How to Deal With Keloid Scars

A keloid is a scar hypertrophied, begin fibrous and is presented for different causes during the process of healing a wound. In order to form a keloid, it is necessary to have a wound that is healing process. This wound can be caused by acne, infection, an operation or a cut have to close. The complications are mostly in people who have a hereditary tendency to form keloids scars. A keloid is initiated when the treated skin wound or segregated, too, substances which are called "growth factor". This causes tumor growth of the scar. At the same time, the connective tissue that is under the skin starts to play, to plug the wound. In a normal person, just the fabric cover the wound, without excess, but the keloid indicates that the fibrous tissue is produced in excess. Then, it begins to lift the skin to create a fibrous tumor, hard, unsightly and very painful when you're growing.

The keloid must be differentiated from a hypertrophic scar, which are less thick and deformed. These are usually caused, for example, where the wound was a scratch by wire, the patient had a reaction to the thread sewing the wound or "lips" of the same was not hit well. Meanwhile, the keloid is a tumor that big, red, it hurts when form and then takes the color of the skin is never pre-cancerous, but it is unsightly and is totally contrindicado remove through surgery.

Treatments
There are several types of treatment for a keloid, which depend on the time it takes for this tumor formation. The reality is that as a scar tumor, big, built and very annoying, it is difficult to treat. If the wound is recent and keloid is in one of its early formative stages, it can inject steroids such as cortisone. Thus, although the tumor does not go away, was flattened. If the scar is old, due to its hardness and does not allow the entry of needle or any substance, then is removed by surgery and X-rays are applied to no longer continue to grow. The radiation dose is a very limited area of the scar. Experts agree that must never be removed surgically to a keloid, then to grow, reaching generally twice as thick, size and prominence earlier.

It is recommended that people with a family history of keloids, notify your doctor that these are prone to tumor formation. Then, the professional should be reported to operate with care, not letting blood and the wounds treated with cortisone for not forming tumors. In women, one can detect a tendency to form keloids when a small tumor in the ear after the hole made for the hoops. Also, in some patients, despite the fact that there is a tendency to keloid, this can lead to a large wound caused by, for example, an accident where they scrape the skin or a major burn. Currently, some laboratories are looking for substances to prevent the formation of keloids. In some clinics are compressions with a bandage so they do not grow strong and extends much scars.

source: ezinearticles.com

Is There a Cure For Keloids or an Effective Scar Treatment For Hypertrophic Scars?

There is no keloid cure. There are treatments. One of the most effective is an over-the-counter scar cream with silicone as the active ingredient.

For there to be a keloid cure, there would have to be a clear understanding of what causes a keloid. Doctors don't fully understand why or how these occur.

o Skin trauma appears to be the most common factor.
o Keloids form in areas where there is muscle tension, such as the chest, shoulders and back. This would lead you to think the palms and soles of feet would be just as vulnerable, but they are not.
o Infection at a wound site can lead to this type of wound.

People seek a cure for the red, painful heaps of scar tissue. Symptoms include pigmentation of the skin, itchiness, unusual sensations and pain. Silicone scar treatments are especially effective at fading color and protecting them from irritants.

Once you get one you are likely to get another.

o Half of all people who get this specific type of wound will get another somewhere else on the body. This is a prime argument for using an affordable, and effective silicone scar treatment.
o In fact, surgical removal-once thought to be a cure, often results in a larger, uglier wound.
o Some ethnic groups are at more risk of developing them. You are 16% more susceptible if you are African-American or Hispanic.

Prevention

Some doctors say that all highly pigmented people should avoid tattoos and piercing to be on the safe side. Other than that, there is no other prevention or keloid cure.

source: ezinearticles.com

Keloid Scars - One Tough Problem

Keloid scars can be a tough problem. It is first very important to differentiate between a hypertrophic scar and a keloid scar. The treatment for each type is quite different. A keloid is a progressive growth that extends past the original scar and invades and destroys normal skin and tissue. A hypertrophic scar is just a widened thick scar due to excessive tension. These are common on the upper back, between the breast and upper arm. These are all areas of excessive tension.

