By: Hello Doctor Updated 12 Apr 2022, 18: 12 pm EDT
Scars are part of the natural healing process of skin lesions.
These marks can affect body aesthetics, and although for some people they can be a source of pride, for others they can cause shame and insecurity. Fortunately, there are different ways to lessen their presence.
What are scars ?
Scars arise when the first and second layers of the skin (epidermis and dermis respectively) are damaged.
The body produces collagen fibers to form a kind of “patch” that covers the wound. They usually appear after cuts, burns, sores or scrapes.
Scars can also be caused by surgery, skin infections such as chickenpox, or other skin conditions such as acne.
The appearance of the scar will depend on different factors, such as the size and depth of the wound, location, healing time or age of the affected person. In turn, there are different types of scars:
- Atrophic: this type of scar is usually be linked to acne or chickenpox. It is characterized by loss of tissue, which is why they usually have a flat appearance against the upper layer of the skin and a darker pigmentation.
Treatment of scars
When a wound occurs on the skin, it will seek to heal itself through the healing process.
For this reason, the scar cannot be “erased” or “disappeared”, although it can be tried to make it look as “normal” as possible. This means that different treatments seek to make the scar resemble the skin in color, flexibility, or texture.
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To do this, a evaluation of the skin in order to determine what type of scar the person has, analyzing variables such as relief, functionality and color.
The most widespread method for evaluating scars, which determines a score based on the pigmentation, vascularization, elasticity and height of the scar, is called the Vancouver scale.
After evaluating the scar, you can opt for different techniques to treat it:
Apparatus
The apparatus, in In this case, it covers all the techniques that are performed using different types of machines or devices to reduce scars:
- Dermabrasion: is a skin rejuvenation process in which a rapidly rotating device is used to remove the outer layer of skin. It can diminish facial lines, marks, wrinkles, and even improve the appearance of scars.
Radiofrequency: is a technique that through the application of heat seeks to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, and thus reduce different marks found on the skin, including scars.
Massage Therapy
Massage therapy consists of the use of different massage techniques for therapeutic purposes, that is, to treat different diseases and injuries.
- Home remedies to remove dark spots on the skin
In it In the case of scars, it can be useful to increase the elasticity of damaged skin, and reduce inflammation and edema (accumulation of fluid in the tissues).
Other options
Depending on the type of scar that occurs, the health professional may choose to apply:
- Chemical peeling: it seeks to detach the upper layer of the skin from a chemical product.
Home remedies
Traditional medicine recommends different natural remedies for complement the treatment of scars, because they speed up the recovery process and help control pigmentation. Among the most used options are:
- Coconut or olive oil.
- Aloe vera or aloe vera.
- Sodium bicarbonate.
- Calendula.
- Incense.
- Lavender.
To remember:
Until evidence is available significant scientific evidence from human trials, individuals interested in using herbal therapies and supplements should exercise extreme caution.
Do not abandon or modify your medications or treatments, before talking to the doctor about the potential effects of alternative or complementary therapies.
Remember, the medicinal properties of herbs and supplements can also interact with prescription drugs, other herbs and supplements, and even alter your diet.
Sources consulted: US National Library of Medicine, Mayo Clinic, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases