Causes of Scarring
One of the primary causes of scarring is wounds or injuries to the skin such as cuts, burns or acne breakouts. When the skin is damaged, it begins the natural healing process. As new skin cells are generated to repair the wounded area, excess collagen is also produced. This additional collagen builds up in the injured region causing a raised or sunken area known as a scar. Some other common causes of scarring include:
– Surgeries: Surgical incisions leave scars as the skin heals post operation. The size and appearance of scars depends on the complexity of the procedure.
– Acne: Repeated breakouts or cystic acne lesions can lead to pitted or raised scars over time as improper or excessive squeezing/picking worsens skin damage.
– Insect bites: Large, itchy mosquito or spider bites occasionally result inresidual pigmentation or lines on the skin.
– Stretch marks: Striae or stretch marks occur when skin is quickly stretched during periods of rapid weight gain/loss or growth spurt in teens. They appear as dark purple or red indentations.
– Burns: Thermal injuries cause significant skin damage and scarring, especially deep partial thickness or full thickness burns. Scars depend on burn extent and severity.
Natural Scar Treatment Methods
There are several home remedies and natural scar treatments that can help reduce the appearance of scars. While results may vary, consistent application is important.
– Moisturization: Keeping scars hydrated with a rich cream or oil prevents further irritation and flaking. Coconut, jojoba and vitamin E oils nourish scar tissue for better healing.
– Massage: Gentle massages using natural oils can help break down scar tissue and improve collagen regeneration. Massage lines or circles radiating out from the scar.
– Lemon juice: Its citric acid content helps lighten dark spots. Dab fresh lemon juice on scars and let dry before moisturizing. Increase exposure gradually to avoid skin inflammation.
– Aloe vera: With antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, aloe vera gel hydrates damaged skin areas and promotes cell turnover. Apply fresh aloe gel or gel extracts directly to scars.
– Lavender essential oil: Studies show lavender accelerates wound healing. Massage a few drops diluted in a carrier oil onto scars to reduce redness and soften texture. Its anti-microbial action prevents infection too.
– Potato and garlic juices: Applied topically, these common kitchen ingredients contain bleaching agents that help faded scars over time. Gently dab fresh juices on marks and rinse off.
– Silicone-based gels/sheets: Products containing medical-grade liquid silicones like potassium silicate form a pliable protective layer over scars. This compression technique flattens raised scars. Change sheets as directed.
– Exfoliation: Slightly buffing away dry, flaky skin cells regulates collagen production beneath. Try gentle sugar or salt scrubs or light microdermabrassion treatments by a professional.
Laser Treatment for Scars
For deep, raised or wide scars that do not respond sufficiently to natural remedies, laser scar revision may provide better results. Different laser modalities utilize specific wavelengths of light energy to selectively damage scar tissues:
– Pulsed dye laser (PDL): Effective for red or purple scars less than 1 year old by targeting hemoglobin in blood vessels. Multiple treatments often needed 3-6 weeks apart.
– Fractional laser: Delivers columns of microscopic treatment zones to encourage new collagen synthesis. Ideal for rolling or box scars. May require 3-5 sessions. Some downtime and risks of hyperpigmentation.
– CO2 laser: A resurfacing laser that vaporizes scarred layers and stimulates fresh regrowth. Best for wide, thick hypertrophic scars or keloids but leaves risk of scarring. Limited to qualified dermatologists.
– Picosecond laser: A newer, non-ablative laser that disrupts pigmentation and scar tissues with minimal risks. Provides smoothing in 3-5 treatments spaced 4 weeks apart.
Preventative scar care adopted from the start of the healing process, used consistently with the right natural or medical treatments, makes a significant impact on scar appearance over time. While some scarring may be inevitable, most can be improved given patience and persistence.
