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What is Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation?
August 7, 2013 Leave a Comment

What is Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation?

Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation is a type of condition that happens when the melanocytes, which produce pigment, create an abundance of melanin. Dark spots that are black or brown in color will begin to develop where lesions from acne once were. Anyone who has this condition will likely be very disturbed and frustrated.

The condition of Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation is not just something that only people with acne can contract. It can also result from certain medications, allergies, certain types of skin infections, burns, and some diseases of the skin. People who have acne can contract this condition through reactions from some medications to treat acne.

Read: Does Lemon Juice Fade Acne Scars?

One of the most common acne treatments is known as benzoyl peroxide. It can cause skin irritations that can move to pigmented areas of the skin. Statistics show that one in 20 people experience sensitivity to benzoyl peroxide. This sensitivity can result in further skin irritations developing and leading to Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation. This is especially true in those that are dark skinned.

Today many doctors prescribe retinoids for the treatment of acne in patients. Some people will experience moderate to severe skin irritation with this product use. This can predispose those patients to Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation. Because people with high pigment in their skin are at such a risk, many doctors will not even consider prescribing retinoids for those patients. In some cases, retinoids can be used to treat pigmentation inflammatory cases, but not very often.

When retinoids are the cause of pigmentation issues, they may go away when they are stopped. In cases of hyperpigmentation that is a result of acne treatments, this is not necessarily the case. In any case, the first step is to immediately stop whatever type of treatment is causing said irritation. Secondly, begin wearing a high SPF sunscreen to protect the skin from further damage from the harsh rays of the sun. Hyperpigmented skin has two enemies: ultraviolet light and irritation.

Read: How Does the Sun Affect Scars?

Some physicians may recommend a treatment with hydroquinone, which is a topical cream that can lighten the pigmentation by a reduction in pigment production. However, hydroquinone does not come without additional problems or issues. In some animal studies it has been known to increase the risk of certain types of cancer. Some patients have reported that after long-term use they have experienced darkening of the skin instead of lightening. The preservatives in hydroquinone cause some people to have allergic reactions. It is advised that if you are a user of hydroquinone, it is best to apply a very small amount to the area that is pigmented only.

To hide pigmented areas until they can lighten, it is recommended that a good concealer be used. The lightening could take up to a year. Some other treatments for Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation would be glycolic acid and chemical peels. Before any treatments are implemented it is a good idea to schedule a consultation with a dermatologist. This way you can be advised on the appropriate treatment for any condition.

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Filed Under: Acne Scars, Acne Tips, Dark Scars, Face Scars, Get Rid of Dark Spots, Get Rid of Scars, Hyperpigmentation, Scar Healing Tips, Uneven Skin Tone Tagged: , ,
How to Get Rid of Scars Fast
February 27, 2017 20 Comments

How to Get Rid of Scars Fast

There’s good news and bad news for those who are trying to get rid of scars fast.

The skin is a seamless organ, smooth and soft; as such, its appearance can be altered significantly by even a minor scar.

Usually, scars aren’t a big deal when they are small or easily hidden under clothes. However, when a scar is larger or visible even when you’re wearing clothes, you most likely want to find a way to treat it and help it go away as quickly as possible.

The bad news is that there’s no way to get rid of a scar “quickly;” scars take time to fade and, even then, most scars are permanent and will never completely disappear. Scarring is a natural part of the healing process following an injury, and the way your scar heals depends on many factors including the size and depth of the wound, your age, your ethnicity, and more.

The good news, however, is that there are things you can do to help your scar become flatter, lighter, and generally much less noticeable. [Read more…]

Filed Under: Acne Scars, Dark Scars, Face Scars, Get Rid of Scars, New or Old Scars, Scar Healing Tips Tagged: , , , ,
How to Treat and Fade Appendectomy Scars
May 11, 2015 4 Comments

How to Treat and Fade Appendectomy Scars

Records of the first appendectomy date back to 1735, with French surgeon Claudius Amyand removing perforated tissue from an 11-year-old boy. Since then the procedure has become one of the most common in the world, with approximately 270,000 performed each year in the United States alone.