The stimulus for a keloid is inflammation. Anytime the skin is injured, from a cut, incision, or infection the healing process is started. This involves a complex array of cells. Early in the healing process mast cells release histamine. This histamine attracts fibroblasts. Fibroblasts are the cells responsible for the production of collagen. Collagen is the body's building block for scar formation. In the typical individual this histamine signal is turned off at about 6 weeks. For the keloid former this signal never stops. This is why a keloid scar itches. It is a response to the histamine reaction in the skin. More and more scar tissue is formed and formed abnormally in the keloid patient. A good way to explain this is to consider a wound like a construction site. Normally there is an initial flurry of activity as more material and equipment are brought in to perform the various tasks. For a scar this peak of activity occurs at about 6 weeks. Next the body makes enzymes that remodel the scar bringing it down to its final appearance. This is why all incisions and wounds initially appear inflamed, and then they become thick, hard, red and raised. This reaches a peak at 6 weeks. The final phase of wound healing is maturation where the scar is remodeled and eventually reaches is final matured version.

There has really been very little that is new in the treatment of this condition over the past 20 years. The standard treatment protocol involves

The injection of Kenalog which is a steroid
Radiation
Pressure
5 FU - 5-fluorouracil
For the difficult recurrent or refractory keloids I usually suggest the following treatment protocol

Excision of the keloid, under minimal tension, using suture material that dissolves by hydrolysis and not by inflammation. The synthetic suture material dissolves by hydrolysis while the non-synthetic material such as chromic dissolves by inflammation.
At the time of excision you can consider injection with a Steroid such as Kenalog and the addition of a chemotherapeutic agent such as 5 FU. There have been several recent studies discussing the benefit of this additional drug therapy to the management of keloids.
Taping of the incision immediately after the procedure reduces overall tension and can be beneficial
Silicone gel sheeting has been advocated
Codran tape this tape contains Flurandrenolide which is a potent corticosteroid for topical use
Radiation can be effective; typically the incision will be treated with a low dose of radiation about 2 days following the excision of the keloid.
Any incision, to remove a keloid, can start the whole process over again. A good evaluation by a plastic surgeon and a keen understanding of the process of keloid formation can help correct the problem, or at least make it better.

source: ezinearticles.com

Which Type of Keloid Scar Treatment Really Works?

Keloid scars are part of the Hypertrophic group of scars in that they have the ability to expand in size. However, Keloids are a very unique type of scar as they are the only kind of wound which can expand beyond the original boundary of the injury. This means that a simple piercing from an earring can result in an over-sized Keloid that expands well beyond the ear.

Unfortunately, while these types of scars are considered abnormal and are less common than "normal" scars, they can still result from just about anything including a scrape, small cut, or even as the result of a common disease such as acne or chickenpox.

After A Keloid Develops...What Next?

After this type of wound develops, you do have options including using a topical Keloid scar treatment such as a silicone scar cream or gel. This is the most common type of treatment as these products are available without a prescription. Some extremely large Keloids may require surgery. However, surgically removing a Keloid results in the development of another Keloid around 50% of the time which is why surgery is reserved for only the most serious forms of Keloids.

There is also the option of injection therapy, but again this is reserved for extremely serious wounds. Typically, skin and health care professionals suggest using a silicone based treatment due to the fact that this method has been clinically shown to diminish both the size and color of Keloids. While you may purchase silicone scar sheeting, many consumers prefer to use a gel based product as this option is not only generally more cost effective, but it also allows the scar to remain completely protected during movement.

source: ezinearticles.com

What is a Hypertrophic Scar?

What is a Scar?

A scar is when fibrous tissues bond to replace skin that has been damaged through an injury or surgery. This is a normal process that happens to repair any wound on the skin and deeper tissues in the body. Scars are a very natural occurrence during the process of healing. Most lesions, unless they are minor in nature, wind up scarring in some fashion.

Scar tissue is different from the skin. Hair does not grow back for one thing. Also, it is usually not as flexible and elastic as the skin it replaces.

A Hypertrophic Scar

A hypertrophic scar is a red thick scar and it can happen from an injury to the skin or surgery. Hypertrophic scars grow only in the immediate area of the skin injury. It is the keloid scars that can grow outside into the area outside the injuries. Both scars can be similar in size and shapes at times.

