrude beyond the wound, and are severe when the wounded area is around the joint.

Hypertrophic scars: These are similar to keliod scars in shape, but do not protrude beyond the wounded area.

Contracture scars: These type of scars form on wounds caused by burns. The skin gets tightened as a result of these scars, and one may experience difficulty to move.

Acne scars: These scars are resultant of severe acne. The size and type of scars varies depending on the type of acne.

Chicken pox scars: Chicken pox leaves scars on the skin after infection. These scars may be darker than the skin color and remains almost throughout life.

Treatment of scars in the non- surgical way

Dressing the wound: The wounds must be given proper medical dressing to prevent infections. The wounds which are left open are at a higher risk of getting infected, and due to the delay in the healing process deep scars on the affected areas may occur.

Pressure dressing: Pressure dressing causes a reduction in wound metabolism. It exerts pressure on the area covered and prevents accumulation of fluids in the underlying tissues. The use of pressure dressings on the affected areas has been effective in preventing scar formation.

Creams and ointments in treating scars: There are various creams and ointments available to reduce scarring. These creams are applied on the wound and they help to reduce formation of scars on the affected areas. Consult a dermatologist to get the best suitable ointments according to the type of wound for treating scars.

Calcium channel blockers: Calcium antagonists are used to decrease collagen synthesis. They are capable to induce changes in the fibroblast gene expression. They block the cellular communication pathways which are essential to regulate the behavior of the fibroblast. This method is useful in treatment of established scars.

Laser treatment: This type of treatment is useful to flatten the scars which are raised above the level of the skin. The pink color of the scar can also be changed using laser treatment.

Acne scar treatment: Most of the teens are affected by acne and recover without any permanent marks. But in some people acne leaves scars on their skin. The areas affected with acne must not be exposed to the skin, as it may delay the healing process. The use of topical skin care products can be helpful to reduce scars at early stage. A good moisturizer can be applied over the skin to protect it from the sun rays. The use of chemical peels improves the skin tone, but it is less effective on scars.

Scars are formed due to various reasons and can be found almost on everyone’s body. Most people think that surgery is the only way to remove scars, and so they choose to live with scars, instead of surgery. The non-surgical methods described above are also effective to reduce the impact of scars.

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Nov 10

Use a Laser – Acne Stands No Chance

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Author: Justin DiMateo
Source: ezinearticles.com

With the help of modern technology, laser acne is fast becoming a trusted treatment that helps patients overcome embarrassing acne and acne scarring. The use of lasers in the medical field, specifically for dermatological sciences, has done wonders for consumers across the country.

There are many products that are available that promise to help get rid of acne. Television ads, advertisements in magazines and newspapers and pamphlets at the doctor’s office all advertise these medications, both oral and topical. People should go over all of their options with a skin care professional to ensure that the treatment they choose is right for them.

Laser acne remedy is a growing technology in the dermatological repertoire, that helps patients alleviate acne and acne scars. There are several different types of lasers and a few have proven effective in helping to reduce the appearance of acne. For example, the pulse-dyed laser has been successful in a randomized, double blinded controlled trial, while the 1450 nm infrared laser tested positively in an uncontrolled study. Patients considering laser acne should speak to a skin care professional for more information about the various lasers available and what results they may expect.

Possible side effects of laser treatment include redness, temporary pain and swelling. Patients with darker skin complexions have reported hyperpigmentation, darkening of the skin, following treatment. For a more detailed description of possible side effects, patients should speak to a medical professional.

Patients interested in laser treatment may also explore the possibilities of light therapies in treating acne. Blue and red light therapies may be helpful in destroying the bacteria that causes acne and decreasing inflammation, leading to favorable results for many patients. Patients with severe acne may not find blue and red light therapies to be successful, while patients suffering from moderate or mild acne may find that these light therapies may help.

Laser and light treatments are not as thoroughly tested as other treatments such as oral and topical medications. This is due to the relative youth of these treatments. Patients can always find more information at a skin care clinic or through a skin care professional.

Laser treatments have also been used to treat acne scars. Laser resurfacing removes the top layer of skin, which may be helpful in getting rid of unwanted acne scars. A variety of lasers are used and interested patients should consult a skin care professional.

