Eliminate Scars

We all have a scar, no matter how small. Scars are signs of activities done throughout our life, usually from cuts, accidents, burns, or even acne. Whatever the cause, it’s a sign that the body has healed. However, a scar is not always pleasant. Sometimes, complications arise because you don't like how it looks. Learn how to remove them easily.

The appearance of a scar depends on several factors:
- The location of the scar.
- How deep the wound was that caused it.
- Your age.
- Your skin type and hereditary factors that determine how your scar healing will go.
- How long it takes to heal.

Types of Scars
- Keloid scars: These form as a result of excessive collagen production. Therefore, they are thick, reddish, and exceed the size of the original wound.
- Hypertrophic scars: These are raised like keloid scars, but they do not exceed the boundaries of the original wound.
- Contracture scars: In the process of forming this type of scar, the skin edges join and create a tight area on the skin. This type of scar can affect movement because it reduces the skin's size.
- Atrophic scars: These are caused by the destruction of collagen. They are generally round, like those caused by acne or chickenpox. ​

Scar Treatments
Depending on all these factors, there are different types of treatments to minimize the appearance of your scar(s). Here’s what they involve:

- Prescription or over-the-counter creams, gels, pastes, or ointments: Your doctor (dermatologist or plastic surgeon) may recommend a special cream for your particular case. These creams or ointments can contain ingredients like corticosteroids or antihistamines for sensitive and itchy scars.
- Scar removal treatments or surgery: If your scars are from deep wounds, there are various treatment options to conceal them almost completely: grafts, dermabrasion, peeling, chemical exfoliation, pulsed light, or laser surgery. Your doctor will recommend which one is the best option for you.
- Injections: For keloid or hypertrophic scars, collagen or steroid injections may be applied.
- The dermaroller: Stimulates the skin to produce more collagen, a substance produced in the dermis that makes the skin more elastic and flexible.

Your doctor may recommend one or more of these treatments in combination to maximize scar healing. Keep in mind that many scars may not require treatment as they fade over time until they are hard to see.