Unlike the keloid scar, however, the hypertrophic scar heals by itself. It can take about 12 to 18 months for the size to decrease and the tenderness to subside. These scars do not totally disappear though.

Hypertrophic scars and keloid can be caused by similar events. They can happen from injections, surgery (including skin surgery), injury, but also from acne and body piercing.

Hypertrophic scars have nothing to do with family history or ethnic background as the keloid scars. But in both types of scars, the collagen levels are higher than in average scar tissue. Hypertrophic scars usually form on the ears, shoulders, and breastbone, but they can form other places on the body too.

The Healing of Hypertrophic Scars

The hypertrophic scar usually heals with no assistance, with the swelling and sensations of pain decreasing in about 12 to 18 months. Certain things can be done to speed up this process. One such thing is by using injections of steroids or the topical application of steroid cream or ointments. These can assist the scar in decreasing in appearance.

Hypertrophic scars removal can be surgically accomplished by using such methods at Z-plasty, this can produce very noticeable results. The only drawback to this is that hypertrophic scarring can occur from this method due to its surgical nature. This should only be done by a board certified plastic surgeon.

Today though modern technology also has provided the use of silicone sheets to help hypertrophic and other scars heal. The individual wears the silicone sheets for a certain length of time daily to get results. The silicone stimulates the skin to heal itself. Over time, the scars improve in appearance greatly.

A person needing to treat a hypertrophic scar to speed up healing needs to consult a physician to make sure which path to take. But, as explained in this article, there are many methods for either speeding up healing or hypertrophic scars removal. There is a method to suit the needs of all people suffering with these scars. Just be sure to follow a doctor's advice to get maximum results.

source: ezinearticles.com

Keloid Scars Can Be Treated With Incisive Treatments As Well As Non-Incisive Treatments

After the initial pain and shock of an injury, we often are occupied with the question of whether it will leave a scar. Most frequently, injuries are beyond our control like falls, accidents, or even acne. Yet, some develop from events we decide on ourselves, like types of tattoos or piercings. In any case, one would hope to prevent these unsightly marks and to treat existing scars in order to preserve the beauty of their skin.

Wound Healing

Wound healing consists of three phases. The first is the inflammatory phase when the blood clots, inflammatory cells accumulate, and growth factors cause cells to speed their rate of division. Bacteria and damaged tissue are eliminated by macrophages which also help in the formation of a new extracellular matrix. The next phase, the proliferative phase, starts with the presence of fibroblasts and their work toward constructing a new matrix with collagen. During this phase, the wound contracts and prepares for new tissue. The final phase is called the maturation and remodeling phase, and consists of the remodeling of collagen to be better aligned with the skin's natural tension lines. Cells used during the healing process are also eliminated.

Types of Scarring

The type of scar that results can depend on the nature of the injury as well as small alterations in the general wound healing process. Two general categories of scarring are atrophic and hypertrophic. Atrophic scars are associated with tissue loss while hypertrophic or keloid scars are formed due to the overproduction of collagen that causes the scar to rise above the skin's surface and in the case of keloids, extend beyond the bounds of the original wound. The latter scar types mentioned are more severe and often prompt people to take action in treating and removing them. Doctors still are uncertain why hypertrophic scars form instead of atrophic, but some suggest that certain people have a genetic or cellular tendency toward their development. They are common as a result of deep cuts, burns, and piercings; however, they can also form as a result of less serious injury and even acne. Both men and women seem to develop keloids equally, however, women's numbers are sometimes higher in piercing keloids or ear keloids because of their higher likelihood to get piercings. This leaves women, as well as men, searching for types of piercing keloid treatment or general keloid scar removal procedures that could possibly erase them of these unsightly scars.

Keloid Scar Removal

There are various methods of keloid scar removal. Procedures include surgeries that scrape or excise the scar tissue, cortisone injections that help smooth the area, laser treatments that reduce redness, or the freezing off of scar tissue known as cryotherapy. These options, however, should be last resort as they are generally expensive and painful.

