Scar Treatment
Scar tissue develops as part of the natural healing process of the skin. When scar treatment is needed, different skin types, skin issues and even hereditary factors will influence what type of scarring results from an injury or skin condition such as cystic acne. Your age, ethnicity and gender can also play a role in how the skin reacts when it is injured.
What is a Scar?
When an injury that produces scarring occurs, the tissue that appears as a result of the healing process does not have the same qualities of the skin that it is replacing. Scar tissue is less flexible and less able to retain water, is more sensitive to ultraviolet light and the sweat glands and hair follicles do not grow back in scar tissue. Effective scar treatment depends on how quickly you begin treating the wound and the how consistent you are in your efforts during the healing process.
The Types of Scars
Hypertrophic Scars - These scars appear as a raised surface on the skin and are usually contained within the boundaries of the original injury. These scars also tend to heal better and fade over time.
Keloid Scars - Keloid scars result when the body acts too aggressively in healing an injury. The scar tissue extends beyond the original boundaries of the wound and the tough scar tissue that is left is often resistant to traditional scar treatment. Many times they are treated with surgery, steroids and if small, cryotherapy (nitrogen freezing). These types of scars can sometimes be reduced by using pressure on the injured spot and/or silicon gel pads shortly after injury.
Contracture Scars - These types of scars most often are the result of a burn injury. After be subjected to significant burns, the skin tightens to the point where movement can be restricted and tendons and muscle can also be affected. Exercises and other medical technology can be used to limit the impact that contracture scars have on the healed skin.
Acne Scarring - Acne scarring is often the direct result of an inflammatory response in the body from dead cell and bacteria built up in skin follicles. The most common type of acne scars are Atrophic scarring which resembles a keloid scar. The other type of acne scar are depressed areas. The presence of scarring due to acne can leave the face pitted and rough.
Treating Scars
Proper treatment of injuries is crucial. The earlier you can begin treatment, the better. Avoid re-injuring the area. If a scab begins to form, avoid touching it unnecessarily and do not place the scab in water for an extended period of time. Excessive moisture on the site will prevent or slow down proper healing. Use anti-bacterial creams to ward off infection and when moisturizing, using a pure aloe gel will allow air to reach the site underneath.
If scarring has already occurred on the skin, Silicon Sheets, Steroid Injections, Glycolic Acid Peels, Collagen Fiber Strips, Laser Skin Resurfacing, Dermabrasion and Cryosurgery are just a few medical options available to get rid of acne scars.
Some organic methods of scar treatment include the use of Vitamin E Oil, St. John's Wort, Calendula, Comfrey and Wild Rose Oil (which are also good for cellulite treatment).
Using carrot seed, rosehip, lavender and calendula essential oils along with jojoba and vitamin E can assist in the treatment of scars and reduce their visible appearance on the skin.