Justin recommends that people visit Dr.Navarro’s Laser Acne Treatment clinic for procedures, a free consultation and questions. This is top-notch laser skin rejuvenation clinic in Florida.

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Oct 27

Dealing With Acne Scarring

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Author: Garrett Lynn
Source: isnare.com

Acne is a condition that is common and can affect people from their teens throughout adulthood. Acne can lead to severe scarring for reasons that are not fully understood. The severity of scarring is different with each person, sometimes leading to disfiguring and permanent scars. The term “scarring” refers to permanent texture changes in the skin due to damaged collagen from inflammation. Scars are formed at the location of an injury to tissue, which is caused by the bodies inflammatory response to sebum, dead cells and bacteria in the plugged sebaceous follicle.

Some people are more susceptible to acne scarring, suffering from severe inflammatory acne, occurring deep within the skin, or even from more superficial inflamed lesions. Acne scarring is also described by several patients as a discoloration of their skin, even months after the acne lesion has healed.

The life history of acne scarring is not well understood. Some people obtain scars that stay with them for a lifetime with little to no change, whereas others are able to see a degree of remodeling as the acne scars reduce in size over time. Acne scarring can be devastating for people who suffer from it, which can lead to immediate treatment to remove or diminish the scarring effects. It is hard to gauge how extensive and deep the scars will be, or what is the best method to prevent and treat acne scarring before it happens.

There are several different types of acne scarring including; ice pick scarring, atrophic scarring and hypertrophic scarring. Ice pick scars are usually small deep pitted scars with steep jagged edges. Atrophic scars are smaller and soft, and over time change color and reduce in size. Hypertrophic scars are thick and lumpy and sit above the surface of the skin, much more common on the back and chest.

Acne scarring can be treated early in its course, by reducing the amount of inflammation in order to prevent permanent damage. Since the severity of scarring is different with each person, any person who tends to scar easy should be under the care of a dermatologist. The best way to prevent even minor scarring is to take care of your skin by using lotion, sunblock or medication to allow your skin to stay healthy. Acne can be stopped even before happening with the right care and understanding more about your skin. Your dermatologist will be able to best assess what treatment is necessary in order to treat or prevent any future acne scars.

There are several other options that can be considered in order to diminish or eliminate acne scarring. Laser resurfacing, dermabrasion and chemical peels are different treatments used to treat acne scars. These need to be discussed with your dermatologist to see if they would be a valid option to seriously consider. Different treatments work for different patients due to skin tones and susceptibility to scarring. There are also topical medications, over the counter creams that can help decrease the chances of scarring, and improve your overall facial appearance.

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Oct 19

Scarring Acne

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Author: Jason Rossi
Source: ezinearticles.com

Do you suffer from acne scars? Ask your acne scars got the best of you? Do you want your acne scarring just disappears? Unfortunately, acne scars are permanent. One solution may be passed to plastic surgery to correct acne scars. Visible scars acne scars is, pock marks or indentations and protuberances on the surface of the skin. This is the result of scar tissue that has formed in the areas of acne. There is a way to prevent scarring and this is to properly treat acne as soon as it forms. The number one way to prevent acne scarring is to leave it alone. Do not take it. The scarring is most often the result of people picking / squeezing their pimples. You should consult a dermatologist for your acne is severe. Some moderate to severe acne include: nodules, cysts and rosacea. Acne scars can be assisted with Botox, according to a recent study by the Mayo Clinic. Found that Botox applied directly after wound closure significantly improve scarring. Of course, the first treatment to acne scars is the principle. The avoidance of any form is your best defense. Acne can be caused by a series of external and internal factors. Acne is a result of the accumulation of toxins in the body. When these toxins are clogging the pores in the result is a grain. There are no recipes available for moderate to severe acne. Topical creams have been used effectively to treat acne. Most doctors say that healing is only a small percentage of the damage it causes. People have found that lasers have contributed to the improvement of acne scars. The treatments are not recommended for everyone. There are different types of lasers that can be used for acne scars. It is important to do your research before commencing any proceedings. Unfortunately the scars are permanent, but can be treated.

Jason Rossi is an expert in the field of acne. For more great tips on how you can treat your acne visit http://www.aknetreatment.com

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