Another treatment option is offered by natural skin care product lines that have developed a new treatment for keloid scars using an organic ingredient made by the Helix Aspersa Muller. This serum contains activators of skin growth factors and antimicrobial peptides that aid with the quick and clean reformation of the skin during the healing process. Helix Aspersa Muller secretions also contain enzymes that work to dissolve damaged proteins in order to release their amino acids that can help in the regeneration of healthy cells. Communicator molecules differentiate damaged tissue from healthy tissue in order to manage the rebuilding of collagen and other structural elements of healthy skin. The compound's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory components clear a clean slate for new healthy skin tissue by removing all damaged skin cells. The treatment and removal of keloid scars has never been this easy!

source: ezinearticles.com

How Keloid Scars' Complexion and Texture Improve

Keloids: Defined

Keloids, or keloidal scars, are those that are composed first of type III collagen and later replaced by type I collagen. That is, they occur because of an overgrowth of collagen III, also known as granulation tissue, that is slowly replaced with a different type of tissue, type 1 collagen.

Keloid scars are firm and rubbery lesions or shiny nodules that rise abruptly above the normal skin level. This scar type is known to keep growing, be accompanied by different degrees of itchiness, and won't disappear over time. These raised scars range in color from pink to flesh colored to red to dark brown.

Keloids develop most often after injury, surgery, burns and piercings, appearing on the chest, back, shoulders and earlobes. They rarely develop on the face although with the exception of along the jawline.

Keloid vs. Hypertrophic Scars

When the skin is injured, the body produces a fibrous mix of collagen that quickly closes the wound. This normal healing process leaves a flat scar.

Hypertrophic scars are characterized by thickened scar tissue that remains confined to the original boundaries of the wound. The are usually more red in color than keloids and can also fade away with time, though they will enure at least a year if not more.

Keloid scars are also made of thickened scar tissue. However, these scars can continue to expand and will grow beyond the shape of the original injury. They also can spontaneously increase in size, growing even after much time has already passed from that of the original injury.

Causes of Keloids

Doctors don't know exactly why keloids form. Their current hypothesis is that some sort of error in cellular signaling causes extra proliferation of collagen, leading to the formation of keloids.

Keloid Treatment

Since keloids can spontaneously grow or become worse with anything causing inflammation, keloid scar removal should be avoided if possible.

* Cortisone injections do not cause re-growth and are also on the painless side. These intralesional steroids are administered about once a month until best results have been maximized. Minimal steroid enters the bloodstream, making this treatment a safe and successful route for flattening keloids. A negative side effect of cortisone injections is the stimulation of blood vessels found superficially in the skin, resulting in a reddening effect.

* Surgery is risky as it often triggers the formation or re-growth of a similar or larger keloid. For this reason, most surgeons combine surgery with other keloid treatments.

* The pulsed-dye laser has been successful in flattening keloids and also at reducing redness. For this reason, they are also used with cortisone injections (as these injections causes redness). Just like cortisone injections, this type of treatment is fairly safe and painless and several sessions might be required. These treatment sessions can become quite costly as insurance plans don't typically cover laser treatment.

* Compression dressings are applied to the keloid for several hours a day for weeks or even months. Using compression dressings can be a big hassle, especially since results are variable. Silicone gel sheets are the most common compression dressing.

* Cryotherapy is a method similar to surgery that removes keloids by freezing them with liquid nitrogen. This is risky like surgery in causing keloid re-growth and also commonly darkens the skin tissue.

* Acne scars creams are used in prevention and treatment of keloids as the inflammation associated with pimples can bring about keloids, especially on the chest and jawline. Many of these creams dissolve away excess collagen to smooth out the keloid tissue. Others will help the body regulate the wound healing process and moderate collagen production. These are also beneficial in that they often provide relief for itchiness.

source: ezinearticles.com

Hypertrophic Scar Treatment

When it comes to hypertrophic scars, there are very few successful treatments currently available. The reason for these limitations in available treatments mainly has to do with the difficulty of eradication the scar since it is most notably reported as a reoccurring scar. What this means is that while many of the treatments may seem like they work immediately following the procedure, after a few months they come back. It is not yet clear as to why the hypertrophic scars for this but many dermatologists have their theories associated with it.

