No scar can ever be completely removed and treatments will always leave a trace, but a number of approaches have been tried with silicon gel sheeting and steroid injections having the most widely accepted role in general scar treatment.
In historical sequence, corticosteroid therapy by injection into the scars was introduced in the 1960s, from the early 1970s pressure garment therapy was introduced for widespread burn scars, and silicone gel sheets from the 1980s.
Topical treatments
Silicone gel sheets are claimed to help flatten and soften raised scars if worn regularly; the evidence for this remains uncertain due to the "poor quality of research".However silicone sheets are easier to use and with lower risks of side effects compared to surgical excision, steroid injections, pressure therapy, laser and cryotherapy treatments.
Chemical peels performed by a dermatologist using can be used to minimize acne scarring.
Pressure garments
Pressure garments should be used only under supervision by a medical professional. They are most often used for burn scars that cover a large area, this treatment is only effective on recent scars.
Pressure garments are usually custom-made from elastic materials, and fit tightly around the scarring. They work best when they are worn 24 hours a day for six to twelve months.
It is believed that they work by applying constant pressure to surface blood vessels and eventually causing scars to flatten and become softer.
Steroid injections
A long term course of steroid injections under medical supervision, into the scar may help flatten and soften the appearance of keloid or hypertrophic scars.
The steroid is injected into the scar itself; since very little is absorbed into the blood stream, side effects of this treatment are minor. This treatment is repeated at 4-6 week intervals.
Dermabrasion
Dermabrasion involves the removal of the surface of the skin with specialist equipment and usually involves a general anaesthetic. It is useful with raised scars, but is less effective when the scar is sunken below the surrounding skin.
Collagen injections
Collagen injections can be used to raise sunken scars to the level of surrounding skin. Its effects are however temporary, and it needs to be regularly repeated. There is also a risk in some people of an allergic reaction.
Laser surgery & resurfacing
The use of lasers on scars is an experimental treatment, the safety or effectiveness of which has not yet been proven.
The redness of scars may be reduced by treatment with a vascular laser. It has been theorized that removing layers of skin with a carbon dioxide laser may help flatten scars, although this treatment is still highly experimental.
Scars, such as acne scars, can be cut out and stitched up, a process called scar revision.
Radiotherapy
Low-dose, superficial radiotherapy, is used to prevent re-occurrence of severe keloid and hypertrophic scarring. It is usually effective, but only used in extreme cases due to the risk of long-term side effects.
Natural remedies
Rose hip seed oil helps to diminish general scarring, particularly helping common skin inflammations such as acne and rosacea.
Intentional scarring
The permanence of scarring has led to its intentional use as a form of body art within some cultures and subcultures (see scarification). This form of ritual scarring practices can be found in many groups and cultures around the world.
Treatments for skin scars
No scar can ever be completely removed and treatments will always leave a trace, but a number of approaches have been tried with silicon gel sheeting and steroid injections having the most widely accepted role in general scar treatment.
In historical sequence, corticosteroid therapy by injection into the scars was introduced in the 1960s, from the early 1970s pressure garment therapy was introduced for widespread burn scars, and silicone gel sheets from the 1980s.
Topical treatments
Silicone gel sheets are claimed to help flatten and soften raised scars if worn regularly; the evidence for this remains uncertain due to the "poor quality of research".However silicone sheets are easier to use and with lower risks of side effects compared to surgical excision, steroid injections, pressure therapy, laser and cryotherapy treatments.
Chemical peels performed by a dermatologist using can be used to minimize acne scarring.
Pressure garments
Pressure garments should be used only under supervision by a medical professional. They are most often used for burn scars that cover a large area, this treatment is only effective on recent scars.
Pressure garments are usually custom-made from elastic materials, and fit tightly around the scarring. They work best when they are worn 24 hours a day for six to twelve months.
It is believed that they work by applying constant pressure to surface blood vessels and eventually causing scars to flatten and become softer.
Steroid injections
A long term course of steroid injections under medical supervision, into the scar may help flatten and soften the appearance of keloid or hypertrophic scars.
The steroid is injected into the scar itself; since very little is absorbed into the blood stream, side effects of this treatment are minor. This treatment is repeated at 4-6 week intervals.
Dermabrasion
Dermabrasion involves the removal of the surface of the skin with specialist equipment and usually involves a general anaesthetic. It is useful with raised scars, but is less effective when the scar is sunken below the surrounding skin.
Collagen injections
Collagen injections can be used to raise sunken scars to the level of surrounding skin. Its effects are however temporary, and it needs to be regularly repeated. There is also a risk in some people of an allergic reaction.
Laser surgery & resurfacing
The use of lasers on scars is an experimental treatment, the safety or effectiveness of which has not yet been proven.
The redness of scars may be reduced by treatment with a vascular laser. It has been theorized that removing layers of skin with a carbon dioxide laser may help flatten scars, although this treatment is still highly experimental.
The Fraxel laser was recently FDA approved for the treatment of acne scars.
Scars, such as acne scars, can be cut out and stitched up, a process called scar revision.
Radiotherapy
Low-dose, superficial radiotherapy, is used to prevent re-occurrence of severe keloid and hypertrophic scarring. It is usually effective, but only used in extreme cases due to the risk of long-term side effects.
Natural remedies
Rose hip seed oil helps to diminish general scarring, particularly helping common skin inflammations such as acne and rosacea.
Intentional scarring
The permanence of scarring has led to its intentional use as a form of body art within some cultures and subcultures (see scarification). This form of ritual scarring practices can be found in many groups and cultures around the world.
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