What is an Appendectomy?

An appendectomy is the removal of the appendix, usually because of appendicitis. The appendix is a vestigial organ which means that the body doesn’t really need it anymore. It is part of the large intestine.

Appendicitis occurs when the appendix becomes inflamed, usually because of a blockage. Appendicitis can cause intense pain and high fevers.

An “open appendectomy” involves a single short incision in the abdominal wall. A “laparoscopic appendectomy” involves several smaller, less obvious incisions. The base of the appendix is tied off where it joins the colon allowing its safe removal.

Does Scarring Occur After an Appendectomy?

Though considered minimally invasive, an appendectomy will still leave scars. These are typically shallow marks along the stomach or across the hip, and they are usually no more than 2-inches to 3-inches long.

Read More: Surgery Scars

Which Treatment Options are Available?

Appendectomy scars will fade naturally over time with most people - if treated properly (sun protection, proper wound healing, etc.) However, some patients may want to expedite this process. Others may develop quite prominent scars which they feel self-conscious about.

Help the Incision Heal Properly

Infection can cause healing problems and scarring. One of the most important things to do after surgery is to care for the incision properly. Keep it clean, applying both a bandage and antibiotic ointment to minimize infection. Be certain to dry the site after bathing, avoid sun exposure, and maintain a healthy diet (foods rich in protein and antioxidants will strengthen the healing process.)

Topical Scar Creams

Scarring occurs when the body creates excess collagen, which changes the texture and appearance of the tissue. If your body over produces melanin, then your scar will be dark (hyperpigmentation) or if it is under-produced, your scar will be void of color/white (hypopigmentation.) Topical treatments can help improve you scar’s appearance and feel. When applying your scar treatment, be sure to firmly massage the scar. This will help to soften the scar tissue and flatten it (unless it is a keloid or hypertrophic scar.)

Have a question about your appendectomy scar? Leave us a comment!

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Filed Under: Get Rid of Scars, Surgery Scars Tagged: , , ,
Old Scars: Treatment Options
May 4, 2015 Leave a Comment

Old Scars: Treatment Options

There are many types of scars, just as there are many types of scar treatments. Individuals are forever bombarded with endless creams, ointments, and abrasion pads - and it can prove confusing to choose between them. For many, the best option is to utilize a variety of natural and medical options when trying to improve the appearance of scars.

Read More: New Or Old Scars

Topical Remedies:

Aloe Vera

This gelatinous extract (from the leaves of the Aloe Vera plant) delivers superior relief during the initial stages of scar healing. It contains anti-inflammatory properties that heal wounded skin, soothing irritation and helping to increase moisture. This softens the scar, keeps is moisturized and improves its appearance, however it does not fade the scar.

Vitamin C

Vitamin C is one of the best ways to fade scars. Always choose a stable form of Vitamin C (such as in InviCible Scars.) Healthy collagen production is necessary to reduce the size and appearance of scarring overall, and that is something that Vitamin C can play a big role in, as this vitamin is essential in the collagen production that is required to formulate healthy connective tissue in a wound.

Dimethicone Silicone

Silicone is one of the best ways to treat old scars. It relieves scar redness, pain and itching, improves scar elasticity and can treat and prevent difficult scars like hypertrophic scars.

Honey

Scars often create a lack of moisture in the skin. Honey helps to provide that moisture, providing the tissues with alkaline-rich properties and antioxidants. This revitalizes the hydration process and reduces scarring. Raw honey (not pasteurized) should be used.

Read More: Nutrition

More Invasive Options:

If topical scar treatments don’t help, there are several more invasive options for people to consider. Dermabrasion is the process of carefully removing layers of skin. It utilizes a series of rotating brushes, which spin quickly across raised tissue to reduce its thickness and rigidity. It’s used most often for facial scars, such as ones left by acne or surgeries.