In any type of injury to the dermis, the body's natural reaction to it is to form a scar. This scar being formed is similar to that of a callous forming when you work too hard. It is just a natural defense mechanism to prevent any further injuries. In most cases the outermost layers of skin are damaged and therefore the scar can easily be remedied by removing these layers of skin. Unfortunately with the hypertrophic scars, they form under the papillary layer of skin which means it cannot just be eradicated with the normal scar remedies.

The worst type of scar you can get is of course a keloid with the scar being in a close second. The reasons for this is that just like a regular scar the hypertrophic scar only affects the traumatized area of skin but the keloids affect outside of this area.

The reasons that many people are looking at remedying a scar is that it is more common than that of a keloid scar and can even occur as a direct result of a surgical procedure. While they are reoccurring the hypertrophic scars also digress quicker which means that they are more likely to respond to a scar treatment than a keloid would.

The treatments that are available for scars vary on the actual scar. If it is a very noticeable scar it is also more likely to be harder to eradicate. If you have a scar and are looking at getting rid of it then your best option is to seek out a certified dermatologist who is better equipped at giving you the best treatment options for your scar.

source: ezinearticles.com

Boxcar, Ice Pick, Hypertrophic & Keloid Scarring

Acne is something almost everyone has to deal with once in their life, either as a teenager or believe it or not as an adult. The most horrible thing about acne is that it can leave your skin with different types of scarring. Boxcar, ice pick, hypertrophic and keloid scars are some reminders left by acne.

Types of Scars

Ice Pick Scars. These are characterized by deep pits in your skin. These are the most common type of scarring left from acne.

Box Car Scars. These are similar to ice pick scars but are angular scars that usually occur on the temple and cheeks. These scars can be either superficial or deep and are very similar to chicken pox scars.

Hypertrophic Scars. These are raised scars caused by the overproduction of collagen. They can be easily recognized by the raised, hard tissue after the skin has healed.

Keloid Scars. Keloid are similar or a form of hypertrophic scarring but a keloid occurs when the scar tissue grows beyond the borders of the initial wound.

Acne Scar Removal and Prevention

The best way to prevent acne scars is to keep your acne controlled with an acne treatment cream. Which creams work best depends on your type of skin, but natural skin care products are the best form to protect your skin from breakouts. Natural products are a good alternative because they do not cause any secondary effects like chemically based products that can irritate your condition instead of controlling your breakouts.

If you already have acne scars and are looking for a treatment that will get rid of those reminders, the best way to go is to try a home microdermabrasion cream. By gently exfoliating the very top layer of the skin, to gradually remove scarred or discolored epidermal tissue. Home microdermabrasion products are great for boxcar scars or ice pick scars, but they are not recommended for raised scars as those types of scarring can be more sensitive.

For raised scars, a cream that contains the secretion of the land snail Helix Aspersa Muller is a great option. The snail secretion has properties to control collagen production, in other words, stop the growth of raised scars. It has also been known to reduce the size of both old and new keloid scars without irritating the skin.

The best way to prevent acne scarring is to control your acne before it damages your skin. If you have those unsightly reminders, use a home microdermabrasion product or a natural skin care cream that contains the secretion of the land snail Helix Aspera Muller to gradually eliminate your acne scars.

source: ezinearticles.com

Managing Hypertrophic and Keloid Scars With Silicone Sheets

A scar is simply where the skin has had to heal after being injured in particular way. The skin cannot heal back to its original state and therefore creates fibrous tissue in the place of the wound. As a result of this, a scar forms. Scar treatment is often called for.

There are many ways that people can get scarred. Some scarring always happens from certain surgery, such as with breast cancer surgery. Acne can cause the face and other parts of the body to be scarred. Different types of injuries can also create scarring on the skin.

When a hypertrophic scar forms, it stays within the immediate area of the wound. These scars can be treated with a variety of treatments successfully. Keloid scars on the other hand spread past the area and often have a tumor-like appearance. Keloid scars can become so severe that surgery is merited.

There are types of scar treatment available today from rubbing creams and oils on these scars to having surgery done on them. Some of the creams and oils work well and some don't do the job at all. Scars are seldom removed completely even through plastic surgery; their appearance can be minimized, though.

Laser treatments are often done on scars today. This does have certain side effects though. The skin will stay red for several days following treatment. Women can hide this redness through using makeup, but men can't so this might be an issue.

One of the best treatments today is the use of silicone sheets on the scars. Wearing a sheet of silicone over a scar stimulates the skin to heal itself, therefore the scar's appearance is not as pronounced. This usually takes several weeks to accomplish maximum results. This scar treatment can be used on scars that are old too. The older scars can be successfully minimized.

The regimen is usually to start out wearing the silicone sheets for about 30 minutes a day. Then the person should gradually increases the length the sheet is worn until they are wearing it all day. The sheets are worn until the maximum results are reached. At that time, the scar will be minimized as much as it can be. The silicone sheets produce amazing results on most scars.

The silicone sheets usually have to have some tape applied over them to allow them to be secure on the skin. They should only be worn during the day; the skin should be allowed to breathe at night. These sheets can work on hypertrophic and keloid scars both. The best results will be seen on the hypertrophic scars though.

If one suffers from scarring of any kind, they should try these silicone sheets first before other kinds of treatments. They may find that no other kind of scar treatment is necessary. It would be better than having to have surgery done on the scars. Most people are very satisfied after using the sheets of silicone to remove or minimize their scars.

source: ezinearticles.com

Keloid Scars Are a Type of Hypertrophic Scar Nobody Wants

Hypertrophic scars are also known as raised scars and a result of a hyper production of collagen. While they are a bit difficult to deal with, they are much less problematic than keloid scars.

Keloid scars are actually an overgrowth of fibrous tissue. Unlike hypertrophic scars, keloids extend beyond the original site of the wound and can keep growing indefinitely. These are two of the reasons that keloid scars are difficult to treat and deal with.

Keloid scars can take on a puckered appearance. The puckering gives them an irregular shape. Unfortunately, these types of raised scars will usually get worse with time instead of getting better.

Their appearance is a pinkish or red color and they have a tendency to become quite large and unattractive. They can also be tender to the touch, itchy and sometimes painful. Keloids can show-up anywhere on the body, but are usually seen on the breastbone, ear lobes and shoulders.

The biggest problem with keloids is that they have a tendency to recur and require repeated treatments. Fortunately, the predisposition to develop keloids diminishes with age.

There are several different ways of keloid scar removal for both hypertrophic and keloid scars. Two of the most common treatments are corticosteroid injections and compression therapy. Here is a short introduction to both types of treatments.

Compression therapy is about the application of pressure to the scar. Some studies have shown that when pressure is applied to the scar it reduces the cohesiveness of collagen fibers and inhibits the formation of hypertrophic scars and keloids. Some of the elements used in compression therapy include compression wraps, ACE bandages, elastic adhesive bandages, spandex or Lycra bandages.

Compression therapy has shown positive results on existing scars, however, it is generally used to prevent the formation of scar tissue, especially keloids.

Scar healing can also be achieved by using regular corticosteroid injections which can be applied before, during, and after surgery. Intralesional corticosteroid injections help treat both raised scars and keloids by deterring the production of collagen.

Surgery and microdermabrasion are two types of scar removal options that can be used to treat raised scars. Surgery for keloids is a complicated topic because keloids tend to recur, however, microdermabrasion seems to be a safer option for both keloids and hypertrophic scar removal because it works slowly by gradually wearing down the skin until it is practically gone.

Hypertrophic scars can often be treated with one of the previously mentioned alternatives, however, keloid scar removal most often relies on a combination of all of these treatments to be successful. If you want further information you should talk to your doctor about scar removal treatments for these types of scars.

source: ezinearticles.com

Effective Strategies to Attack Keloid and Hypertrophic Scars

After an injury the body has a natural way of healing any open wounds. The production of skin cells and fibroblasts are the first step in the reparation process. The fibroblasts generate a set of connections where the skin cells migrate and close the wound.

In a healthy healing process, the fibroblasts and skin cells have the same rate of production and produce a normal scar that will fade with time. However, if the fibroblasts reproduce faster than the skin cells, they will form a dense band that impedes the migration of the skin cells to the wound. The result, in this case, is a raised formation on the skin known as a keloid scar or hypertrophic scar.

