I have scars I need to get rid of. Does anyone know what I should use?
Brittany from Sallisaw, OK
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Not knowing what sensitive area your scar is in, or how much pain can you endure, here's what I did.
I am a bicyclist and I've had several 35mph crashes which always results in damaged elbows and knees. One knee scar resulted in the typical 'rope' healing method so I decided on a 'do it myself' scar removal. I used a foot-callous file until it found blood, then I sanitized it. I placed Vit. E on a large band aid and placed it on the area for about 5 days, then repeated this continuously for about 2-3 months...it's not invisible, but hardly noticable now.
There are Scar Removal items in the Pharmacy, but I chose not to go that route.
I forgot to mention: When you first lacerate yourself, apply Vit.E twice/day on the laceration. DO NOT purchase the bottled version....each time you open the bottle, air contaminates the Vit.E. Get 400IU Gel Caps, puncture with sterilized needle, and squeeze the Vit.E directly onto the laceration...my hernia scar is virtually invisible...my ex-wife wouldn't listen to me and she now adorns a 'bikini scar' with much disgust :)
I am a R.N. who works in a plastic surgery office and we suggest a few things. First, NO ointments. I know others have said Vit E but it is not absorbed into the skin and may cause irritation. Second, keep the scar out of the sun. The minimum would be to have sunscreen over it. There are many products sold over the counter (Mederma, etc) which some of our surgeon's say is worth a try.
There are products you can purchase that are adhesive and you apply it to the scar for long periods, and (particularly if it is a fresh scar), it will help the tissue reform in a more flattened, natural pattern.
I wouldn't necessarily advise you to apply vitamin E oil to an open wound--particularly if you have any condition that might inhibit healing. I also strongly recommend against wearing any dressing on broken skin for days at a time, unless a doctor has specifically recommended it, especially if you will be showering, bathing, or getting the dressing wet in any way! The bandage material makes a wonderful place for bacteria to grow if left in place too long. However, as soon as a wound is healed--or anytime thereafter--you can "work" on your scar tissue.
How an individual forms scar tissue is largely dependent on genetics, skin type, and wound type and healing. (For example, some ethnic groups are more prone to the development of keloids--kind of a scar gone wild.) Some people get the condition where the scar tissue binds to tissue underneath it, called adhesions.
When we heal, the scar tissue is somewhat "fibrous", but the "fibers" are not as organized as they are in uninjured skin. This can result in the lumpiness of the scar. Additionally, as scars are forming, they tend to "shrink" somewhat, causing the puckering and pulling you see around scars.
Massaging the scar helps to break up the disorganized and puckery tissue, smoothing things out, softening the scar, and helping to keep it from adhering to tissue underneath it.
I always recommend vitamin E as the lubricant, but truthfully, nearly any oil or cream would do. Vitamin E does have the reputation for helping reduce scarring, however. Using the oil as a lubricant, massage the scar as hard as you can tolerate, being sure to move the skin with the scar around over the underlying tissue. Rub in little circles and lengthwise. Keep it up for a good five minutes--watch the clock, it feels like an eternity. Try to do this twice a day--more is better. It takes a little time, but you can smooth most scars substantially; or, if the wound is new, really create a minimal scar.
The products you buy that adhere to the scar have a proven track record and come with instructions. They're probably worth the investment if you can afford it and the scar is in an unfortunate place--like on a face, etc. It is designed based on years and years of experience with working with burn scars.
It's not cheap, but Dermatologists have lazers and fancy equipment to treat scar tissue. When you go to get your moles or rashes checked, you can ask about fees and treatment.
Use scarzone for new scars, but I haven't tried it on old ones though. See if it works. It might take awhile.
Use coco butter cream not the lotion. The cream it works wonders and its good for evening out your skin tone.
Mederma has helped me so much with my facial scars caused by acne.
I was burned a year ago and started using 100 % extra virgin olive oil" first cold press", apply it to the scar and you will begin to see a difference in as little as a week! Yoiu can purchase this in most grocery stores.
It's not easy but a little extra virgin olive oil works. "I love that stuff!"
I am living in South Africa, a cosmetic company JUSTINE manufacture TISSUE OIL. It work wonders on scars, burns, sunburn, nappy rash, etc. It is not poisonous, and water soluble. It won the Marie Claire cosmetic awards for a few years consecutive.
Dischem Vit E Cream and Ingram's Camphor Cream (Original).
Vitamin E oil (you can get it from the vitamin section in the grocery store) or cocoa butter. I use a combination of both.
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