Keloids & Scars
While scarring is a natural part of healing, it can be a source of anxiety, discomfort or embarrassment. Scars can develop after acne, eczema, burns, surgery or accidental injuries.
What are the common types of scars found on the body ?
- Pigmented scars – At first, the scar may be red, but it will usually fade as the injury heal and leave a brown mark.
- Keloid Scars – Keloids are overgrowth of scar tissue. They usuallly grow continuosly beyond the border of an injury. They are usually seen on the earlobes, chest, back of a person that is prone to keloid scarring.
- Hypertrophic Scars – These are raised, red scars that are similar to keloids but do not grow beyond the border of the injury.
What are the treatment options for scars ?
Depending on the type and age of the scars, a variety of different treatments may help make them less visible:
- Silicone gel or sheets
- Pressure dressings
- Corticosteroid injections
- Professional Chemical peels
- Anti-pigment lasers such as the Fotona QX MAX laser for pigmented scars
Often, a combination of treatments can be used to improve the cosmetic outcome of scars.
Are there any ways to improve the scar healing process ?
Although it is not possible to prevent scar formation after skin injury, there are ways to minimize an unsightly scar by practicing good wound care, such as :
- immediate cleaning of dirt and foreign objects from wounds.
- avoiding scratching or picking at scabs.
- Keeping the wound moist for the first few days to speed up healing. Antibiotic creams or ointments can be used for this purpose.
- Using silicone gel or sheets to reduce redness and encourage healing