What is the difference between the two? The following article will examine the differences between these types of scars as well as hypertrophic and keloid scar treatment

Keloids

Keloids exceed the area of the original wound. Their appearance is like a puckered cluster of tissue that emerges from the surface of the skin. This type of raised scars are irregular in shape and, unlike other types, they usually do not fade with time, but grow larger.

They can be pinkish or red and have a tendency to become fairly large and unattractive. They can also be tender to the touch, itchy and sometimes painful. On a histological level, keloids are composed of thick and abundant collagen bundles that form lumps deep within the skin.

Hypertrophic Scars

Hypertrophic scars are the result of the body overproducing collagen. The result of this anomaly is a raised scar like a keloid scar. However, unlike keloids, hypertrophic scars do not grow beyond the limits of the original wound.

Treating Hypertrophic and Keloid Scars

There are several treatments for raised scars. But, we will take a look at a couple of the most common ones: compression therapy and corticosteroid injections

Compression therapy involves applying pressure to the scar. Reports have stated that by applying pressure to the scar, there is a reduction in the cohiesiveness of collagen fibers. Compression treatments include ACE bandages, elastic adhesive bandages, compression wraps, spandex or Lycra bandages among others.

Corticosteroids, specifically intralesional corticosteroid injections, have been a constant form of treatment to aid hypertrophic scar healing. Intralesional corticosteroid injections help inhibit the development of scar tissue by reducing collagen synthesis, by altering glucosaminoglycan synthesis, and by inhibiting the production of fibroblast proliferation during wound healing.

Surgery, cryo treatments and laser therapy are other alternatives for the treatment of raised scars. Check with your doctor to choose the best alternative for you.

When abnormal scar healing creates raised scars, you have a large range of treatment alternatives. Deep tissue massages and skin exfoliation are also alternatives for raised scars treatments.

source: ezinearticles.com

Understanding the Cause and Treatment of Keloids and Hypertrophic Scars

Keloid scars as well as hypertrophic scars are very unique in that they can actually grow and expand. While Hypertrophic scars are able to grow, Keloids are the only type of scar that can expand beyond the boundaries of the original wound area. Both of these types of scars are caused by the excessive deposition of collagen. Unfortunately, some of those affected by these types of wounds end up with extremely large, cyst like growths on their body. Furthermore, Keloids can develop at multiple locations on the body at the same time.

The Development of Keloids

Keloids can develop following any trauma to the skin including a minor abrasion. This means that a simple cut can turn into a very large and discolored wound. However, in some instances Keloids can develop spontaneously while Hypertrophic scars always develop following an injury.

Both of these types of wounds typically occur in the ethnic groups such as from African, Polynesian, or South Pacific origin. However, any group can develop these types of wounds. One of the most common reasons for the development of Keloids is a puncture wound such as a body piercing.

Hypertrophic and Keloid Scar Treatments - Options

There are a variety of treatment options to choose from once you develop either a Hypertrophic or Keloid. While some may assume that surgery is the best overall option, consider the fact that surgically removing this type of wound is not only expensive, but it also runs the risk of another scar returning 50% of the time. These are not very good odds considering the risk and cost of surgery.

Injection therapy

Another keloid scar treatment option used to reduce the appearance of Keloids is injection therapy. This method involves multiple injections given per week. While this method has shown to have some positive results, there are some significant drawbacks such as the potential to develop multiple side effects. Additionally, these injections are very expensive.

Silicone Keloid Scar Treatments

A silicone based keloid scar treatment is considered by many skin care professionals as the best overall option for reducing the size, color, and pain associated with Keloids and Hypertrophic scars. Please click on the links provided below to compare a variety of scar products.

There are many different scar products to choose from. Please click on the following links to learn more about a variety of available Scar Treatments.

source: ezinearticles.com

Which Type of Scar Removal Product Works Best For Keloids?

There is a tremendous amount of research proving silicone works best as a scar treatment for keloids. Most research is done on keloid scars because they are so disfiguring. Another reason is that doctors don't know what causes them. They hope studying scar treatments will solve the mystery.