Tissue fillers are aptly named, with dermatologists injecting the skin with substances like hyaluronic acid or calcium hydroxyapatite. These mimic the effects of collagen and help to redefine the skin’s natural contours. This reduces the appearance of scars, as well as improving their overall textures.

Read More: Dermabrasion

Surgical scar revision can also be a very good option for some problem scars, especially scars that healed poorly or unevenly, and ice-pick acne scars. This of course creates a new scar, but replaces the problem scar with a scar that heals better and more predictably.

Consult With a Board Certified Dermatologist or Plastic Surgeon

Before starting any scar treatment program - whether natural or medical - individuals should consult with a specialist. This will allow them to choose the right products for their particular needs, as well as help them avoid dangerous OTC options (such as hydroquinone or kojic acid). Be aware that no treatment is guaranteed and results will vary based on a patient’s specific scar type, skin type, healing rate, and genetic profile.

Have a question about your old scar? Leave us a comment! Be sure to subscribe to Scars and Spots as well to have all updates delivered right to your inbox.

Filed Under: Get Rid of Dark Spots, Get Rid of Scars, New or Old Scars, Scar Healing Tips Tagged: , ,
How to Get Rid of Ice Pick Scars
February 3, 2015 Leave a Comment

How to Get Rid of Ice Pick Scars

Severe cases of acne not only cause problems during breakouts, but they can also leave lifelong reminders in the form of scarring. One common type of acne scar is known as ice pick scars, which caused depressions in the skin. Because this type of scarring affects deeper layers of skin, you often have to treat it with more aggressive scar treatment measures.

Read: What Are the Different Types of Acne Scars?

What Causes Ice Pick Scars?

Ice pick scars typically form after an infected blackhead or whitehead becomes excessively irritated and inflamed. This infection can lead to pressure on the skin that causes further inflammation and damage to the skin, especially if it remains untreated. This can lead to the formation of nodules or cysts, which is a more serious type of acne that affects the collagen in the skin. Because the collagen and fibrin is damaged, the regular structure of the skin breaks down, causing the scar tissue in the area to sink into the skin.

What are the Best Ways to Get Rid of Ice Pick Scars?

Because of the nature of ice pick scars, you typically have to undergo more aggressive treatments rather than relying upon an over the counter treatment cream. You should talk with your dermatologist about the best options for treatment. Many doctors will use a treatment known as punch excision, which removes the scar from the skin, allowing the collagen to form correctly when the skin heals. It may be used in conjunction with other treatments. Other common treatments for ice pick scars include laser treatments, dermabrasion, and chemical peels.

Laser Treatments

Laser treatments are a common form of aggressive treatment for all types of acne scars, including ice pick scars. During a laser treatment, your doctor will remove the top layer of skin, which is the most damaged. Depending on the severity of the scarring, you may have to undergo several treatments. There are three different types of laser treatment: CO2, YAG, and fractional laser. The YAG laser treatment promotes the new growth of skin and often has reduced side effects and healing time. Fractional laser is gentler, so it typically is used for ice pick scars that are not as severe.

Other Ways to Remove the Top Layer of Skin

There are other ways to remove the top layer of skin to promote healing, including dermabrasion and a chemical peel. Dermabrasion uses an abrasive tool that scrapes off the damaged skin on top, allowing the healthier skin underneath to come to the surface. A chemical peel works in a similar manner by removing the top layer of skin but uses acids rather than an abrasive tool. You may have red and inflamed skin for a few days to a week after these treatments, and you may have to do it more than once to get the effect you want.

It is possible to reduce the appearance of your acne scars, including your ice pick scars. With the help of your doctor, you can decide which aggressive treatment will work best for you. If you have less severe scarring, you can try a topical acne scar treatment to see if it works before using a more aggressive form of treatment.

Have a question about your scar? Leave a comment and we’ll be happy to answer!

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Filed Under: Acne Scars, Acne Tips, Chemical Peels, Face Scars, Get Rid of Scars, Scar Healing Tips, Skin Resurfacing, Skin Treatments Tagged: , ,
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