Scarred Skin

Our history is embedded in our skin. Each time we fall off our bicycle, are involved in a car accident or undergo surgery and our skin becomes wounded, it leaves a permanent mark. For teenagers the scars often result from acne. Sometime when you seek treatment to reduce the appearance of scars the treatment itself can create new ones. One of the most common types of scarring is stretch marks and occurs most often during pregnancy or puberty during growth spurts. Some people are very sensitive about any scar tissue that may have formed on their body and don’t feel that they can participate fully in life as a result of it.

Creams and Lotions

A lot of time and energy has been invested in trying to get rid of scars and the results have been poor. The most common treatments are creams and lotions that help to cover up the scars. As they are not a permanent or even waterproof solution many people are asking themselves why they are bothering with them at all.

2 kinds of scars

There are 2 types of scars, the mature scar that are usually flush with the skin and have a white appearance and newer or newly formed scars that still have a reddish hue to them as the result of a recent wound. There are light based treatments that can address both types of scars and allow the scar to retreat into the past.

Scars

Of all the organs in our body, the skin exceeds all others in its ability to regenerate itself. Scars are extra skin that has been overzealous in trying to heal the wound. Unfortunately the properties of the new skin are not identical to the old. This makes the scarred section stand out from the rest of the skin. For a scar to heal completely it takes approximately 12 to 18 months. In the early stages of healing the scars are a red and purplish color. Usually the scar, in time, fades to a white shade. The color is different from the skin around it as there is cell damage from the blood vessels that were broken.

Factors that Affect Scarring

Scarring varies a lot from one person to another. Genetics play a role along with other factors including age, gender and racial background which will all affect the final appearance of the scar.

Common Treatments

Unfortunately a lot of money has been spent on creams and lotions that claim to eliminate scars. None of these so far have proven to be effective. Until recently there have been very few alternatives for people who feel uncomfortable with the look of a scar.

Light Treatment

A new light based treatment can help scar tissue look more like the skin around it and make it less obvious to onlookers. It is the first technological breakthrough that can selectively pigment areas of the skin. It is fast and non-invasive. People usually schedule and appointments once or twice a week, and see results within 6 to 15 sessions.  The Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) is being recommended by many physicians in the battle against scarring.