There have been at least two significant studies of silicone for scar therapy on keloids. Both proved silicone works.

Here are the results of a South Florida medical investigation. Keloid patients used silicone for only four months.

o Size decreased in 53%.
o Tissue softened in 45%.
o Itching stopped for 45%.
o Tenderness was reduced in 36%.

A second significant study involved darker skin. African-Americans and Hispanics are sixteen-times more likely to form keloids than Caucasians. Indian and Pakistani natives are also vulnerable. Again, no one knows why.

In the second study, in India, silicone was kept on serious scarring for 12 hours a day.

1. Doctors saw improvement in half of cases.
2. Improvement began within 12 weeks.
3. The researchers say immediate therapy as soon as a wound closes will help prevent keloids.
4. Of all non-invasive treatments, the doctors report silicones seem to be the only compound with no significant side effects.

Other findings: scar treatment must be applied at least twice a day. It should be used for multiple months or more to get maximum results.

Scar treatment creams are the only option for many people.

Many doctors will not even try surgery or dermabrasion on keloids. These treatments will just heal into another. It is often a bigger and uglier mark.

People prone to thick, red keloid scars are advised to avoid any elective surgery or body piercing. The outcome is a new keloid.

Keloids result when the body over-corrects after trauma or surgical incision. Keloids are heaps of spreading scar tissue.

Scar treatments work. Here are five reasons:

1. During therapy, silicone promotes healing. It helps scarred cells draw and hold moisture from surrounding healthy tissue. Moisture is essential to healing.

2. You get immediate soothing. Scars can be painful or itchy. Redness subsides when you stop rubbing or scratching. Silicone also protects the sensitive scar tissue from wind, rain and any other outside irritants.

3. It goes to work at the cellular level, encouraging healing. This results in a flatter scar which fades into surrounding skin.

4. It may "convince" damaged fibers to realign. Silicone attracts static electricity, which may encourage cells to re-form as softer, more normal tissue.

5. In fact, some doctors in Great Britain prefer to use silicone scar treatment products alongside laser medical scar removal and cortisone shots.

People with extreme scarring appreciate home scar removal creams. They can be frustrated by products that deliver the silicone on a sheet attached with tape. It might seem more protective. But they come off when skin moves. A coating of cream or gel also offers protection and is flexible. It doesn't come off.

Wearing silicone sheets for months at a time calls attention to removal therapy. Some people suffer embarrassment about their keloids. A gel is more discreet.

source: ezinearticles.com

Five Effective Techniques For Hypertrophic Scar Treatment

Hypertrophic scar treatment is a unique method of repairing scars. Scarring of the skin are usually of two kinds - keloid and hypertrophic. Skin marks are considered hypertrophic when the injured tissue heals and forms a reddish lump which does not extend beyond the actual wound. Though these are abnormal looking, these skin blemishes repair with time. But in some cases, they become permanent and then hypertrophic scar treatment is required for their removal.

There is a wide variety of scar treatments. You must know that whatever might be your process for removal, scars can never be actually removed. Scar removing treatments leave a trace behind. A few techniques are elaborated below:

Needling treatment - This is one of the most affordable hypertrophic scar treatments. One of its advantages is that it can be done at home with special scarring needles.
Silicone treatment - This hypertrophic treatment erases the most of the scarring traces. This method is normally used by plastic surgeons. Silicone gel sheets moisturize the scar and fade out the discoloration so that it matches the surrounding skin.
Steroid injections - Steroid injection is a very common method that is used in hypertrophic scar healing. Here, steroids are injected directly into the scar every month until the scar is suitably flattened.
Collagen injections - Just like a few cosmetic procedures, collagen injections are also used in hypertrophic scar treatment. This type of treatment pertains to those scars which sink into the skin. This method of treatment helps to maintain the scar level.
Radiotherapy - In severe cases, scars can be open to the elements of radiotherapy or can also be stitched up. However, these treatments are risky as it involves opening the wounds.
New and improved treatments methods are being developed with proper research, for the treatments of scars. Now, with such advanced technology, these scars are no more a cause of worry.

source: ezinearticles.com